Book excerpt: Japanese bar food is relaxed, simple, and always shared—create delicious izakaya classics at home Izakaya (noun) A Japanese bar offering a selection of beverages and tapas-style snacks Izakayas are the heart and soul of Japan's food culture. Found on just about every street corner, they serve beer and sake, as well as delicious grazing food. These 75 delicious, authentic recipes are an introduction to the world of Japanese bar food. There are small bites, such as Lotus Chips, Japanese Pickles, and Camambert Tempurs; salads like Green Beans with Black Sesame Dressing and Green Tea Noodle Salad; along with a range of tempting skewers such as Nori-wrapped Scallops and Miso-Glazed Salmon Skewers. Bigger dishes include Okonomiyaki (Japanese pancake), Pork Gyoza (dumplings), and Grilled Eggplant with Soy and Ginger, while sweets might be Sesame Mousse with Red Bean or Green Tea Candied Chestnuts. Some of the recipes feature Japanese ingredients that might already be in newcomers' cupboards—soy sauce, miso paste, and soba noodles—while others use ingredients that may be less familiar—ponzu sauce, ichimi spice mix, and shiso leaves. With recipes that are authentic yet not overly complicated, this is the perfect book for anyone who wants to make beautiful, simple Japanese bar food at home. Includes dual measurements.