‘Huh… I didn’t order this, did I?’
Have you ever been to a Japanese-style restaurant called an ‘izakaya’?
The first thing that surprises you is… When you enter a Japanese izakaya and sit down, you start looking at the menu, thinking, ‘Hmm, what should I eat?’ At that moment, small plates for the number of people at your table are brought to your table. ‘What is this??? I didn’t order this…’
You didn’t order it. You didn’t ask for it.
But it is placed in front of you and included in the bill.
Welcome to the world of ‘otoshi.’
This is the slightly mysterious Japanese otoshi culture that confuses people visiting a Japanese izakaya for the first time.
What is otoshi? Why is it served?
Simply put, otoshi is a small appetiser that is automatically served when you sit down at an izakaya.
It serves two purposes:
- As a table charge (seat fee)
- As a welcome snack
The roots of this custom date back to the Edo period, when it was considered polite to serve customers something immediately after they sat down. This custom has been passed down to modern izakayas.
The price of otoshi varies by establishment, but is typically between 300 and 800 yen.
Even if you didn’t order it or eat it, it will be included in the bill.
Why is otoshi served?
There are several reasons behind this unique custom.
- To buy time for cooking: to keep customers from waiting while their orders are being prepared.
- Hospitality: the Japanese culture of ‘consideration’ and the spirit of hospitality, which emphasises treating customers with care.
- Business model: to balance revenue for customers who stay a long time but order little.
In other words, ‘otoshi’ is like a silent contract.
It embodies the ‘spirit of welcome’ and serves as a ‘substitute dish to support the atmosphere.’
Unique example: Not just a snack!
This otoshi culture is natural for Japanese people, but it may be difficult for foreign tourists to understand. It’s an otoshi appetiser that isn’t listed on the menu and you don’t know what kind of dish it is. Of course, if it’s delicious, you’ll be satisfied, but the quality of otoshi varies.
Some are satisfying on their own, while others leave you thinking, ‘Hmm…’
For example:
• Softly simmered Japanese radish salad
• Lotus root chips with yuzu salt
• Creative dishes using seasonal ingredients, like a course of appetisers
If the otoshi appetisers are delicious, the other dishes are usually delicious too, so regular customers enjoy the otoshi appetisers as a ‘first bite’ to gauge the restaurant’s taste. That’s why izakayas put their heart and soul into preparing these otoshi appetisers. Yes, otoshi appetisers are not just casually prepared dishes!
Many Japanese people enjoy eating otoshi appetisers while wondering, ‘What is this?’ as if solving a mystery.
More than just food, it’s a ‘gateway to culture’
Otoshi is small and not explained,
but that single dish is packed with the depth of Japanese food culture.
It’s not just a seat charge or a service.
It’s a quiet sign of welcome,
a dish that opens the door to culture.
The next time you see that mysterious dish at an izakaya, think to yourself,
‘This isn’t a mistake. This is Japan. This is otoshi.’
