PRETZ please!

Pretz - Melon pan flavor

Recognized as one of the most popular snacks in Japan, Pretz (pronounced Purittsu) are crunchy biscuit/pretzel sticks dusted with over 75 different flavors (mostly savory ones). Sold either in a box (4 packs) or as individual snacks (1 bag), Pretz are about as addictive as a tube of Pringles. Most flavors are only sold in Japan so next time you find yourself inside a Seven Eleven in Tokyo, see how many flavors you can find!

Chicken wing Pretz

Some specific flavors are only sold in certain parts of Japan to showcase the region's specialty - Fukuoka for example has giant Mentaiko (spicy cod roe) flavored Pretz because they make the best mentaiko. Hiroshima Pretz is Okonomiyaki (Japanese pizza), Kyoto is wasabi, and the list goes on. 

Pineapple Pretz

So far we can say that Super Butter Pretz (which can be found in most Japanese supermarkets in the States) and Bacon Pretz are favorites of the Bamboo staff. We also love the savory Tomato Pretz and Salad Pretz, while Corn Pretz and Roast Pretz are go to options when craving something sweeter. Some flavors are definitely strange at first, but because they're so lightly dusted with seasoning, the wonderful taste of the cookie is what you're always left with in the end. Now look at the list below and see how many flavors you've tried!

Corn bacon Pretz      

PRETZ FLAVORS - Can you think of more that are not on this list?

• ROAST PRETZ
• SALAD PRETZ
• 11 TYPES MIXED SALAD PRETZ                                                
• TOMATO PRETZ (ALSO AVAILABLE IN GIANT SIZE)
• HONEY MUSTARD PRETZ (AKA AMERICAN PRETZ)
• CORN PRETZ
• KONA COFFEE PRETZ
• SALT CARAMEL PRETZ
• PIZZA PRETZ
• EDAMAME PRETZ
• BLACK PEPPER PRETZ
• HONEY AND POMELO PRETZ
• BAKED POTATO PRETZ
• CHEESE AND POTATO PRETZ
• BUTTER PRETZ
• BACON PRETZ
• MAPLE SYRUP PRETZ
• MAPLE AND BUTTER PRETZ
• EGG PUDDING PRETZ
• MOZZARELLA MEETS WINE PRETZ
• CHEDDAR MEETS WINE PRETZ
• FRIED PRETZ
• MELON PRETZ
• SPICY CHICKEN PRETZ (AKA BEER PRETZ)
• CACAO PRETZ
• BASIL PRETZ
• PURPLE POTATO PRETZ
• ASPARAGUS PRETZ
• CHEDDAR PRETZ
• CHEESE PRETZ
• CORN BACON PRETZ
• SCALLOP BUTTER PRETZ
• HAM & CHEESE PRETZ
• HARD-BAKED PRETZ
• PUMPKIN PRETZ
• POTSTICKER PRETZ
• GREEN BEAN PRETZ
• HATCHIMITZU PRETZ(AKA HONEY PANCAKE PRETZ, KID'S SIZE)
• MILK COCOA PRETZ (KID'S SIZE)
• FRUITS PRETZ
• HERB CHICKEN PRETZ
• BLUEBERRY CHEESE DOUBLE PRETZ
• MATCHA VANILLA DOUBLE PRETZ
• EBI CHILI PRETZ (AKA SHRIMP CHILI SAUCE PRETZ, ALSO AVAILABLE IN GIANT SIZE)
• HOKKAIDO POTATO PRETZ
• FRENCH TOAST PRETZ
• GRILLED CURRY PRETZ
• BAKERY FLAT STYLE PRETZ
• TAKOYAKI PRETZ
• MAPO TOFU PRETZ (AKA PANDA PRETZ DUE TO THE PANDA IMAGE ON THE BOX)
• APPLE PRETZ
• MELON PAN PRETZ
• SALT BUTTER PRETZ
• SEAWEED WASABI PRETZ (LIMITED EDITION)
• SPICY SQUID PRETZ (LIMITED EDITION)
• GIANT PRETZ EDO (LIMITED EDITION SOLD IN TOKYO, JAPAN)
• GIANT EEL PRETZ (LIMITED EDITION SOLD IN SHIZUOKA, JAPAN)
• SOBA PRETZ (DISCONTINUED LIMITED EDITION SOLD IN SHINSHU, JAPAN)
• GIANT NOZAWANA PRETZ (AKA PICKLED GREEN VEGETABLE PRETZ, LIMITED EDITION SOLD IN SHINSHU, JAPAN)
• GIANT HACCHO MISO PRETZ (LIMITED EDITION SOLD IN AICHI, JAPAN)
• GIANT MENTAIKO PRETZ (LIMITED EDITION SOLD IN KYUSHU, JAPAN)
• HAWAIIAN PINEAPPLE PRETZ (SOLD IN HAWAII)
• LARB PRETZ (SOLD IN THAILAND)
• CHILLI CHA CHA PRETZ (SOLD IN THAILAND)
• COCONUT PRETZ (SOLD IN GUAM AND SAIPAN)
• MAPLE PRETZ (SOLD IN CANADA, AKA CANADA PRETZ)
• ABALONE PRETZ (SOLD IN HONG KONG)
• SHARK'S FIN PRETZ (SOLD IN HONG KONG)
• HAIRY CRAB PRETZ (SOLD IN SHANGHAI)
• PEKING DUCK PRETZ (SOLD IN SHANGHAI)
• SICHUAN MALA PRETZ (SOLD IN SHANGHAI)
• GREEN TEA PRETZ (SOLD IN JAPAN)
• GREEN PEA PRETZ (SOLD IN JAPAN)
• UME PRETZ (SOLD IN JAPAN)
• GIANT SALMON PRETZ (SOLD IN JAPAN)
• GIANT APPLE PRETZ (SOLD IN JAPAN)
• GIANT OKONOMIYAKI PRETZ (SOLD IN JAPAN)

