Yakitori is a Japanese grilled chicken skewer dish whose name dates to the Edo period, though it became a widely popular, affordable street food after chicken supplies increased in the Meiji era (late 19th to early 20th century). The name "yakitori" is derived from the Japanese words "yaki" meaning "grilled" and "tori" meaning "chicken". This popular street food and izakaya (Japanese pub) staple features bite-sized pieces of chicken that are skewered, seasoned, and grilled over charcoal.
The most common cuts of chicken used for yakitori include the thigh, breast, skin, liver, and other offal. Chicken parts are typically seasoned with a variety of savory tare (sauce) or dry seasonings before being grilled. A classic tare is made from a blend of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, which lends a sweet and salty flavor. Other popular seasonings include salt, shichimi togarashi (a Japanese seven-spice blend), and tare made with tare or ponzu.
Yakitori is traditionally cooked on a specialized charcoal grill called a "shichirin", which allows the skewers to be rotated and basted with the tare as they cook. The high heat from the charcoal quickly sears the outside of the chicken while keeping the interior juicy and tender. Skilled yakitori chefs carefully monitor the cooking process, turning the skewers frequently to achieve an even char.
In Japan, yakitori is considered a type of "fast food" that can be enjoyed casually at small restaurants, food stalls, or izakayas. It is a popular snack or drinking food, often served alongside cold beer or sake. Beyond the classic chicken, yakitori shops may also offer skewers made with other meats like beef, pork, or even seafood, as well as vegetable options.
Regional variations of yakitori exist throughout Japan. For example, in the Kanto region around Tokyo, yakitori is often served with a dipping sauce made from a soy sauce and mirin base. In Kansai, the yakitori may be basted with a thicker, more caramelized tare. Some specialty yakitori shops focus on using specific parts of the chicken, like the tail, heart, or gizzard.
Yakitori has become popular worldwide, with many Japanese restaurants and izakayas offering their own interpretations of the dish. While the core preparation remains the same, international versions may incorporate different seasoning blends or sauce recipes to suit local tastes. Regardless of the specific style, yakitori remains a beloved and iconic Japanese street food that showcases the versatility and flavor of grilled chicken.