Travel4Food

Our recent visit to Shirokiya, a cozy izakaya restaurant conveniently located near Chitose JR Station and within walking distance from our stay at JRInn, inspired this Shirokiya Izakaya Restaurant Review. Known for its popular “All You Can Drink” menu, Shirokiya attracts many locals looking to unwind after work with an irresistible deal: 2500 Yen for 180 minutes or 1500 Yen for 120 minutes of unlimited drinks. However, having just touched down and feeling quite famished, we decided to skip the drinks and focus on the extensive food menu instead. Join us as we delve into the delightful culinary experience that Shirokiya offers, from fresh sashimi to hearty Korean Army Stew.

The Menu @ Shirokiya

The variety of dishes at Shirokiya is impressive, ranging from traditional Japanese favorites like sashimi and sushi to more eclectic offerings such as Korean Army Stew. After much deliberation, we finally settled on the following:

1. Korean Army Stew (898 Y)
2. 5 Types of Sashimi (888 Y)
3. Salmon Belly Sashimi (498 Y)
4. Octopus Salad (498 Y)
5. Horse Meat Sashimi with Egg (698 Y)
6. 4 Sticks of Chicken Skin (398 Y per pair)
7. Steak (998 Y)
8. Korean Bibimbap (598 Y)

Appetitisers @ Shirokiya

Octopus Salad

The octopus salad was a fantastic starter, with the octopus perfectly cooked to be chewy yet juicy. The typical Japanese wafu dressing, a blend of yuzu sauce and other ingredients, added a refreshing and tangy note that complemented the octopus wonderfully.

Sashimi Selection

A highlight of our meal was undoubtedly the sashimi. The five-type sashimi platter included salmon, prawn, tuna, octopus, and mackerel. The portion was generous enough for two people, and the price was very reasonable. The freshness of the sashimi was undeniable, with the salmon being particularly noteworthy for its melt-in-your-mouth texture. The horse meat sashimi, while not a first for us, was smooth and not gamey, pairing excellently with the egg.

Chicken Skin Skewers

The chicken skin skewers were another hit. Served in pairs, one set was marinated with salt and the other with teriyaki sauce. Both variations were delicious, highlighting the rich flavor of the chicken skin. For those who prefer a crispier texture, the salt-marinated option is the way to go.

Main Course @ Shirokiya

Korean Army Stew

The Korean Army Stew was a substantial dish, suitable for 2-3 people. Packed with ingredients like spam, sausages, French beans, and, of course, instant noodles, it was a comforting and hearty choice. We appreciated that this version wasn’t overly sour, even with the addition of kimchi, making it a favorite among my family.

Bibimbap

The bibimbap was also generously portioned and perfect for sharing. It came with a good amount of beef, vegetables, and kimchi. Those who enjoy the slightly burnt “chaotah” rice at the bottom of the pot will be pleased with this dish.

Steak

The only letdown of the meal was the steak. Despite being ordered medium rare, it was on the stiffer side and didn’t quite meet our expectations.

Our Overall Impression of Shirokiya

Our meal at Shirokiya was satisfying, with an array of great-tasting dishes at reasonable prices. The vibrant atmosphere and extensive menu make it a place worth revisiting. Next time, we’ll definitely try the “All You Can Drink” option to fully immerse ourselves in the izakaya experience.

If you find yourself near Chitose JR Station, Shirokiya is a fantastic spot to enjoy a variety of Japanese and Korean dishes. Our Shirokiya Izakaya Restaurant Reviews highlight its welcoming ambiance and delectable offerings, making it an ideal place to unwind and enjoy a memorable meal.

The Verdict (ave of 2.5 out of 3 thumbs up)