Shimikin (Fukuroi izakaya)

A married couple works cheerfully and quickly at the tavern Shimikin. It is an old tavern that every local in Fukuroi knows. They receive orders with a “Hai!” and start cooking at once. The counter seats are the best. They grill food right in front of you. When you order alcohol, colored plastic tokens are given. It is fun to see them pile up too.
It has been more than 60 years since the previous owner opened this tavern. Since then, with Fukuroi’s livestock market referred to as the biggest in Asia, it has been attracting many customers from all over Japan. It was the last owner who named pig’s feet with a lot of collagen as “omoro”. It was taken from“Omoro-soshi”, a collection of ancient songs in Okinawa. The last owner was unconventional and he left some dishes with names you won’t understand at a glance.
I ask, “What’s furusato (hometown in Japanese)?” The owner says, “That’s a pig womb. Everybody comes from there, right?” I see! That’s how the night of Fukuroi starts. I raise the red noren once again. Their friendly words of gratitude chase me as I look back. The night is still young. Where should I go next?

The shop famous for its pig’s trotter cuisine, “Omoro”, is always crowded with the locals. Our secret dish is the stuffed peppers!