Mokutan: The Japanese Izakaya

By: S. Dreicon

São Paulo is universally recognized for its variety of cuisine and known as the powerhouse of global culinary, with a wide range of restaurants to explore and enjoy. This week, I choose the Izakaya Mokutan restaurant, located on Rua Ferreira de Araújo in Pinheiros, for a truly special dining experience. In Japan, an izakaya functions much like a neighborhood pub, where patrons gather to share small plates, drinks and unwind. Mokutan provides the great opportunity to discover more of Japanese culture and traditional cuisine while also encouraging people to step out of their comfort zone.
Mokutan offers various appetizers and dishes to share, such as the famous “Suwiito Korn," which is a well-served portion of sweet grilled corn topped with kewpie mayonnaise and cheese. This dish exemplifies the restaurant's ability to elevate simple ingredients into memorable culinary moments. However, despite being an extremely tasty dish, the way it was presented didn’t appeal to me, as eating it can be remarkably messy, requiring a strategic approach and an ample supply of napkins.

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Transitioning from sweet to savory and subtle heat, the “Ika Nirá” quickly established itself as my favorite meal highlight. This dish combines perfectly cooked calamari with nirá (garlic chives), a vegetable cherished in Asia for its rich flavor and texture. What makes this traditional dish special and unique is the balanced seasoning. It delivers a gentle warming spice that enhances the natural sweetness of the seafood without overpowering it, resulting in a harmonious and deeply satisfying flavor.
The last dish I’ve tried was the famous "Tiradito," which balances heat and freshness. This plate is inspired in a Peruvian Japanese dish, which combines cuts of tuna bathed in a vibrant jalapeño sauce and crispy green onions. This dish is a masterclass in texture and brightness, offering a refreshing and tasty bite that showcases the kitchen's technical skill. However, while this dish is deeply rewarding for lovers of bold flavors, it is undeniably very spicy because of the jalapeños.

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At last, dining at Mokutan is much more than just a meal; it’s a memorable experience. By blending the casual, welcoming tradition of a Japanese izakaya with various flavor combinations, the restaurant creates an environment where food becomes an adventure. From the messy delight of the “Suwiito Korn” to the perfectly balanced “Ika Nirá” and the spicy "Tiradito," every dish tells the story of culinary creativity. I definitely recommend this restaurant for people who are willing to taste new things and open their minds to new culinary experiences in the heart of São Paulo.