Teppanyaki (ingredients grilled on an iron griddle) is a food in Japan that boasts a reputation for being rather expensive. But in other Asian countries, you can find street stalls offering affordable meat and seafood dishes grilled on an iron griddle. Here's a rundown on why teppanyaki is considered a luxury dish in Japan and where to find some of the best teppanyaki restaurants in the country.
What Makes Teppanyaki So Upscale in Japan?
The Advantages of Using an Iron Griddle and the Ingredients Used in Teppanyaki
However, the allure of teppanyaki lies not just in its expense, but also in its delicious taste. Iron griddles evenly distribute heat to the food and seal in the food's umami (Japanese savory taste). In other words, it's an ideal cooking method that brings out the full flavor of the ingredients and gives them a gorgeous sear.
Originally in Japan, cattle were raised for farming rather than for food. However, a change occurred in the late 19th century due to Western influence, and the culture of consuming beef spread. Concurrently, the breeding of cattle began, whereby small Japanese cattle were crossbred with larger foreign breeds. However, the cattle resulting from this breeding process had a rough temperament, did not comply with agricultural practices, were susceptible to disease, and yielded poor-quality meat. Following World War II, there was a national effort to revive the original delicious wagyu beef, but pure-blooded Japanese Black cattle were nowhere to be found.
On the brink of extinction, four purebred Tajima cattle were discovered deep in the mountains of Hyogo Prefecture. They had escaped hybridization, having been raised in a mountain village 700 meters above sea level and far from other villages. One of the four cows became an excellent sire, and it is said that 99% of today's Japanese Black cattle possess this cow's genes.
What Is the Price Range of Teppanyaki?
If you're planning a trip to Japan, why not try both high-end teppanyaki and the more inexpensive version of teppanyaki?
Restaurants Where You Can Eat Delicious Teppanyaki
oh! My Steak (Shinsaibashi)
oh! My Steak
Closed: Irregular
Average price: [Dinner] 5,000 JPY / [Lunch] 2,000 JPY
Access: Proceed on Nagahori-dori from exit 4A of Shinsaibashi station. You will find it next to "Ichiran Ramen" in the basement of Miya Plaza
Address: B1F, Miya Plaza Shinsaibashi Bldg., 1-3-29, Shinsaibashisuji, Chuo-ku, Osaka-shi, Osaka Map
Kobe Rokkodo Gyunta (Nagoya)
The dish most recommended is the Gyunta Specialty Dish, Ikasujikon (979 JPY), made by stir-frying Japanese beef jaw meat, squid, and konjac (a food made by kneading konjac potato powder) with spicy miso.
Kobe Rokkodo Gyunta
Closed: None
Average price: [Dinner] 3,000 JPY / [Lunch] 1,000 JPY
Access: 1- 5 minutes walk from Nagoya Station on any line
Address: 3F, 3-28-12 Meieki, Nakamura-ku, Nagoya, Aichi Map