Yancha-ya やんちゃー家 横須賀

Yancha-house やんちゃー家　escaped a visit (or even a walk by) for 3 years because it was down an old alley that I never felt compelled to walk down. 

(8/26/14 UPDATE: Yancha house has moved. It's now farther from base near Aircraft Carrier Shinano on a back alley. Check the blog map! 

There was a sign along the sidewalk with a menu, but that was never quite enough motivation. For those who are not afraid to explore Yokosuka's alley-ways, they hold some hidden gems and I think you'll be pleased with Yancha-house.

Check out the blog map or click on the location link at the bottom of this post. They also have a restaurant in Kurihama.

Link to Yokosuka Ichiban site (this one is in Japanese) for some additional photos and information.

Note: Since they have moved, the interior pictures will not be the same!!

The counter at Yancha-Ya

My first visit was for lunch and I was very satisfied. At Yancha house you take your shoes off at the door. Seating is counter or tables with trenches for your legs.

The interior is very relaxing and nicely done. Given the hidden nature of the restaurant, you may feel like you're going into territory reserved for only the Japanese. But don't worry, you will be welcomed kindly.

A set lunch example was placed right by the entrance and looked good so that's what I ordered. The only difficulty was when she asked what kind of rice I wanted - either white rice or a rice mixed with some vegetables. Eventually I figured out that the rice is Takikomi Gohan - which is rice cooked with various ingredients such as carrots, mushrooms, and other seasoning. Typically it's all thrown into the rice cooker from the start. If you want to skip that line of questioning, just say "why-toe rye sue" for white rice.

By the end of this lesson you:
- will have learned about Shirasu
- know that Shirasu are not dangerous or bizarre
- know the kanji for house
- will know a good restaurant very near base

One lunch set - Chicken, rice, fish, salad, pickles, miso soup, and potatoes I think

I was the only gaijin (outsider) in the place for lunch - and I'm not too surprised by that since others have likely not felt a need to walk down that alley either.  They recently improved their sign to include pictures of their menu items. I'm sure you recognize it (below) if you spend any time walking out of Womble gate.  There is a lunch coupon worth 5% off at the gnavi site, but this may change throughout the year.

Yancha やんちゃ means rowdy or mischievous. Interestingly, there is no kanji associated with this particular term. If you'd like to start using the term though, I'm sure you can find a use for "yancha-bouzu" which means rascal, mischievous kid, naughty child.  I looked into "bouzu" some more, and it is one of many Japanese honorifics (like -san). Using -bouzu is about the same as calling someone with a nickname like "squirt" or in a friendly tone calling them "twerp", or to express a mild irritation or annoyance. Generally it's reserved for boys. Simply use the persons name and tack on -bouzu to the end.

Yancha-Ya was not rowdy though, having survived two meals there. 

Although there were ashtrays out on the counter I didn't see anyone smoking, which was nice.

The Ya 家 at the end of the name is pretty common in Japan. It means house. Examples include Saizariya and Kalbi House カルビ家.　When by itself it's pronounced as "uchi" which means one's own house. Another "ya" you'll see used is 屋 which means shop, house, or roof. Examples are Kuimono-ya and Saikaya (department store). You'll see both of these quite often in town along with 店　which means shop. All will typically be at the end of the name.

If you come here for dinner expect a "seating fee" of 350 Yen or so that is typical in many Japanese Izakayas. For that you will get a small appetizer-like dish.  I explain this more in other posts so will not repeat it here - but in general it's disrespectful to turn it down.

Starters

The chicken wings should have been bigger. They have really nice ones at Tori Gin and NiJyu Maru (not posted yet) and I recommend they buy their wings where these other places get them (just in case you're listening)

Both of the pizzas are worth trying. Don't be afraid of Shirasu (which are those tiny little white fish you see sold in the market here).  They are harmless, almost tasteless and healthy. Not quite as healthy as Japanese pork belly, but almost. In any case, the garlic and the cheese dominate in this dish. The other pizza is a Blue Cheese and honey pizza which sounds really good - and yes I will try it next time.

Shirasu are baby sardines only a few months old. It's harvested down South by Shizuoka Prefecture.  Other countries have their own version so it's not unique to Japan. They're high in calcium.

You don't find chicken satay in Japanese Izakayas too often. It was pretty tasty. This is what makes exploring these back alley joints work while. The chefs are not afraid to try out new ideas.

Squid was excellent. The bean dessert was meticulously prepared and very tasty. My wife later found a dessert very similar to this in the markets here and now tries to buy it every time.

The tea was delivered at the end of the meal without asking. A nice finish to a nice meal.

Nighttime

daytime

Lunch menu - all pictures so no translation

2/15/14 Update: I was recently in there for lunch and they now have an English menu for lunch and dinner.
So the note and the menu below may not be the latest. I didn't get pictures of their new menu...sorry.

They've recently updated their menu (same time they did the sign - makes sense) and I've translated it below.

As you can see from the menu page below, some restaurants do serve chicken sashimi. This is not unusual in Japan. They can only get away with it because of their strict standards raising these chickens. I suspect most will skip this menu page but it's included for completeness.

Closed every Sunday

Their website.

On line reviews are quite positive from the locals.  Go to the gnavi site where you can also see the menu and more pictures.