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Sometimes, the reason people go to restaurants is more than just the food, but also the experience. Some restaurants are not like others. There is more to an establishment than meets the eye. That is why, if you are looking for a place where you get good food and a good time, you should visit a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant.
The History of Teppanyaki
The term teppanyaki is derived from two Japanese words, teppan meaning iron plate and yaki meaning grilled. They are a great way to enjoy authentic Japanese food that is cooked and served right in front of you.
But this kind of experience was not so popular with local diners in Japan. This did, however, catch the attention of foreigners who were enchanted by the skills of the chefs that prepared their meals. It was a concept that was new to them. It was an experience that they wanted to share with the rest of the world.
With its popularity, teppanyaki restaurants can now be found all over the world. It was a Japanese sensation that took the world by storm. What started as a mundane sight of people watching their food being cooked has become an experience of its own. With tricks and flair, teppanyaki chefs now know how to put on a good show for their patrons. It was innovation and dramatics that brought people the teppanyaki experience they know today.
Things to Expects in a Teppanyaki Restaurant
If it hasn’t already been said enough, people come to a Japanese teppanyaki restaurant for more than just the food. Although it is one of the main reasons people visit restaurants like this, there are a lot of other aspects that people love about it as well.
For first-timers, this experience can be eye-opening. Who would think that there would be a show while you have your meal? And for regulars, this is the best way to relax and just have a good time. If you aren’t sure of what happens at a teppanyaki place, here are some things you can expect:
The Equipment
When it comes to cooking, certain pieces of equipment are needed to toss your food around. But unlike normal kitchens, you won’t be looking at pots and pans here.
Everything is cooked on an iron grill and is stirred and scraped by different kinds of spatulas and knives. At a teppanyaki place, you are bound to see this equipment bouncing around, so you better watch out for that.
The Seating
Unlike most restaurants, you won’t find yourself seated at a normal table. When it comes to teppanyaki, you will find yourself in front of the grill. This seating is perfect for large groups but for a smaller party, you will be seated together with strangers who also came for a good time. Your orders will be taken individually, and you can watch as it is cooked right in front of you.
Appetiser
When you are about to have an exciting culinary experience, it’s best to warm up your palate with the right appetisers. Before you take a bite of your main course, you will first be served with lighter dishes. The appetisers at a teppanyaki are also called “zensai”.
These usually include dishes like seaweed salads, soups, and even sashimi. Zensai is also served to diners while the main course is still being cooked.
Seafood
Japanese dishes are known for their affinity for seafood. This is true with teppanyaki. Seafood is very easy to overcook, but with the best teppanyaki chefs, you are sure that your food will be grilled to perfection. The most popular seafood ingredients used in this course include scallops and shrimp, but in some restaurants, they also offer lobsters and abalone.
Meat
If you are a meat lover, teppanyaki is for you. Since this is Japan’s answer to American steakhouses, you are sure to get some of the most flavourful beef. In this kind of meal, the meat is the star. Here, you are never going to get low-quality cuts of beef. Whether it’s Wagyu or Kobe beef, premium beef is always the norm. There are even restaurants that offer aged beef for more flavour. And when you think there isn’t enough flavour, you can use some condiments. But, for sure, you won’t be needing it.
Rice, Noodles, Etc.
More than just the meat and seafood, you can also fill up on rice and noodles when at a teppanyaki. You are often served dishes like fried rice and yakisoba before the main course. Just like other dishes, the rice and noodles will also be cooked right in front of you. Okonomiyaki and monjayaki are also popular dishes that are served at a teppanyaki restaurant.
Desserts
After a savoury meal, you may find yourself craving something sweet. Teppanyaki places often have their selection of desserts for you to choose from. You can have cakes, sorbets, mochi, and a lot of other sweet treats. But if you find that you are too full for desserts, some places offer tea or coffee to help push down your food.
Time
If you are having a teppanyaki meal, don’t expect things to be served to you quickly. A lot of the dishes will be cooked fresh for you. If you are looking for a fast meal, this is not the place for you. Teppanyaki is meant to be enjoyed leisurely. Here, you can savour your food while you enjoy the show in front of you.
The Performance
Teppanyaki is known for being an entertaining meal experience. Good food is paired with skill and showmanship. Teppanyaki chefs often go through a lot of training to be able to cook in front of a live audience. A lot of their tricks include the flaming onion volcano, flipping a shrimp into the pockets, and catching an egg on their heads.
Experience Teppanyaki Now!
Teppanyaki may be a Japanese style of dining, but it has evolved to become a worldwide experience. With flavours that are sure to please everyone’s palates, it’s no surprise that teppanyaki is going to be your next favourite thing. And when it comes to Japanese Teppanyaki, Asami is the one for you. Visit us at Surfers Paradise on the Gold Coast. You can also call us on (07) 5504 6158 for reservations.
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