Write For Us — Yujin Izakaya
A Big Welcome, Straight From Our Kitchen
Love Japanese food? So do we. From smoky yakitori to velvety miso, our hearts beat faster when there's something simmering on the stove. If cooking brings you joy, writing feels natural, and eating is a serious hobby, you've found your spot. Yujin Izakaya isn’t just recipes, it’s feelings, flavors, and food worth talking about. We’d love to hear your voice, taste your story, and share your plate with our readers. We’re all about real meals, homemade warmth, and cozy dishes that feed both body and spirit.
Who We're Looking For
Writers who care about what they cook. Home chefs, noodle fans, sauce whisperers, bento artists. If your kitchen smells like dashi more often than not, we’re already excited. We welcome folks with stories, tips, clever ideas, and the skill to explain them with ease. You don’t need fancy credentials. You do need a warm tone, clear steps, and a hunger to share. If you can make someone smile while reading about grilled mackerel or oden, we want to hear from you.
What You Can Write About
We feature Japanese recipes, from humble miso soups to hand-rolled sushi. Side dishes, sauces, mains, sweet bites, and everything that fits in an izakaya-style table. Stories with meaning or cooking that connects you with family, places, or memories work great too. Want to write about umeboshi your grandma used to make? Tell us. Got tricks for golden, crunchy tempura? Teach us. New to Japanese cuisine but found something worth sharing? Let’s read it. Seasonal specials, ingredient spotlights, home kitchen hacks, even cultural rituals around food are all welcome.
Recipe Submission Guidelines
Please test your recipe before sending it. Measurements should be precise. Use grams and milliliters, not cups or spoons. Include prep and cook time, number of servings, ingredients list, and clear instructions. Keep steps short. Add personal tips if you have them. Mention what can be made ahead, stored, or reheated. If substitutions are possible, like using chicken instead of pork, or tamari in place of soy, mention them. Dietary tags like vegetarian, gluten-free, or dairy-light are helpful. If your recipe is inspired by tradition, give context. If it’s your twist, share what you changed and why.
Photos Make a Difference
We prefer original images, taken by you, with natural light when possible. Overhead, close-up, mid-prep shots help tell the story. Include at least one final dish photo. No blurry snaps or heavy filters. If you’re a food photographer, tell us. We love good visuals. Aim for clear, appetizing, warm-toned images that feel as inviting as the food itself. Smartphone shots are fine if well lit. If you don’t have photos, let us know, sometimes we can help fill the gap.
Style and Voice
Write like you're sharing something with a friend over tea. Be polite, but don’t dress it up too much. Use short sentences. Be clear. Don't over-explain, but don’t assume readers know every term. Use Japanese terms only when they matter, and explain them simply. Keep your tone warm and respectful, with a pinch of fun. Avoid long blocks of text—break things up into digestible chunks. Humor is welcome. So is nostalgia. Just be yourself, minus the fluff.
What You’ll Get
Your own author byline and bio on our site. A link to your blog, page, or portfolio. Eyes on your work from readers who love food. Our support to shape your writing if needed. No fees required to submit. No guarantee of publication, but we give every submission a fair read. If your piece performs well, you might be invited back for more. Guest features may also get highlighted on our socials.
Things We Avoid
Plagiarized content, AI-written drafts, or recipes that feel rushed. No keyword stuffing or forced SEO tricks. This isn’t a place for spammy links, product pushing, or content with no soul. Submissions must be original, respectful, and aligned with our food values. We also avoid content that exoticizes Japanese culture or misrepresents traditional methods. Please honor the spirit of the cuisine.
How To Submit
Email your pitch or completed article to: contact@yujinizakaya.com.sg
Subject line: Write for Yujin Izakaya – [Your Recipe Title or Topic]
Attach your draft in a Google Doc or .docx format. If you have photos, include them as downloadable links or attach them in high resolution. Also send a short bio (40–60 words), your preferred name, and one headshot if you’d like it displayed. If you’ve contributed elsewhere, share links to that work so we can get a feel for your style.
Before You Hit Send
- Check your spelling.
- Keep grammar clean.
- Read it aloud once.
- Be proud of what you're sharing.
- Make sure the recipe has been cooked and tasted.
- Confirm every ingredient appears in the instructions.
- Double-check all links and images.
What Happens Next
We reply to most submissions within 7–10 days. If your piece is accepted, we’ll let you know the publish date and may work with you on edits. If we can’t publish your article, we’ll let you know kindly. You’re welcome to try again with another idea. If we love your work but think it needs some tweaking, we’ll reach out with feedback and suggestions.
Let’s Keep It Respectful
We care about inclusion, kindness, and celebrating real food. If you’re telling stories that aren’t yours, make sure you have permission or lived experience. Culture is not decoration, it’s life. Recipes should honor their roots, or clearly show your take on them. No appropriation, no parody, no erasure. This is a table for respect.
Contributor Perks & Community
Guest writers gain visibility with readers from all over who genuinely care about food. We highlight some posts in our seasonal collections, newsletters, and upcoming events. You’ll also join a casual community of fellow contributors.
Final Bits to Know
We don’t pay guest writers at the moment, but we give full credit, traffic to your platform, and a chance to be part of something honest and good. If that excites you, we're ready. We’re also open to long-term collaborations once trust is built.
Still Interested? We Hope So
Our inbox is open. Our hearts are hungry. We’re looking forward to what you’ve cooked up.
Send it to: contact@yujinizakaya.com.sg