Kushiyaki

Like most Japanese food, kushiyaki has a funny ring to it, and it’s practically hard to imagine what it exactly is. To describe it in a way most of us understand, kushiyaki is skewered meat, fish and/or vegetable that is grilled to delicious perfection then often glazed with a sweet-savory sauce.

Kushiyaki is easy to get by in Tokyo. You can find it in pubs, on the streets, and it’s also a common fare at festivals, something that must not be missed when in the city.

It matches well with a shot of sake and happy talks with friends, but even without either, it’s easy to consume sticks after sticks of kushiyaki.

Here are the best places to have kushiyaki in Tokyo.

• OMOIDE YOKOCHO (Memory Lane) | Shinjuku
  For a long stretch of kushiyaki pubs and stalls
  What to order: Leek wrapped in bacon, Pork belly, Chicken meatballs
  Price range: 250 to 350 Yen ($2.25 to $3.14)
  When: 15:30 – 24:00 Daily
  Where: 160-0023 Nishishinjuku, Tokyo
• YAKITORI IMAI | Sendagi
  For a wide selection of wine to complement juicy and flavorful kushiyaki
  What to order: White asparagus, Liver and strawberry, Chicken tail
  Price range: 1,000 to 5,000 Yen ($8.99 to $44.93)
  When: 11:00 – 14:00; 18:00 – 22:00 Daily except Mondays
  Where: 2-29-4 Sendagi, Bunkyo-ku, Tokyo
• UCHIDA | Katsushika
  For affordable kushiyaki loved by locals
  What to order: Kashira, Nikomi, Shiro
  Price range: 150 to 500 Yen ($1.35 to $4.49)
  When: 11:30 – 14:30; 17:30 – 22:00
  Where: 1-18-8 Nakamiseshoutengai, Tateishi, Katsushika, Tokyo