Why Our Yakitori Skewers Are the Heart of Izakaya Juraku
When I first opened Izakaya Juraku, I wanted to create a space that felt like a second home—a place where friends could gather, share great food, and unwind over drinks. And if there’s one dish that truly captures the essence of an izakaya, it’s yakitori. There’s something about the simplicity of grilled skewers, the smoky aroma from the charcoal, and the balance of flavors that just makes sense alongside a cold beer or a glass of shochu.
The Tradition of Yakitori
Yakitori has been a staple of Japanese street food for centuries, originating in the Edo period. Back then, vendors would grill skewers of chicken over charcoal, serving them with a simple tare (sweet soy glaze). Today, yakitori remains one of Japan’s most beloved comfort foods, enjoyed everywhere from roadside stalls to high-end specialty shops.
At Juraku, we honor this tradition while adding our own touch, ensuring that every skewer is grilled to perfection, with just the right amount of char and seasoning.
How We Serve Yakitori at Izakaya Juraku
We take our yakitori seriously. Each skewer is carefully prepared, seasoned, and grilled over an open flame on a custom-made grill designed by me, Kiyo. While it is gas-powered, it utilizes porous lava stone to evenly distribute heat and impart a subtle smoky note to every skewer. Our tare is 100% gluten-free, made using tamari as its base, ensuring that everyone can enjoy its rich, umami-packed flavor.
Our menu includes a variety of skewers beyond just chicken, offering a well-rounded selection of meats and seafood:
Sweet Hokkaido Bay Scallops: Delicately grilled, slightly caramelized, and glazed with our signature tare.
Hatsu (Chicken Heart): Tender and packed with deep umami, grilled to perfection.
Skirt Steak: Beef skewers with just the right amount of char and caramelization from the tare.
Pork Belly: Rich and succulent, caramelized beautifully with our house-made sauce.
Unlike some places that offer tare (sweet soy glaze) and shio (salt seasoning) options, we proudly serve all our skewers with our signature gluten-free tare, allowing the deep, savory-sweet flavor to enhance every bite.
The Perfect Pairing
Yakitori and drinks go hand in hand. There’s a reason why every izakaya in Japan serves grilled skewers with a cold drink—it just works. My personal recommendation? Pair our yakitori with a Kirishima Shochu Highball or a dry sake to enhance the smoky flavors. If you’re more of a beer drinker, a crisp Japanese lager is the way to go.
More Than Just Food
Yakitori wasn’t always meant to be such a big part of what we do here at Izakaya Juraku—just like our ramen, it was supposed to be one small piece of the puzzle. But people kept coming back for it, again and again. It became one of our top sellers, and now, it’s an essential part of the Juraku experience.
Yakitori isn’t just about grilled skewers—it’s about the experience. It’s about gathering with friends, savoring the flavors, and taking a moment to relax. That’s what we’re all about at Izakaya Juraku. So next time you’re here, order a round of skewers, raise a glass, and enjoy the moment.
See you at the bar.
Kanpai!
- Kiyo