Have you tasted our top 3 most popular dishes?

For izakaya beginners, looking at our menu can be a daunting experience because of the volume and types of dishes we offer. But you'll quickly find that some dishes make regular appearances at other diners tables. Ask our servers for recommendations and they'll gladly run down a list of our most popular dishes. Today, we're sharing with you our Top 3.

Bamboo's top 3 most popular dishes

#3 MISO SOUPS

Miso manila clam soup

Plural because we have more than one for you to try;

• Classic miso soup with tofu and seaweed
• Miso soup with manila clams and tofu
• Country style miso soup with a stronger broth and kabocha squash

Our soups are extremely popular because they are comforting yet very healthy and savory. Served in classic Japanese soup bowls, they're the perfect light appetizer to start your meal.

* Did you know that the proper way to drink miso soup is to stir the broth with your chopsticks and drink it straight from the bowl? 

#2 EDAMAME

Edamame is a very well known and popular appetizer in America. Usually served warm with a sprinkle of salt, they can be found even in some pubs these days. However, our edamame dish has a kick! We've spiced it up and got creative in the kitchen to bring you revised edamame, better than you've ever tasted before!

We slowly steam our soybeans (never microwaved!) for an even and moist texture and toss them in a soy garlic sauce. Finger licking good!



#1 SPICY TUNA CRISPY RICE

This incredibly popular dish was created at our sister restaurant Ozumo in San Francisco. It was in such demand over there, we had to bring it to Santa Monica!

The mixture of spicy tuna mixed with a wasabi ponzu sauce and topped over cubes of crispy rice, is making people smile and ask for more all across California!

Bamboo's weekend specials

Come and try our delicious and healthy weekend specials. 

On the menu this weekend:

Marinated tuna with spicy roe dressing and micro arugula  $14

Seared black snapper with chili vinegar sauce $12

Onigiri - Japanese rice balls

What could be more Japanese than onigiri! The more laid back cousin of sushi maki, they're usually filled with ume (pickled plums), mentaiko (spicy cod roe), okaka (bonito flakes), tarako (salty cod roe), tuna mayo, and kombu (pickles). Sold in most convenience stores in Japan (and here a Bamboo too!) these tasty rice balls are a favorite snack among the Japanese community because they're easy to make and also very healthy.

Makes about 8 onigiris

Ingredients

•  cooked Japanese rice (I use Nishiki)
•  umeboshi (Japanese picklked plums)
•  mentaiko (spicy cod roe)
•  nori (seaweed)
•  salt

Cooking Directions

1. A couple of tricks to make good Japanese rice; soak your rice for a few minutes and massage a little until the water turns milky white. This removes some of the starch. Do it 2 or 3 times until the water is almost clear. Follow instructions and measurements listed on packaging. When you add your rice, give it a quick stir, put the lid on and leave it alone! I use a timer each time I make rice, this way I don't have to worry about under or over cooking it, and it always turns out perfect.
2. When the rice is cooked, put it in a bowl and let cool. Grab a wooden spoon and gently fold over the rice (do not stir, you want to keep it fluffy!) while adding some salt (until you get your own perfect level of saltiness). Now let's make our onigiris!
3. Grab a small handful of rice, shape it into a triangle (or ball) and make a dent in the middle. It's good to have a bowl of water nearby so you can wet your fingers (it helps with shaping the rice). Add filling of your choice. Wrap a strip of nori (a wider strip will make it much easier to eat) around the rice and you're done! It's that easy!

NOTE: You can keep onigiri by wrapping it in cling film and refrigerate overnight. Zapping it in the microwave for about 30 seconds the next will day make the rice balls nice and soft again.

Dish of the week: Tonpei Yaki

Tonpei yaki is a very popular Japanese dish served in izakayas and family restaurants. Loved by kids and adults (and tourists!) it's a must try for those who aren't ready to dive into chicken bones and firefly squid just yet, but still want to try classic Japanese flavors.

What is tonpei yaki?

It's an omelet filled with shredded cabbage and sliced pork, served with a sweet and savory tonkatsu sauce, mayo and bonito flakes. For those of you who are familiar with okonomiyaki (commonly known as Japanese pizza), tonpei yaki is very similar to that.

