焼き肉 – Yakiniku
焼 “yaki” meaning grilled, or cooked with direct heat. 肉 “niku” meaning meat.. 焼き肉 “yakiniku” therefore meaning grilled meat, on the surface seems a rather simple idea, yet in Japan so amazingly delicious, juicy, and surprisingly diverse in it’s various flavours.
Order from an extensive menu of different cuts and marinades, typically beef. Diners receive a constant stream of plates of prepared raw meat, and cook at the table.
The Grill
Depending on the restaurant, the grill may be either gas or charcoal fuelled. I highly recommend charcoal!
Japanese charcoals used in cooking will usually be of very high quality, burning at the ideal temperature, without imparting any unwanted flavour onto the meat. This delivers the best flavour and experience for the diner, with juicy and delicate meats that literally melt in the mouth!
The Meat
While beef is most common, some restaurants will also have pork, chicken and vegetables on the menu. The menu itself may seem intimidating at first, but you can normally find “sets” which will include a number of plates with different cuts and marinades, all delicious.
The meat is brought to the table raw, and presented neatly on a plate. Diners use utensils to place the meat as required onto a griddle above either gas or charcoal flame. Cook to your liking and enjoy some of the tastiest, melt in the mouth meat you will ever enjoy!
Summary
Said to have been inspired originally by Korean barbecue, yet as much an identifiable part of Japanese restaurant cuisine as ramen, udon and sushi.. Yakiniku is Japans answer to meat lovers everywhere! Try it, enjoy it, waddle back to the station with a belly full of meat, and absolutely return again another day for more!
