Zakkushi: Charcoal Flavoured Chicken Goodness
The first thing I’m going to say is that the charcoal flavour on the skewers is amazing. It’s so good!
If you haven’t been to a Japanese Izakaya before, it’s sort of an experience. A lot of chatter, lots of alcohol, great food and a thick cloud of smoke. The smoke comes from the charcoal grills they use to cook the skewered foods.
Yakitori just means skewered chicken but generally people understand you’re referring to any and all skewered foods grilled on a charcoal grill. I do have to say that it isn’t cheap but the food is really good.
You will probably be overwhelmed by the options they have but they do have sets you can choose from if you are unsure. Or you can order them skewer by skewer if you wish.
Here are some of the ones I recommend:
Premium pork - if you know pork belly @ KBBQ, you know what’s up
Momo with sea salt - known as chicken thigh, is definitely my favourite
Chicken heart with sea salt - the texture and flavour is just too good! But if you’re not into animal innards, skip this one
Chicken liver with sea salt - same as the above
Me maki - garlic stubs with pork. The garlic stubs provide a subtle and light garlicy flavour, I’d say it’s more for a fresh taste and it’s a friends favourite
Mochi maki - the mochi that’s wrapping the pork just gives this unique and fun texture
Eringi - king oyster mushrooms have a meat-like texture
Tomato - the charcoal flavour that’s grilled into the tomato’s along with them bursting inside your mouth sounds scary but very tasty
Giant scallop - it’s just that, what can go wrong? My other friends’ favoruite
Some non-yakitori foods I recommend would be the baby octopus, takoyaki (deep fried octopus balls) and oden (variety of fish cakes (and others) in a broth).
It’s definitely an experience you have to try if you haven’t already been. It’s fun and the food is really good. I’m telling you, that charcoal flavour is addicting! It’s so good!
They have a couple locations, I’ve tried another yakitori place downtown but it doesn’t compare to Zakkushi… you can find their website here. Visit if you get the chance!
Enjoy
Thomas