Stepping into a Japanese izakaya for the very first time is like entering a world where Japan’s dining culture and vibrant social tradition come alive. The air is often thick with the aroma of grilled chicken skewers, simmering broths, and fried foods. Laughter carries from counter seating and private rooms alike, while menus—whether in bold kanji characters or handwritten notes—invite you to a fun night of exploration. For many Japanese diners and international visitors, the izakaya experience feels boisterous and captivating, even if the array of small dishes and drink options may seem overwhelming at first.
At Soup Curry by Ki-Setsu, we cherish this unique culture. While we are honored to be Singapore’s first and only Hokkaido soup curry specialist, our restaurant adopts the relaxed atmosphere of a local izakaya as the sun sets. From 6:00 PM onwards, we embrace Japan’s izakaya culture: serving carefully prepared small dishes, grilled meats, and sake alongside our signature soup curries. Understanding how to order at an izakaya opens the door to unforgettable memories—just as Japanese people have enjoyed in train stations, business districts, and neighborhoods across Japan.
Whether you’re a foreign tourist, planning a night in Tokyo, or simply seeking a new dining experience in Singapore, here’s our guide to ordering at an izakaya with confidence and good manners.
1. How to Order at an Izakaya: Start Drinking First
In most Western restaurants, you might settle in and read the menu before ordering. In a Japanese izakaya, though, drinking starts right away. As soon as you’re seated—perhaps at a cozy low table or bustling counter—the staff will offer an initial drink.
Draft beer (nama biiru) remains the most popular way to start drinking, with other alcoholic drinks like sweet potato shochu, Japanese sake, or oolong tea and soft drinks also available. Raising glasses for a “kanpai!” (cheers) is a quintessential part of the experience, and a sign you’re settling into izakaya dining like a local.
2. Local Izakaya Traditions: The Otoshi
Not long after your first drinks arrive, a small dish—called otoshi—will appear at your table. This tradition is a hallmark of most izakayas; it’s both a small appetizer and a seating charge. It might feature seasonal ingredients, a bite of raw fish, or tofu with a sprinkle of green tea salt, prepared as a delicious introduction to your meal.
At Soup Curry by Ki-Setsu, we honor this by serving house specialties that highlight our Hokkaido roots—allowing our guests to start their meal the way Japanese diners do.
3. Ordering Food at a Japanese Izakaya
Perhaps the biggest joy—and sometimes puzzle—of the izakaya dining experience is learning how to order at an izakaya. Meals are designed for sharing and sampling, echoing the concept of Spanish tapas bars but elevated through Japanese cuisine’s seasonal focus and precise preparation.
Don’t feel pressured to order everything at once; most izakaya menus encourage diners to begin with a few small dishes—like grilled chicken skewers (yakitori), fried tofu, potato salad, or even western dishes like crispy French fries—then to continue ordering as the meal and conversation unfold. This gradual approach allows you to savor each dish at its hottest and freshest, and to enjoy a relaxed drink (or two) as you go.
Spotlight on Vegetables and Grilled Meats
While classic items like fried chicken, fried rice, raw fish, and grilled fish are staples at many izakaya, don’t forget about the wide assortment of vegetable skewers and hot appetizers. We celebrate Hokkaido’s seasonal produce by preparing vibrant bell peppers, lotus root, and eggplant using Japanese cutting techniques, then quickly frying or grilling them to seal in flavor and color—a nod to both the izakaya food tradition and our soup curry specialty.
4. Japan's Izakaya Culture: Ending with a Rice or Noodle Dish
Following izakaya tradition, it’s common to close a drinking session with a rice or noodle dish. Known as shime, this could be a comforting bowl of tonkotsu ramen, a hot pot, a fried rice, or even sushi. This tradition ensures that diners leave the restaurant feeling satisfied.
Here at Soup Curry by Ki-Setsu, we recommend ending your evening with a steaming bowl of authentic, Sapporo-style soup curry. Unlike typical Japanese curry—which tends to be thick, sweet, and served over rice—our soup curry is a carefully prepared, light curry-flavored soup with a robust chicken broth base, enriched by curry powder and garam masala. Served with tender cuts of chicken thighs or legs and a rainbow of vegetables, it represents the ultimate fusion of izakaya dining and Hokkaido soul food.
5. Alcoholic Drinks and Sake Customs
Japanese izakaya culture is not just about what you eat and drink, but also how you show respect and camaraderie. When enjoying sake or other alcoholic drinks with friends or colleagues, always pour for others first—never yourself. It’s a friendly ritual that helps break the ice among large groups or coworkers and is seen as a sign of good manners in Japanese bars and restaurants.
If your drinking companion’s glass is empty, refill it, and they’ll do the same for you. This custom of clinking glasses and pouring for one another is central to the local izakaya experience.
6. Red Lanterns and Getting the Staff’s Attention
In the lively, sometimes noisy setting of an izakaya, waiting for eye contact is unnecessary. Raise your hand and say, “Sumimasen!” (excuse me), and the staff will be happy to help. Many izakaya—especially larger izakaya or chain izakaya—expect customers to be proactive in their ordering food and drinks.
There’s no need to feel shy: Japanese people and other customers will appreciate your engagement with the unique culture of the establishment.
Your Evening at Soup Curry by Ki-Setsu
Now that you know how to order at an izakaya, we invite you to enjoy all the vibrancy and comfort of Japanese izakaya dining with us in Singapore. Our opening hours are from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM every day (with no breakfast service), so whether you’re after a quick lunch or a fun night with friends, we welcome you to share our table.
Lunch is always walk-in only, reflecting the come-as-you-are spirit found in neighborhood izakaya near train stations and business districts across Tokyo and Japan. For dinner, reservations are available exclusively at 6:30 PM (with a 15-minute grace period), after which we accommodate guests on a walk-in basis—perfect for spontaneous gatherings and large groups alike.
Our evening menu honors the traditions of Japan’s izakaya culture, featuring favorites like grilled chicken skewers, fried chicken, and seasonal dishes, paired with a range of draft beer, sake, soft drinks, and green tea. Don’t miss the finale: our authentic Hokkaido soup curry—a delicious, unforgettable meal that brings together the best parts of Japan’s food and izakaya tradition.
Join us soon to explore this relaxed, friendly atmosphere and create new unforgettable memories with every bowl and small dish. It’s all part of the izakaya experience at Soup Curry by Ki-Setsu.
