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Sunagimo Yakitori: Why Chicken Gizzard Has Its Crisp Bite

September 20, 2026August 27, 2026 by Hiro
Two skewers of grilled chicken gizzard yakitori served with salt and lemon

Sunagimo looks simple, but its texture depends on exact knife work and a narrow grilling window. Learn how gizzard is trimmed, scored, skewered, and judged at the fire.

Categories Yakitori Tags Chicken Gizzard, Japanese Food, Sunagimo, Yakitori, Yakitori Cuts

Hatsu Yakitori: How Chicken Heart Is Trimmed, Grilled, and Ordered

September 19, 2026August 27, 2026 by Hiro
Two skewers of grilled chicken heart yakitori served with salt and lemon

Hatsu yakitori is grilled chicken heart with a firm, springy texture and relatively mild flavor. Learn how it is prepared, seasoned, and ordered in Japan.

Categories Yakitori Tags Chicken Heart, Hatsu, Japanese Food, Yakitori, Yakitori Cuts

Binchotan Charcoal: Why Yakitori Chefs Value White Charcoal

September 8, 2026August 24, 2026 by Hiro
Yakitori skewers grilling over glowing binchotan charcoal

Binchotan is a dense Japanese white charcoal valued for steady heat and long burning. Learn how it is made and why yakitori chefs use it.

Categories Yakitori Tags Binchotan, Charcoal Grilling, Japanese Charcoal, Japanese Food, Yakitori

Tsukune Yakitori: Texture, Seasoning, and Grill Technique

September 9, 2026August 23, 2026 by Hiro
Grilled tsukune chicken meatball skewers on a ceramic plate

Tsukune is a tender Japanese minced-meat preparation often served as yakitori. Learn what it tastes like, how recipes vary, and what to check before ordering.

Categories Yakitori Tags Izakaya, Japanese Chicken Skewers, Japanese Food, Tsukune, Yakitori

Yakitori vs. Kushiyaki: What’s the Difference on Japanese Menus?

September 8, 2026August 22, 2026 by Hiro
Assorted yakitori and vegetable kushiyaki skewers on ceramic plates

Yakitori and kushiyaki both describe Japanese grilled skewers, but they are not exact synonyms. Learn what each term covers, how menus use them, and which regional exceptions can surprise first-time visitors.

Categories Yakitori Tags Izakaya, Japan Travel, Japanese Food, Kushiyaki, Yakitori

How to Order Yakitori in Japan: Etiquette and Common Mistakes

September 8, 2026August 21, 2026 by Hiro
Yakitori skewers grilling over charcoal at a Japanese restaurant

Ordering yakitori in Japan is easier when you know a few menu terms and dining customs. This beginner’s guide covers seasoning choices, useful phrases, skewer etiquette, and common mistakes.

Categories Yakitori Tags Izakaya, Japan Travel, Japanese Dining Etiquette, Japanese Food, Yakitori

Yakitori Cuts Explained: A Guide to Japanese Chicken Skewers

September 8, 2026August 21, 2026 by Hiro
Different yakitori cuts served as Japanese grilled chicken skewers

Yakitori menus use Japanese names for thigh, skin, heart, gizzard, cartilage, and other chicken parts. This guide explains the most common cuts, their textures, and beginner-friendly choices.

Categories Yakitori Tags Chicken Cuts, Izakaya, Japanese Chicken Skewers, Japanese Food, Yakitori

Sushi vs. Sashimi

September 8, 2026August 12, 2026 by Hiro
Nigiri sushi and sashimi served side by side in Japan

Learn the difference between sushi and sashimi, including vinegared rice, raw and cooked ingredients, nigiri, serving styles, and how to order both in Japan.

Categories Sushi Tags Japanese Food, Japanese Seafood, Japanese Sushi, Nigiri, Sashimi

Yakitori in Japan: Cuts, Charcoal, Seasoning, and Etiquette

September 8, 2026August 9, 2026 by Hiro
Japanese yakitori grilled chicken skewers cooked over charcoal

Yakitori is Japanese grilled chicken, usually served on skewers and seasoned with salt or tare. Learn what the name means, how the cuts differ, and how to order and eat yakitori in Japan.

Categories Yakitori Tags Izakaya, Japanese Chicken Skewers, Japanese Food, Yakitori

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