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Teppanyaki - The Culinary Art at Its Zenith
The art of fire dancing on the Teppanyaki grill has been a renowned Japanese culinary style worldwide for over 7 decades. To execute this technique, chefs utilize a large metal griddle to cook.
“Teppanyaki” – the Essence of Cuisine from the Land of the Rising Sun
In Japanese, the term Teppanyaki is composed of two words “teppan” and “yaki”. “Teppan” means a cast iron or steel griddle, while “yaki” refers to cooking methods on a griddle such as frying, grilling, or broiling.
In Japan, Teppanyaki involves dishes cooked on a metal griddle, including beef, shrimp, pancakes, and noodles. It may sound simple, but Teppanyaki requires a multitude of intricate skills.
The Art of Teppanyaki, a Japanese Specialty
In reality, Teppanyaki is the fusion and amalgamation of Western culinary influences with traditional Japanese cuisine. So, don't mistake it for being solely a cooking technique from the Land of the Rising Sun.
Teppanyaki made its debut and appeared in a Japanese restaurant chain called Miniso in 1945. This concept attracted more foreign diners than locals, catapulting the Miniso chain to fame. Over time, this cooking style spread to various eateries and even the kitchens of locals in the Land of the Rising Sun.
The Unique Charm of Teppanyaki
The griddles used in Teppanyaki must be made from high-quality metals capable of withstanding high temperatures such as cast iron and steel. The ideal thickness should be 8cm to ensure optimal heat distribution for cooking without burning the food.
Chefs stand in front of diners and cook, allowing them to witness firsthand the process of creating each dish they will eat. Moreover, diners can request chefs to add/remove any ingredients or spices or adjust the doneness of their meal right during preparation.
Tender beef slices cooked to perfection, retaining their sweetness and juiciness on the large griddle
Knife-wielding techniques, ingredient tossing, fiery theatrics, knife or spatula performances will captivate diners. Sharp knives glide through each dish at the speed of light, slicing the meat into pieces before you can blink. Or the 'fire blowing' act, where chefs add strong liquor to the food. When the liquor meets high temperatures, it ignites into dazzling flames.
Conquering the Untamed Stallion
To master the untamed stallion named Teppanyaki, chefs need two crucial skills: restraint and control.
A true Teppanyaki chef must know how to adjust the temperature from a gas stove or charcoal. The griddle's heat must cook the food thoroughly, without being too aggressive, and especially without splattering ingredients or grease around.
Unlike typical pans that are only about 60 cm long, this metal griddle is at least 1 meter long. Due to its size and heat, inexperienced chefs are prone to burns.
The traditional ingredients of Teppanyaki include red meat, seafood, vegetables, noodles, and various cakes. Beef is the most suitable meat for this giant griddle's thickness. Beef dishes retain their characteristic aroma, flavor, sweetness, and tenderness that no other stove can achieve. Seafood is sliced slightly thicker and grilled just right to retain moisture and sweetness.
Wherever the sharp knife blade goes, it slices through Japanese dishes into bite-sized pieces
Dishes made from starch such as noodles, rice, and cakes are also highly requested by diners. For instance, to stir-fry a plate of Yakisoba noodles made from cabbage and thinly sliced meat, chefs use two large spatulas to toss the ingredients evenly together. The noodles must be tossed swiftly, flexibly, but absolutely not to let them break.
The chef is preparing Yakisoba noodles
Teppanyaki is incomplete without Sake and various sauces
A Teppanyaki feast would be dull without the pungent flavor of Sake and the salty, tangy taste of various sauces. Each famous sauce must accompany specific Japanese dishes. For example, Miso sauce pairs well with grilled meat, while Hanabusa sauce complements stir-fried vegetables.
Japanese restaurants have brought the traditional Teppanyaki culture to Vietnamese diners. Notable professional Teppanyaki chefs include Sashimi BBQ Garden, Kobe Teppanyaki, Café Central An Đông, Masterbeefs, and others.
Strong Sake exposed to high temperatures will ignite flames
Chefs are not only creators of simple dishes but also true performing artists. And above all, diners, after witnessing these labor achievements firsthand, will appreciate these hardworking and diligent chefs even more.
To admire and witness the art of Teppanyaki up close with the nearest distance and favorable prices, don't forget to make a reservation in advance through the link below:
Explore the enticing dining deals at authentic Japanese restaurants featuring mesmerizing Teppanyaki performances.
Indulge in the simplicity and delight of buttered bread.
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