yakitori
やきとり
Yakitori is a Japanese dish consisting of bite-sized pieces of chicken skewered on bamboo sticks and grilled, typically over charcoal. The name literally translates to "grilled bird," and it is a staple of Japanese street food culture, often served in specialized small restaurants called yakitori-ya. It is a casual, social food, often enjoyed with cold beer or sake. While the classic version uses salt or a savory-sweet soy-based glaze called tare, modern variations include nearly every part of the chicken, from succulent thigh meat to crispy skin or heart, making it a culinary adventure for those open to trying different textures.
In conversation
Inviting a friend to eat
I'm starving, let's grab some yakitori after work.
I'm starving, let's grab some yakitori after work.
Perfect, I know a great little place near the station.
Perfect, I know a great little place near the station.
Yakitori is often associated with after-work social gatherings.
Ordering at a restaurant
Should we order the chicken skin or the meatballs?
Should we order the chicken skin or the meatballs?
Let's get both! And maybe a round of beers to go with them.
Let's get both! And maybe a round of beers to go with them.
Ordering different types of skewers is standard practice.
Examples
I love eating yakitori at the night market.
やきとり
I love eating yakitori at the night market.
The chef grilled the chicken skewers to perfection with a thick tare sauce.
やきとり
The chef grilled the chicken skewers to perfection with a thick tare sauce.
Yakitori-ya are quintessential spots for experiencing authentic Japanese izakaya culture.
やきとりや
Yakitori-ya are quintessential spots for experiencing authentic Japanese izakaya culture.
