The deep world of yakitori. A thorough guide from the history of yakitori to famous restaurants in Tokyo

Yakitori, which can be said to be Japan's national food, is a simple yet profound dish.

Yakitori, which takes advantage of the good ingredients, continues to fascinate foodies not only in Japan but around the world.

In this article, we'll introduce everything from the history of yakitori to the latest trends and recommended restaurants.

The history of yakitori

Yakitori is said to have originated in Kyoto during the Heian period.

At that time, people hoping for a good harvest began by catching sparrows, which are harmful birds, and eating them by sticking them on skewers.

However, it was around the time food stalls became popular in the Edo period that yakitori spread in the form of skewers like today.

At this time of year, people began to casually enjoy yakitori on skewers while walking.

In modern times, it is said that yakitori stuck on a skewer can be eaten more deliciously.

This is because if you remove it from the skewer, the gravy will flow out and the meat will cool down more easily.

Furthermore, in authentic yakitori restaurants, the chicken at the top of the skewer is the largest, and sometimes the flavor is strong.

Therefore, eating it in the form it was served is considered the most delicious way to eat it.

This story tells us that yakitori is more than just a meal; it's part of Japanese history and culture.

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Which part of yakitori should be selected and its characteristics

There are various parts of yakitori, and each has its own unique flavor and texture.

Popular cuts include thighs, breast, skin, green onions (chicken and green onions), and meatballs (minced chicken).

One of the pleasures of yakitori is how to cook and choose seasonings (salt or sauce) according to each part.

Please try to find your favorite flavor.

Famous yakitori restaurants in Tokyo

There are many famous yakitori restaurants in Tokyo.

This time, I will introduce some popular stores.

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Tokyo/ “Torie Ueno Hirokoji Store”

https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1311/A131101/13128870/

“Torie Ueno Hirokoji Store” is a high-quality space where you can enjoy yourself without stretching your shoulders.

We offer an omakase course consisting of yakitori, which is mainly black satsuma chicken from Kagoshima prefecture, and seasonal specialties.

You can also enjoy wines carefully selected by the sommelier to pair with food.

It is fully equipped with private rooms, perfect for work and entertainment.

Please spend a blissful time in a fun space where knowledgeable staff will welcome you.

Address: Kurita Building 1F, 3-40-8 Yushima, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo

Access: 3 minute walk from Tokyo Metro Chiyoda Line Yushima Station and JR Okachimachi Station

Regular holiday: Sunday

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Tokyo/ “Yakitori Mikado”

https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1304/A130401/13254421/

“Yakitori Mikado” is proud of its exquisite dishes using seasonal ingredients and one skewer that is carefully grilled with skilled cooking.

Please enjoy Japanese sake to match the food and wine carefully selected by the sommelier together.

It's a quiet, hideaway space, perfect for entertaining, dating, or special occasions.

At night, please spend a superb time while enjoying the beautiful night view.

Address: 9F, Taishin 2nd Building, 3-31-1 Shinjuku, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo

Access: 1 minute walk from Shinjuku-sanchome Station on the Tokyo Metro Marunouchi Line; 3 minute walk from Shinjuku Station on the JR Yamanote Line

Closed days: none

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Tokyo/ “Toriyoshi Ginza”

https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1301/A130101/13016582/

A yakitori restaurant located about a 4-minute walk from Ginza Station.

They are particular about ingredients and charcoal fire, and there are counter seats, creating a relaxed atmosphere perfect for a date.

“Toriyoshi Ginza” is a popular store where people sometimes line up outside the store depending on the time of day.

“Skin” is a staple on the menu, but here they are grilled using Bincho charcoal, so you can enjoy the crispy, savory flavor.

Address: Ginza Corridor Street 1F, 7-2 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo

Access: 4 minute walk from JR Yurakucho Station; 4 minute walk from Ginza subway station; 5 minute walk from JR Shimbashi Station

Closed: year-end and New Year holidays

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Tokyo/ Ebisu/ “Eiki (Eiki)”

https://tabelog.com/tokyo/A1303/A130302/13230923/

Since opening in February '19, “Eiki (Eiki)” has quickly become a popular store where it is difficult to get a reservation.

The secret to its popularity lies in the friendly atmosphere of the Taisho and the delicious yakitori made with reliable techniques of preparation at the famous restaurant “torishiki.”

Similar to “torishiki,” the course, which has an optional stop declaration system, is mainly skewers, and there are also changing balls such as atsuage and karaage.

At the end of the meal, the original “boiled rice with chicken clams” is popular.

Address: ROZIS 1F, 2-10-5 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo

Access: 627m from Ebisu station

Regular holiday: Sunday

We also recommend yakitori chain stores that operate all over Japan. There are stores in various places that offer flavors unique to that region, such as “Tori Kizoku” in Tokyo, “Toriden” in Osaka, and “Yakitori Hachibei” in Fukuoka.

Even tourists will be able to fully enjoy the shop, which is loved by the locals and can be enjoyed casually.

Drinks that go well with yakitori

In order to enjoy yakitori even more, choosing a drink is also important.

In addition to sake and beer, there are also wines and Japanese local sake that go well with yakitori.

In particular, yakitori seasoned with salt goes well with dry sake and refreshing beer.

When seasoned with a sweet and spicy sauce, we recommend fruity white wine or light red wine.

summary

Yakitori is one of Japan's traditional food cultures, with deep flavor and diversity hidden in its simplicity.

You can learn about the depth of Japanese food culture through yakitori, even the specialty flavors unique to specialty stores.

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