Yakiniku is a style of Japanese dining where you cook bite-sized meat and vegetables on a grill at your table. (焼肉, yakiniku) 焼 (yaki) – meaning “grilled” and 肉 (niku) – meaning “meat”.
Yakiniku How Do You Do?
Yakiniku is a term used in Japan 焼肉. But has gained popularity worldwide. Especially were Japanese food influence is prominent. It translates directly into grilling meat. Therefore it is exactly that. Except it is an interactive dining experience unique to Japan. Similar to the Korean BBQ. Or even the South African Braai. But in South Africa we braai on a big braai and one person is usually responsible for braaing the meat. In Japan, Korea and other Asian countries BBQ-ing is very common. Except most Hibachis (Asian braais) are much smaller than traditional South African braais. They are small table braais/bbqs, and often communal in terms of the braai master.
Yakiniku is an Interactive Foodies Experience unique to Asia
What makes this interactive is that everyone sits around the table and grills their own met. Making it a completely social and communal way of dining. Whereby there are numerous dishes on the table. And everyone shares from these dishes. Meaning you dish up your own food from the shared food on the table. As well as bbq your own meat. It is very common in many Asian countries with restaurants filled with bbq tables. Some with traditional bbq/braai. And others with grills. Which is also common. As seen in this images.
How Does the Braai/BBq work if it’s inside?
The braai uses a special charcoal called Binchotan 備長炭 . Allowing you to have a smoke-less experience. Since the braais are on the table and in the house. Rather than outside like a traditional South African braai. Therefore Binchotan is special charcoal because it burns cleanly with a high steady heat. And the alkalised ashes are said to neutralise protein acids and other undesirable acidic products during cooking. Many high-end restaurants use it for grilling. And it is believed that the best yakitori restaurants use binchotan.
What Makes this Experience Different?
This is a uniquely Asian experience. Because in western countries, including South Africa, we don’t dine like this. Meaning we rarely share meals. Often everyone is ordering their own dish on the menu. Which means you lose out on a taste experience of multiple dishes.
While we used to offer this as a private dining experience we now only do it via special requests. So if you’re in Cape Town and you’re dying to yakiniku at home, we’re always ready to serve you! Reach out to us for this special enquiry!
Did you know that Chef Taki offers bespoke private Asian dining in Cape Town? Chef out chef Lennox’s gourmet fine dining Asian menu to enjoy a deletable experience with us!