Why should I order tonpei yaki? 

To try flavors that are distinctively Japanese but not too complicated. Tonpei yaki is very easy to appreciate and can be eaten for breakfast, lunch or dinner. The shredded cabbage makes it high in antioxidants, while the eggs are a great source of protein and vitamin D.

A glass of barley tea to help you get some zzzs

Feeling stressed out? Can't sleep well? Then grab a glass of barley tea, sit back and let it take effect. Not only is barley tea naturally caffeine free, it also contains melatonin, which helps relaxation and adjusts your sleep-wake pattern, and tryptophan, which aids in sleeping. You can drink it hot or cold and making it is as simple as throwing a large tea bag into a pitcher of water. 

Barley tea is extremely popular in Japan (called mugicha - mugi for barley and cha for tea), mostly drank throughout the summer it's incredibly refreshing and perfect to have on a hot summer night as the wind chimes gently sing in the breeze. 

Mugicha is sold in most Japanese and Chinese super markets. If you like oolong tea, chances are you will also like barley tea. Its taste is very similar with a toasted nutty flavor added to it. Oolong can taste strong and bitter, while mugicha is much milder and easier to drink.

The brewing process is very easy:

Fill a pitcher with water (hot or cold), drop the tea bag and brew for about an hour. You can leave the bag in and refill the pitcher with water until the color becomes too light. This way, you get the most out of one tea bag!

Mugicha is also very healthy as it contains antioxidants to protect against heart disease. It also helps maintain a healthy prostate and is very effective in fighting streptococci and bronchitis.

Look for the red lanterns to find us!

Bamboo's gorgeous Japanese lanterns have finally arrived! Decorating the entrance of our restaurant and patio, the akachochin (red lanterns) represent matsuri (celebration) and an invitation to come in for a drink and a bite to eat. Traditionally, Izakaya menu specialties are painted on the lanterns to attract customers - Some are known for their tofu, some for their skewered meats, pig items, and so on. Here at Bamboo, we have a list of sake not to be missed and some outstanding Robata grilled dishes!

Next time you're on Ocean Avenue near the Santa Monica Pier, look for our red lanterns and join us for an evening of fun, exceptionally good food and sake tasting!

Easy chicken katsudon

Packed with sweetness and umami, chicken katsu is a very traditional and popular dish. Easy to prepare, it's the perfect comforting dish to share with your family. 

(4 servings)

Ingredients

• 3/4 lb boneless chicken breasts, cut in half in thickness and in size
• all purpose flour
• 3 large eggs
• panko breadcrumbs
• oil for deep-frying
• 1/2 medium size onion, thinly sliced in half moons
• handful fresh basil (or flat leaf parsley)
• 1 cup dashi stock
• 2 tsp granulated sugar
• 2 tbsp sake
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp mirin
• cooked Japanese rice

Cooking Directions

1. Dip the chicken pieces in the following order: flour, egg (use one egg) and panko.
2. Heat oil in a large pan to 350 degrees (180c).
3. In another large pan, put the sliced onions, dashi, sugar, sake, soy sauce and mirin, and simmer until onions are tender and translucent (about 5 minutes).
4. In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 2 eggs.
5. Fry chicken pieces until golden brown. Add the chicken to the onions, pour the eggs around the chicken, over the onions, and cook for a minute or two. Sprinkle basil or parsley on top, turn the heat off when eggs are cooked through.
6. Serve with rice.

8 Japanese dishes for beginners

Japanese cuisine has a lot of wonderful flavors and textures to offer, and by no means are they all intimidating. A lot of it is simple, delicious and familiar to what you're used to eating.

Here are 8 Bamboo Izakaya dishes sure to seduce even the pickiest of eaters!

For more, check out our menu

#1. Goma chicken salad 

Cabbage, bean sprouts, cucumber, tomatoes and shredded chicken tossed in sesame dressing.

Photo: Benjamin Conley

#2. Gyoza 

Lightly fried pork dumpling with soy chili dipping sauce.

Photo: Benjamin Conley

#3. Tori nanban

Deep fried marinated chicken served with tartare sauce

Photo:Benjamin Conley

#4. Yosenabe (hot pot)

A healthy and savory hot pot of salmon, prawns, clams, tofu in soy, dashi broth.

Photo: Benjamin Conley

#5. Kinoko kami tsutsumi

Assorted Japanese steamed mushrooms, with truffle and ponzu sauce.

Photo: Benjamin Conley

#6. Kushiyaki (or yakitori) 

Assortment of grilled skewered meats, seafood and vegetables. A Japanese classic!

Photo: Benjamin Conley

#7. Kalbi

Sake-soy marinated kalbi ribs (beef short ribs).

Photo: Benjamin Conley

#8. Ebi cream croquettes

Deep fried shrimp croquettes in creamy bechamel sauce, served with a tomato salsa. An absolute must try!!

Photo: Benjamin Conley