Otoshi Starter Appetizer (お通し - Otōshi)
The small starter dish ('Otōshi') automatically served upon sitting down at a Japanese Izakaya, which functions as a table cover charge (usually around 300 to 500 yen). It signifies that your table's order is officially open.
Rooted in retro hospitality to ensure bathers have something to snack on immediately with their first drink while custom kitchen orders are being freshly cooked. The word literally translates to 'passing through' or 'approved'.
Upon being seated, a staff member will bring a tiny dish (such as stewed meat, cold tofu, or potato salad) for each guest. Do not attempt to send it back; view it as a unique, hospitable local cover charge system.
What is the correct understanding of the small automatic starter dish called 'Otōshi' at an Izakaya?