Yakitori, Yakitori, Yakitori

What are your family’s top 3 favorite meals?

In our home, Yakitori is more than just a meal; it is an event, a ritual, a shared joy. Every time skewers of tender, marinated chicken sizzle over the grill, a sense of anticipation fills the air. The smoky aroma weaves through our conversations, teasing our senses, drawing us closer to the table. Yakitori has become our family’s culinary love language, a dish that speaks to our taste buds and our hearts.

There is a simplicity to Yakitori that makes it endlessly charming. Strips of chicken—sometimes thigh, breast, or even skin—are meticulously threaded onto bamboo skewers, then brushed with a savory-sweet tare sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. As the skewers grill over an open flame, the sauce caramelizes, creating a perfect balance of smoky, salty, and slightly sweet flavors.

For variety, Yakitori also embraces the whole chicken: tsukune (minced chicken meatballs), nankotsu (chicken cartilage), and even kawa (crispy skin). Paired with vegetables like scallions or shishito peppers, each skewer becomes a symphony of textures and tastes. It’s food that’s meant to be savored one bite at a time, offering something new with every turn of the skewer.

Yakitori nights are special among ourselves. We especially love it if we go to our favorite restaurant, Yakitori Glad, which is in the east side of Oahu. It gives us the feeling as if we are in Tokyo. Watching it prepared before our very eyes is as much a part of the experience as eating it.

Eating Yakitori is interactive, intimate. Each skewer is a conversation starter: Have you tried the tsukune yet? Don’t miss the scallion! Isn’t this tare sauce amazing? There is something magical about sharing a meal that requires your hands and your attention, bringing people closer with every bite.

Beyond its irresistible flavors, Yakitori offers surprising health benefits. Chicken, the primary ingredient, is a lean source of protein, supporting muscle health and overall energy. Grilling, as a cooking method, minimizes the need for excess oil, keeping the dish relatively light. The accompanying vegetables provide fiber and essential vitamins, creating a balanced meal in every skewer.

Even the tare sauce, though rich in flavor, contains ingredients that can support metabolism and provide antioxidants, thanks to the soy sauce and sake. Of course, moderation is key, but Yakitori proves that indulgence can coexist with mindful eating.

One of the reasons Yakitori has become our family’s favorite is its universal appeal. It suits every occasion—be it a casual dinner, a celebration, or a summer barbecue. The skewers are customizable to individual tastes: spice lovers can add shichimi togarashi, while those who prefer mild flavors can stick to the classic.

It’s also a dish that transcends cultural boundaries. While Yakitori is rooted in Japanese street food tradition, it feels right at home on our table, blending effortlessly with sides like rice, pickled vegetables, or even a fresh green salad.

For us, Yakitori is more than just a food; it is a celebration of connection, flavor, and nourishment. It is the meal we turn to when we want to treat ourselves, when we want to linger around the table just a little longer. With its smoky charm, healthful qualities, and endless versatility, Yakitori has earned its place as our family’s favorite dish—a skewer-bound delight that warms both our stomachs and our hearts.

To end, although for my family, Yakitori is number one—for sure you have your own family’s favorite meal, which is good. As I believe, sharing meals amongst families, friends, co-workers, even with new acquaintances, is such a powerful way to connect and bond with people. It strengthens or establishes bonds; shares and exchanges culture. As a communal thing, it can bring down barriers for sure.