Unagi Kabayaki: Smoky, Sweet, and Iconically Japanese
At Izakaya Juraku, few ingredients bring out that nostalgic sense of Japanese comfort food quite like Unagi Kabayaki. This grilled freshwater eel glazed in a sweet-savory tare sauce is rich, indulgent, and full of flavor. We feature it in two of our most beloved dishes: the Una Don and our Unagi Handroll.
What is Unagi Kabayaki?
Unagi (freshwater eel) is butterflied, skewered, and grilled, then glazed with kabayaki tare, a sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake. It's then grilled again until caramelized and smoky, giving it that distinct glossy finish and deep umami flavor.
Unagi has long been cherished in Japan for its nutritional value and as a summertime stamina booster, traditionally eaten during "Doyo no Ushi no Hi" (Midsummer Day of the Ox).
Una Don at Izakaya Juraku
A classic unagi over rice bowl, topped with a generous cut of grilled unagi kabayaki
Served on a bed of steamed white rice with extra tare sauce
Finished with sansho pepper on the side to add a citrusy, peppery kick if desired
This dish is warm, satisfying, and deeply nostalgic—perfect for eel lovers and comfort food seekers alike.
Unagi Handroll
Our handroll bar favorite
A crispy nori cone filled with rice and a slice of unagi kabayaki
Balanced with just the right amount of sauce and seasoning for a perfect handheld bite
The handroll is a more casual way to enjoy unagi—quick, satisfying, and perfect with a cold beer or sake.
Why We Love It
Unagi Kabayaki is a true izakaya classic, showcasing Japan's technique and flavor layering
It balances richness and sweetness with a slightly smoky, charred edge
It pairs incredibly well with both sake and shochu
Enjoy Unagi Kabayaki at Izakaya Juraku
Whether you're digging into a hearty una don or snacking on a flavorful unagi handroll, Izakaya Juraku (121 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002) brings this Japanese delicacy to the Lower East Side with care and tradition.
Follow us on Instagram and visit our website for more featured dishes and drink pairings.
Kanpai!
うなぎ蒲焼：香ばしくて甘辛、和のごちそう
Izakaya Jurakuで長年愛されている食材のひとつが、うなぎの蒲焼。甘辛いタレをまとった香ばしいうなぎは、まさに日本の味。当店では、うな丼とうなぎの手巻き寿司という2つのスタイルでお楽しみいただけます。
うなぎ蒲焼とは？
うなぎは開いて串に刺し、炭火で焼いた後に特製のタレ（醤油、みりん、砂糖、酒）を塗ってさらに焼き上げます。こうして照りのある甘辛い味わいと、香ばしい香りが生まれます。
日本では、土用の丑の日にスタミナ料理として食べられる習慣があり、夏バテ予防としても人気です。
Izakaya Jurakuのうな丼
炊きたてのご飯の上に、蒲焼うなぎをたっぷりと乗せた定番の丼ぶり
特製タレがしみ込んだご飯との相性が抜群
お好みで添えられる山椒が味のアクセントに
ボリュームたっぷりで、どこか懐かしい気持ちになる一杯です。
うなぎの手巻き寿司
握りよりも気軽に楽しめる人気の手巻き寿司
パリパリの海苔とご飯、うなぎの旨味が絶妙にマッチ
片手でパクっと食べられる、お酒のお供にもぴったりの一品
Izakaya Jurakuでうなぎを楽しもう！
うな丼でしっかりと味わうもよし、手巻き寿司で軽くつまむもよし。
**Izakaya Juraku (121 Ludlow St, New York, NY 10002)**で、日本の伝統的な味わいを、現代の居酒屋スタイルでぜひ体験してください！
Instagram や 公式サイト で、他のおすすめ料理もご紹介中！
乾杯！