Stepping into a vibrant Japanese izakaya after a long day is a truly special experience. The lively chatter, the clinking of glasses, and the comforting aromas of simmering broths create an atmosphere that feels both energetic and deeply relaxing. However, for those new to this cultural tradition, the lively environment can sometimes feel a bit overwhelming. You might wonder how to navigate the menu, when to order, or what proper etiquette looks like in such a casual setting.
Understanding how to behave in an izakaya isn’t about following strict, formal dining rules. It’s about a few simple, unwritten customs that foster harmony, respect, and communal joy. This shared sense of community is a key reason why izakaya still exists and thrives today.
Understanding the Oshibori: Your First Step in How to Behave in an Izakaya
The moment you sit down at your table, a staff member will hand you a damp, rolled towel known as an oshibori. Depending on the season, this towel will either be steaming hot to warm you during the winter or refreshingly cold to cool you down in the summer.
Using the oshibori correctly is your first lesson in proper etiquette.
- Unroll the towel and use it to clean your hands before touching any food or drinks.
- Do not use the oshibori to wipe your face, neck, or the table. In Japanese culture, it is strictly for your hands.
- After cleaning your hands, fold the towel neatly and place it back on its tray or beside your plate.
The Art of Ordering: Pacing Your Meal Properly
Unlike a formal Western dinner where you order a starter, a main course, and a dessert all at once, the ordering process here is entirely different. Learning how to behave in an izakaya means embracing the concept of pacing. You are not expected to decide your entire meal upfront.
Here’s the best way to order:
- Start with drinks. Before you even look at the food menu, it’s customary to order a round of drinks. Beer and sake are popular choices, but feel free to order whatever you like.
- Order a few light appetizers with your drinks. Once your drinks arrive and you’ve had a toast (“Kanpai!”), it’s time to order a few quick, light dishes to start. Think edamame, pickled vegetables (tsukemono), or a simple salad.
- Gradually order more substantial dishes. As you finish your initial appetizers, you can start ordering heartier items. This might include grilled skewers (yakitori), fried dishes (karaage), or sashimi. There’s no rush; order a couple of dishes at a time and see how your group feels.
This staggered approach ensures your food is always fresh and hot and allows conversation to set the pace for the meal.
Sharing is Caring: Navigating Communal Plates
Virtually all the food served in this environment is meant to be shared. When a dish arrives at your table, it is polite to ensure everyone gets a portion before you take a second helping for yourself. If the kitchen provides serving utensils, you should always use them.
If no communal utensils are provided, the unwritten rule is to turn your own chopsticks upside down. You can use the thicker, un-eaten ends of your chopsticks to transfer food from the shared plate to your own small dish. This simple gesture demonstrates hygiene and consideration for your fellow diners.
Pouring Drinks: A Golden Rule for How to Behave in an Izakaya
Perhaps the most famous rule of Japanese dining etiquette revolves around beverages. The unwritten rule is simple: you should never pour your own drink. Pouring your own alcohol is known as “tejaku,” and it is generally seen as a sign that your dining companions are neglecting you.
Instead, you should:
- Keep an eye on the glasses of your friends and colleagues.
- Offer to top up anyone’s glass when it’s less than half full. In turn, your companions will do the same for you.
- Lift your glass slightly off the table with both hands to receive a pour if someone offers.
This reciprocal tradition reinforces the group’s bond and ensures no one is left with an empty glass.
Respecting the Space and the Staff
While the atmosphere is certainly casual and often quite loud, there is still a baseline of respect that every guest should maintain. When you need to order your next round of food or drinks, you do not need to wait silently for a server to notice you. It is perfectly acceptable to call out “Sumimasen,” which means “Excuse me,” to get their attention.
However, knowing how to behave in an izakaya also means being mindful of your volume. While joyful laughter and lively conversation are highly encouraged, you should avoid shouting across the room or disturbing the tables around you. The goal is to contribute to the warm, buzzing energy of the room without dominating it.
Transitioning from Drinks to Hokkaido Soul Food
As the evening draws to a close, it is a time-honoured tradition to finish the drinking session with a comforting, carbohydrate-rich dish. In Japan, this concluding meal is known as the “shime.” While many people opt for noodles or rice bowls, diners from northern Japan often crave something more deeply warming.
In Sapporo, the ultimate comfort food is soup curry. This beloved dish features a light, curry-flavoured soup base made with slow-simmered chicken broth, complex curry powder, and a delicate balance of garam masala. Unlike typical thick Japanese curry, this watery, aromatic broth is served with steamed rice on the side. Ending your night with such a restorative meal is the perfect way to settle your stomach. The vibrant spices and deep, warming umami provide a beautiful conclusion to an evening of shared plates and flowing drinks.
Practising How to Behave in an Izakaya at Our Cosy Spot
Ready to put these izakaya etiquette tips into practice?
Before you head out, why not learn more about the star of our menu? Discover What Makes Our Sapporo Soup Curry Unique Among Japanese Food in Singapore and get ready for a truly authentic Hokkaido experience.
Visit us at Soup Curry by Ki-Setsu, Singapore’s first and only authentic Hokkaido soup curry restaurant. We are open Monday to Sunday, from 11:30 AM to 10:00 PM.
From 6 PM onwards, our restaurant transforms into a vibrant izakaya. Enjoy authentic Japanese small plates, exceptional sake, and our iconic soup curry. We accept evening reservations exclusively at 6:30 PM.
Join us to embrace the unwritten rules of the evening and discover the joy of shared Hokkaido hospitality.
