Happiness on a Japanese plate

Tucked away inside the popular community space of Arena 10, Ichitan Izakaya Stadium appeals to anyone looking for a tasty Japanese meal that won’t break the bank. Not only are the dishes very reasonably priced but the menu is impressively large, with 150 delectable dishes, desserts and beverages served buffet style.

 

The name is inspired by a small Japanese pub in Osaka, which is famed for its easy-to eat food and sake. Opened since 2010, the eatery is lively, with seating for 100 hungry diners both inside and out.

The all-you-you-eat buffet features teppanyaki, nabe (hot pot), kushiyaki (skewered grilled) and kushikatsu (skewered fried) foods, prepared from local meats and imported salmon, tuna and saba. 

 

“We are concerned about the diversity of our menus, as well as quality ingredients and traditional flavour. We offer around 150 dishes ranging from appetisers, hot pot and sushi to kushikatsu (grilled) and kushiyaki (fried).” says Rukphon Triratnarong, the assistant PR manager. 

 

The price is Bt499 net, inclusive of green tea and soft drinks for both lunch and dinner and a favourite is Akanabe Eryngii, a Japanese-Korean style hotpot packed with meats, vegetables, and eryngii mushroom. 

 

Almost all diners opt for the sashimi set of sliced salmon, tuna, saba fish, squid and imitation crabmeat served with shoyu sauce and wasabi and tempting Ebimayo - crispy fried prawns in spicy mayonnaise sauce blended with Japanese spices. Takoyaki is another must try, with the five grilled octopus balls cooked so that they crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, topped with mayonnaise and shavings of dried bonito. Teppanyaki comes with barbecue, grilled salmon, New Zealand mussels and shrimps. 

 

Other must-try include Kushiyaki- skewered chicken, pork, squid and prawn grilled on a charcoal brazier and Kushikatsu- skewered fried chicken, pork, octopus, shrimp and vegetables flavoured with Japanese sweet potatoes. 

 

Special menus vary according to the month but among the favourites are Avocado Kaisen Rolls, Sandwich Sushi, Unagi Temaki, Miso Nabe, Sushi Hokkaidai, Shishamo, cream Cockcake Cheese and Tako Karaage. 

 

The beer buffet costs Bt149 net and includes both local and Japanese beer but many patrons opt for the High Ball- Japanese whisky blended with soda and flavoured with such fruits as green apple, raspberry, peach and kiwi. 

 

The restaurant also has a branch in Lop Buri province.

 

BACK FOR MORE

Ichitan Izakaya Stadium is located at Arena 10 complex, Soi Thonglor 10. It’s open from 11am to 2pm and 5pm to midnight on weekday and 11am to midnight on Saturday and Sunday. Call (02) 392 8982, (081) 932 7311 or visit www.facebook.com/izakayastadium