Menu Words, Made Easy: A Gentle Guide for Your First Visit to Izakaya Midori
Maybe a friend recommended us. Maybe you were curious about plant-based Japanese food. Or maybe you just walked past and liked the look of the place.
Whatever brought you in, you might open the menu and wonder what a Nasu is, or whether Don is a person.
Good news: it’s much simpler than it looks. And if a name slips your mind at the table, pointing is absolutely fine. We’ll work it out together.
Here’s a little guide to help you feel at home.
The Words You’ll See on the Menu
Nasu 茄子 · Eggplant
The absolute star of our Nasu Miso Den. Eggplant is one of the most loved vegetables in Japan. Once cooked, it becomes soft and silky, and it soaks up flavour beautifully.
Kinoko きのこ · Mushrooms
You’ll find it in our Kinoko Miso Ceviche. Mushrooms are everywhere in Japanese cooking because they bring a deep, savoury taste that makes a dish feel wonderfully satisfying.
Eringi エリンギ · King Oyster Mushroom
Thick, meaty stems with a gentle, savoury flavour. It’s the exact mushroom behind our Eringi X.
Don 丼 · A Rice Bowl
Short for donburi. A comforting bowl of warm rice with something delicious on top. It’s one of the most comforting ways to eat in Japan, and an easy first order. Think Karaage Don, Katsu Don, Tempura Tofu Don, and Terichiki Don.
Katsu カツ · A Crumbed, Crispy Cutlet
Coated in panko (Japanese breadcrumbs) and fried until perfectly golden. Crunchy on the outside, tender on the inside. You’ll find it in our Katsu Don and Curry Rice Katsu.
Karaage 唐揚げ · Japanese-Style Fried
Bite-sized pieces, lightly coated and fried until crisp outside and juicy inside. Our Spicy Lime Karaage is a fantastic place to start.
Tempura 天ぷら · Light, Airy Batter
A thin, delicate batter that turns crisp without feeling heavy. Our Tempura Tofu Don is a lovely example.
Yuzu 柚子 · A Fragrant Japanese Citrus
Somewhere between a lemon, mandarin, and grapefruit, but much more floral. Our Yuzu Tofu Salad uses it in the dressing, so it tastes incredibly bright and fresh.
Miso 味噌 · Fermented Soybean Paste
Salty, savoury, and a little sweet. It’s the rich base of miso soup and shows up in many dishes, including our Kinoko Miso Ceviche.
Edamame 枝豆 · Young Soybeans
Served in the pod, lightly salted or seasoned. A classic little snack to share while you decide on your main.
Gyoza 餃子 · Japanese Dumplings
Pan-fried until crisp on the bottom and tender on top. A favourite side for almost any meal.
Omakase お任せ · “I’ll leave it to you”
This one is lovely. Omakase means placing your meal in the hands of the chef, who chooses for you. Our Nigiri Omakase is a stunning selection of nigiri picked by the kitchen, so you can sit back and be surprised.
A Few Names That Might Make You Smile
Some of our dishes have playful names, and we absolutely love them.
Chicken-ish and Veef:
Since everything on our menu is plant-based, we like to be honest and a little playful about it. “Chicken-ish” and “Veef” are our clever way of saying: it’s inspired by a classic, made entirely from plants.
Terichiki:
A mix of teriyaki and chicken-ish. Sweet, savoury, and beautifully glazed in a rich sauce.
Calamaring and Sashimi Salmon:
Both are made from konjac, a fascinating plant used in Japanese cooking for hundreds of years. If you’re curious, we wrote a whole story about it on the blog!
How to Order at an Izakaya
An izakaya is a Japanese-style casual eatery, built entirely around sharing, relaxing, and enjoying good food slowly. There’s no right or wrong way to order, but here are a few ideas to get you started.
– Start small: Pick a snack or two to share, like edamame or gyoza, while you look at the rest of the menu.
– Choose your main: A donburi, curry rice, or ramen is a complete, satisfying meal on its own.
– Add a little extra: Many people love to finish with a side or something to share across the table.
– Take your time: Nobody is rushing you. In Japan, a good meal is meant to be enjoyed slowly.
Not Sure What to Choose? Start Here
– If you want something comforting: Katsu Don or Curry Rice Katsu.
– If you want something warm on a cooler night: Midori Ramen or Aka Ramen.
– If you want something fresh and light: Yuzu Tofu Salad.
– If you like trying new things: Sashimi Salmon, made entirely from konjac. Most people can’t believe it isn’t fish!
– If you want to share: Edamame, gyoza, and a few small plates for the middle of the table.
– If you’d like to be surprised: Nigiri Omakase, available in the evenings.
And if You Forget the Name?
That’s completely okay.
You can point at the menu, describe what you like, or just ask us. We love helping people find something they’ll genuinely enjoy, and nobody expects you to pronounce everything perfectly. A smile and a little curiosity are all you really need.
“Itadakimasu” is what we say before we eat, a small thank-you for the food and everyone who made it. “Gochisousama deshita” is what we say afterwards.
You’re welcome to try both!
Thank you for letting us be part of your table. We can’t wait to meet you.
Want more Japanese words, culture, and food stories? There’s plenty more on the blog!
And come say hello on Instagram → @izakaya_midori
📱 Mobile (Text or Call): +61 480 416 307