A special moment begins the moment you open the door to an izakaya. Lively voices, the sounds of the energetic kitchen, and delicious smells fill the air. Once you're seated, the first thing you order is a drink. Then, along with your drink, an "otooshi" (appetizer ) is brought to you.

For many people, otoshi may be thought of as "a dish that is served even though it wasn't ordered." However, this small dish is packed with many hints to help you gain a deeper understanding of Japanese izakaya culture. Knowing this will make your usual izakaya experience even more enjoyable. Let's explore the charms and ways to enjoy otoshi together.

What is Otoshi? Its Origin and Role

First of all, what exactly is an otoshi?

Otoshi is a dish served at izakayas and Japanese restaurants along with the first drink a customer orders. The cost is usually included in the bill as a seat charge or cover charge.

There are various theories about the origin of this otoshi culture, but the most popular one is that it was a way to fill the time so that customers wouldn't get bored while waiting for their food to be prepared. It is said that it began as a dish to keep customers entertained while they waited for their food to be served, such as when the restaurant was busy and their ordered food wasn't served right away.

From the restaurant's perspective, it is also an opportunity to showcase the day's stock and seasonal ingredients. It plays an important role in casually showcasing the skills of the owner and chef, and building anticipation for the next dish.

Otoshi is not just a simple appetizer or a service, but also serves as a sign of hospitality from the restaurant and an initial greeting.

Simple questions about otoshi culture

We will pick out and explain some of the questions that many people have about otoshi.

Q1. Can I refuse the appetizer?

The response varies depending on the restaurant, but the bottom line is that there are restaurants where you can refuse and restaurants where you can't. In restaurants that consider otoshi to be a cover charge (seat charge), it is often difficult to refuse. On the other hand, in restaurants that offer it purely as a service, it is possible to refuse.

If you're unsure, politely ask, "Is it okay if I don't get the appetizer?" when ordering.

Q2. Why is otoshi so expensive?

The cost of an otoshi is generally around 300 to 500 yen, but there are some restaurants that charge over 1000 yen. Some people may be skeptical of this price setting.

This fee does not just include the cost of ingredients and cooking for the dish in front of you. It is reasonable to think of it as including various expenses such as seating charges, service charges, labor costs, and the cost of towels and chopsticks. High-end restaurants and restaurants that offer special services tend to have higher cover charges.

If you are not satisfied, one option is to check in advance whether or not an appetizer is served and how much it costs when choosing a restaurant.

How to tell if a restaurant is a good izakaya by its appetizer

It's no exaggeration to say that the true quality of an izakaya is revealed in its appetizer. Here are three points to help you identify a good izakaya based on its appetizer.

Does it tie in with the theme of the dish?

Pay attention to whether the appetizer is linked to the restaurant's signature menu item or the theme of the cuisine. For example, if it's a seafood izakaya that specializes in fresh seafood, the appetizer may include fresh sashimi or boiled fish. If it's a yakitori restaurant that prides itself on its skewers, a small dish using chicken may be served.

These types of restaurants are proof that they are confident in promoting their dishes through their appetizers, saying, "These are the delicious dishes we serve at our restaurant!"

Dashi Theater 〇△□ (Marusankakushikaku) Sapporo Main Branch

<Appetizer> All-you-can-eat oden

https://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/66c3e4e5c6fbc

Is it time-consuming?

Some restaurants simply serve edamame soybeans or pickles, but restaurants that take the time to prepare an appetizer show that they take their food seriously.

For example, carefully prepared salads, stews using seasonal vegetables, dishes made with specially selected broth, etc. These dishes are a reflection of the restaurant's desire to please its customers.

The Wind of Ikebukuro

<Appetizer> Tongue stew

https://tenposstar.com/ja/merchant/66e7e5953729f

Are seasonal ingredients used?

Another thing to check is whether the appetizers use ingredients that are unique to the season: boiled rape blossoms in spring, cold cucumber salad in summer, a mushroom dish in autumn, and crab or oysters in winter.

Restaurants that actively use seasonal ingredients are considered to be very particular about their ingredients and have a high level of awareness of their cuisine in general.

This is how connoisseurs enjoy it! How to enjoy Otoshi

Now that you understand the background and role of otoshi, we will introduce some ways to enjoy it like a true connoisseur to make the most of your time at an izakaya.

Start the conversation with the appetizer

The appetizer is an opportunity to communicate with the staff at the restaurant.

"This appetizer is delicious! What is this?"

"Where are the vegetables used in this appetizer from?"

By saying a few words like this, the restaurant staff will be pleased and the conversation will often flow. You might even learn some unexpected information, such as the restaurant's specialties and today's recommended menu items.

Enjoying Otoshi as a Sake Snack

Otoshi is a dish to be enjoyed with your first drink.

The way connoisseurs enjoy sake is to consider the pairings with the alcohol, such as edamame beans or salads with beer, delicacies or simmered dishes with sake, and pickles or cold tofu with shochu.

Also, if an appetizer that is different from the additional dish you order is brought out, you can enjoy it as an appetizer and enjoy a meal that flows like a course meal.

Enjoy the appetizer!

"Otoshi" is not just a "service" or "seat charge." It is the "spirit of hospitality" that supports Japanese food culture, and is an important point of contact that connects restaurants and customers.

When you go to an izakaya, be sure to pay attention to the appetizer. This dish can be a great way to start a conversation with the staff and give you a clue as to the restaurant's true capabilities.

Having a deeper understanding of otoshi will definitely enrich your time at an izakaya. So, head out to an izakaya tonight and enjoy a once-in-a-lifetime encounter with an otoshi.