History and Culture of Yakitori

1. origins and ancient cooking methods

During the Nara period (710-794), a food culture like yakitori first appeared in Japan. Literature of the time described a method of cooking poultry meat by skewering and grilling it. However, chicken meat was precious and was mainly limited to festivals and special occasions.

Due to Buddhist influence, meat eating was forbidden, especially mammalian meat. Therefore, dishes using chicken and fish were valued at festivals and rituals.

2. the spread of yakitori and the Edo period

During the Edo period (1603-1868 ), chicken became popular among the general public, and yakitori began to be served at yatai stalls. Around this time, cooking methods using tare (sauce) and salt were developed, forming the prototype for today’s yakitori.

With the development of yatai culture, the technique of kabayaki, which is grilling with sauce, was applied, and this is believed to be the origin of yakitori sauce.

3. modernization and popularization of yakitori

After the Meiji period (1868-1912 ), the ban on meat consumption was lifted and yakitori was reevaluated as one of the diverse cuisines. It is now served in taverns and ryotei (Japanese-style restaurants).

After the war (1945 onward), the number of yakitori taverns increased along with the reconstruction of urban areas. The combination of beer and yakitori became the standard, and menus featuring various parts of the chicken became widespread.

4. contemporary yakitori culture

Today, a wide range of styles of yakitori restaurants exist, from upscale establishments to izakaya (Japanese style pubs). Charcoal yakitori is also very popular, and is favored as a cooking method that brings out the best of the ingredients through its aroma and the effect of far-infrared rays.

As yakitori culture has spread overseas to the United States, Europe, and Asia, new styles using local ingredients have also emerged.

5. attraction of yakitori

Yakitori is appealing because the simple cooking method brings out the best of the ingredients. You can enjoy the different textures and flavors of each part of the chicken, as well as tare (sauce), shio (salt), and other unique regional seasonings.

With this long history and cultural fusion, yakitori continues to be a favorite at Japanese tables and izakaya (Japanese style pubs).

▶︎ View the Yakitori Menu