Have you ever found yourself craving an authentic Japanese dining experience but unsure where to start?
The allure of Japan’s unique izakayas (Japanese pubs) can be both exciting and a bit overwhelming. I have discovered a gem that perfectly balances quality, price, and atmosphere – Torikizoku. I will take you on a culinary journey through Torikizoku, highlighting its standout dishes, cozy ambiance, and why it has become a favorite among locals and tourists alike.
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The Unique Appeal of Torikizoku: Affordable Dining with a Twist
The bright yellow sign with red lettering “TORIKIZOKU” is hard to miss and may have caught your eye while exploring Japan.
Torikizoku was founded about 40 years ago in Osaka. Today, it has grown into a nationwide chain, beloved by many fans across Japan.
At Torikizoku, every item on the menu is priced at an astonishingly affordable 370 yen (including tax). People often rave about the exceptional value for money here, where you can enjoy a delightful variety of dishes from food to drinks, all at the same price.
Here’s a list of reasons why I highly recommend Torikizoku:
- All food ingredients are locally sourced in Japan: It’s surprising that everything is domestically produced and priced this affordably.
- Skewers are freshly prepared on-site: Freshness is key when it comes to yakitori.
- The special sauce is handmade daily at the main office: A rich and sweet-savory sauce is handmade.
- No cover charge (otōshi): it’s common to be served an appetizer called ‘tsukidashi’.
- Unlimited drinks for kids: It’s a family-friendly restaurant.
- Free refills on cabbage servings: It can help you overcome a lack of vegetables in your diet.
Must-Try Dishes at Torikizoku: A Culinary Delight
At Torikizoku, not only do they offer fresh yakitori, but they also have carefully crafted side dishes and drinks that pair perfectly with the yakitori, all must-try items. Here are seven recommended dishes at Torikizoku that you absolutely must try:
Kizoku-yaki
When you visit Torikizoku, the first thing you should order is Kizoku-yaki. You can choose from two types of meat: breast or thigh, and three flavors: salt, sauce, or spice. I opted for the thigh Kizoku-yaki with sauce. The juicy thigh meat interspersed with green onions offers a hearty skewer, perfectly complemented by the homemade sauce made fresh daily at the main office. The homemade sauce is a time-honored recipe that has been cherished since the founding of Torikizoku. It is richly flavored, using an abundance of chicken, and is slowly simmered with vegetables and fruits to create a thick, sweet, and savory sauce.
Tori Kamameshi
Tori Kamameshi is a rice dish cooked in a pot, which takes about 30 minutes to prepare. It’s best to order it early. The kamameshi is filled with chicken, carrots, burdock, and kamaboko (fish cake). The rice, cooked in a special chicken broth, is tender and flavorful with a delightful layer of crispy rice at the bottom. The rice is served directly in the pot it was cooked in, ensuring you can enjoy it warm and fresh. Although it is a portion that can be eaten by one person, it is typically about enough for two, so it can be shared.
Mixed Juice
Mix Juice originated in Osaka. Often served in local coffee shops, this juice made from a mix of various fruits is cherished as one of Osaka’s specialties. A mixed juice at a yakitori restaurant? It might seem unusual, but it’s a must-try! Torikizoku’s mixed juice features chunks of peach, mandarin, and pineapple blended with milk, creating a rich and smooth drink. The rich and creamy mixed juice is also delicious as a dessert.
White Onion with Salted Kelp
This dish combines white onion with salted kelp, bonito flakes, and sesame oil. It pairs well with alcohol and can also be enjoyed atop grilled chicken skewers. It’s a perfect palate cleanser. If you are a white onion lover, you should definitely try it!
Camembert Croquettes
Hot and gooey cheese croquettes made from a mix of Camembert, cheddar, and cream cheese, coated and fried to perfection. Served with butter sauce or ketchup, these high-calorie treats are irresistibly delicious.
Grilled Japanese Yam on a Teppan Plate
It is made by mixing grated yam and dashi, then grilling it on a teppan plate. It is topped with seaweed and a quail egg. This side dish is often ordered by other customers as well. You mix the egg and seaweed before eating. When scooped with a spoon, it is soft and gooey. The heat brings out its sweetness, spreading in your mouth. The appearance might not be very appealing, but trust me, the taste is amazing.
Chita Highball
When it comes to enjoying yakitori, a highball is an essential companion. At Torikizoku, you can savor a highball made with Chita whisky. And, of course, the price is just 370 yen, just like everything else on their menu. Thank you, Torikizoku! Chita Highball features Suntory’s increasingly rare Chita whisky. This light and crisp single grain whisky is perfect in a highball, pairing well with the rich flavors of yakitori. Enjoying Chita Highball at this price is a real treat.
The Atmosphere and Experience: Why Torikizoku Stands Out
Torikizoku is designed for small groups, with semi-private tables seating 4 to 6 people. They also offer services for children, making it a family-friendly destination. You can order directly from a digital menu at your table, which allows you to view pictures of the dishes before making your selection. This makes it easier to choose what you’d like to try and enhances the overall dining experience at Torikizoku.
There are counter seats available for solo diners as well. Though the seating might feel a bit cramped for some, the cheerful and attentive staff more than make up for it. The ambiance is set with nostalgic J-pop music from the past decades, giving 30 to 40-year-olds a pleasant sense of nostalgia.
Torikizoku is perfect for enjoying delicious yakitori at a low price in a Japanese izakaya. With locations all over Japan, make sure to try it during your travels.
