On the hunt for cheap eats and drinks in Japan? Look no further than the senbero at your local izakaya. Senbero is a portmanteau of two Japanese words, "sen" and "berobero." "Sen" means one thousand, referring to the price tag of the experience—only a thousand yen per person, which is just over $7 USD at the current exchange rate. "Berobero" is slang for being drunk or buzzed, a state you could easily achieve for the price, should that be your aim. Altogether, senbero means something like "to drink for a thousand yen." However, being Japan, the sense of hospitality extends beyond that to include snacks as well.
While each izakaya, or Japanese pub, has a unique menu and drink selection, senbero is a fun and cost-effective way to explore the culinary delights of izakaya fare. Senbero sets often include two to three drinks such as lemon sours, highballs, and draft beers per person, as well as a choice of snacks from a menu curated to fit the senbero pricing. Popular options include items such as yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), korokke (fried patties of meat and/or potatoes), tebasaki (grilled chicken wings), salted edamame (soybeans), karaage (fried chicken), and so on. Depending on the location, fresh sashimi and seafood are sometimes available as well. This setup lends itself to sharing at the table and sampling a variety of foods with friends.
Senbero menus are a welcome addition to izakayas for those looking to socialize both affordably and responsibly. With a price that is easy on the wallet and satisfying for the stomach, senbero outings make for a great time to catch up with friends. On the other hand, the fact that they buy an exact number of drinks and food items means that there is an easy out for those who are not up for a night of wild nijikais and sanjikais (after-parties). And since the price is set upfront, there is no need to stick around for your group’s total or worry about paying a fair share. Simply finish your drinks and food and call it a night at your leisure.
The senbero idea first gained footing in the alleyway izakayas of Tokyo as a way to draw in more patrons but not fill the limited seating and standing space for too long. A couple of drinks and snacks with a quick turnaround rate seemed like a win for both owners and customers alike, and with its high success rate, the idea has taken off across the country. Today, it can be found at izakayas all over Japan, from the busy streets of Tokyo to the far stretches of Okinawa and Hokkaido.
The idea has even evolved from there, with various restaurants and cafes beginning to create budget menus of their own. In Fukuoka, some cafes have started offering what they call “senmero” menus, which offer a sweet treat such as a dessert or pastry with a coffee or other non-alcoholic beverage for just a thousand yen, as a daytime and family-friendly version of the idea. No matter the menu, the idea of this set deal is quite the steal!
About the author:
Nadine Lindskog
Nadine first became interested in Japan and Japanese culture after working with an exchange program at her university. After hearing so many wonderful things from the exchange students she worked with she was longing for a chance to see Japan for herself. That opportunity came to her in the form of the JET program where she spent 5 years on a small island in the beautiful prefecture of Okinawa. While living in this very rural community of just under 1,300 people she was lucky to experience a glimpse into some of Okinawa’s unique traditions and culture. In her free time, she traveled the main island of Japan as well as eastern Asia, seeking out the most delicious foods and exciting experiences. She currently resides in the United States but hopes to return to Japan in the future.
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