Anyone who’s ever been to a Japanese steakhouse knows that the experience is far from ordinary. The sizzling meats, the endless sushi, and the lively atmosphere all come together to create a dining experience you won’t forget. If you’re planning on visiting one of these restaurants soon, here are five things you need to know.
Japanese Steakhouses Are More American Than Japanese
If you’re wondering whether Japanese steakhouses have Japanese origins, the answer is a little complicated. While the concept of teppanyaki (food cooked on an iron griddle) is certainly Japanese, the steakhouse as we know it today is actually more of an American invention.
In the early 1900s, a man named Benjamin Franklin Miller opened the first teppanyaki restaurant in New York City. He called it Benihana, after a red flower that was commonly found in Japan. Miller’s restaurant quickly became popular with both Americans and Japanese tourists alike, and eventually led to the proliferation of Japanese steakhouses across the United States.
So while Japanese steakhouses may not have originated in Japan, they are definitely inspired by Japanese culture and cuisine.
Japanese Steakhouses Offer Teppanyaki-style Cooking
If you’ve never been to a Japanese steakhouse before, the concept of teppanyaki-style cooking may be new to you. Teppanyaki refers to a style of cooking in which food is prepared on a metal griddle. This type of cooking is popular in Japan, and many Japanese steakhouses offer it as an option for diners.
In Japan, teppanyaki chefs cook on large griddles in front of their guests. This style of cooking is often thought of as a performance, and the chef will often put on a show while cooking the food. The word “teppanyaki” actually refers to the griddle itself, and not the style of cooking. In Japanese steakhouses outside of Japan, this type of cooking is often referred to as hibachi-style cooking.
Expect To Be Entertained
At a Japanese steakhouse, the chef is the star of the show. When you walk into a Japanese steakhouse, you will be seated at a large table with other guests. The hibachi grill is typically set up in the center of the room so that all guests can see the action. There will be a chef cooking in front of you on a large griddle, and they will prepare your food right in front of you.
The chef will put on a lively performance as they cook your food, flipping it and catching it in their hat or using fire to impress. You can expect the chef to put on a bit of a show, flipping knives and ingredients in the air and sometimes even catching them behind their back. It’s all part of the fun, so don’t be afraid to clap along or even ask for a photo with your chef at the end of the meal!
They Serve A Variety Of Food Aside From Steak
Japanese steakhouses, or teppanyaki restaurants, are known for their delicious grilled meats and seafood. The menu typically features a variety of beef, chicken, and fish dishes, as well as vegetarian options. In addition to the main course, most Japanese steakhouses also offer a variety of side dishes, such as rice, noodles, and vegetables.
At a Japanese steakhouse, you can expect to be seated around a large grill where the chef will prepare your meal in front of you. This interactive dining experience is one of the things that makes teppanyaki so popular. You can watch as the chef expertly grills your food to perfection and then enjoy the delicious results.