A Teppanyaki Grill is a unique dining venue that offers a distinct style of Japanese cuisine. The term “teppanyaki” is a combination of two Japanese words: “teppan”, referring to the iron griddle or plate used for cooking, and “yaki”, which translates to grilled, broiled, or pan-fried. At these restaurants, meals are prepared directly in front of the guests on a flat, propane-heated iron griddle, adding an element of live entertainment to the dining experience. The food cooked on the teppan can range from steak, shrimp, and assorted vegetables to more traditional Japanese dishes like okonomiyaki and yakisoba. The specific menu, however, can vary from one establishment to another.
The concept of teppanyaki-style cooking was first introduced in Japan in 1945 by Shigeji Fujioka of the Misono restaurant chain. It was later popularized in the United States by the Benihana restaurant chain, which opened its first restaurant in New York in 1964. These restaurants continue to emphasize the theatrical aspect of teppanyaki cooking, with chefs often performing tricks and telling jokes as they prepare the meals.
Origin and history of the teppanyaki grill
The teppanyaki grill, a popular dining style known for its theatrical food preparation, has its roots in Japan and the United States. The concept of cooking Western-influenced food on a “teppan” or steel grill, known as “teppanyaki”, was first introduced in Japan in 1945 by Shigeji Fujioka of the Misono restaurant chain. However, it was more popular with foreigners than with the Japanese, who enjoyed both the cuisine and the chefs' skilled maneuvers. The chain capitalized on this popularity among tourists, enhancing the performance aspect of the chef's preparation, such as creating a flaming onion volcano.
The teppanyaki grill concept was brought to the United States by Hiroaki Aoki, who established Benihana Inc. in New York City in 1964. The restaurant featured a knife-wielding, joke-telling chef preparing meals at a teppanyaki table, surrounded by a wooden eating surface in front of the guests. The restaurant gained popularity in early 1965 following a rave review from Clementine Paddleford of the New York Herald Tribune. It soon attracted celebrities like The Beatles and Muhammad Ali, leading to the opening of a larger restaurant within a year. Today, the company operates or franchises 116 Japanese-influenced restaurants worldwide, including its flagship Benihana Teppanyaki brand, as well as the Haru (fusion cuisine) and RA Sushi restaurants.
Unique characteristics of teppanyaki grills
Size
Teppanyaki grills are typically larger in size compared to other restaurant types. This is primarily due to the unique dining style they offer. Teppanyaki restaurants feature large, flat iron griddles (teppan) around which customers are seated. The chef prepares the meal right in front of the customers, turning cooking into a live, interactive show. This requires a significant amount of space for the teppan, seating, and room for the chef to perform.
Atmosphere
Teppanyaki grills offer a unique dining experience compared to other restaurant types. The most significant difference is the interactive and theatrical cooking style. Chefs prepare meals directly in front of customers on a hot iron griddle, known as a “teppan”. This not only provides a visual spectacle but also allows diners to engage with the chef, creating a lively and entertaining atmosphere.
Menu
Teppanyaki grills offer a unique dining experience compared to other restaurant types. The menu primarily features dishes cooked on an iron griddle, known as a “teppan”. This includes a variety of meats, seafood, and vegetables, often served with rice or noodles. The dishes are typically seasoned with soy sauce, sake, and mirin, reflecting the traditional Japanese flavor profile.
Service
Teppanyaki grills differ from other restaurant types primarily in their style of service and cooking method. In a Teppanyaki restaurant, meals are typically prepared and cooked right in front of the customers on a large, flat iron griddle known as a “teppan”. This interactive dining experience often includes a display of culinary skills and tricks by the chef, making it not just a meal but a form of entertainment.
Alcohol
Teppanyaki grills and other restaurant types differ significantly in their alcohol serving styles. Teppanyaki grills, originating from Japan, often offer a unique dining experience where chefs cook food on an iron griddle (teppan) in front of guests, often with theatrical flair. The alcohol served in these restaurants typically complements this experience and the cuisine. They primarily serve Japanese alcoholic beverages like sake (rice wine), shochu (distilled beverage), and Japanese beers. Some also offer cocktails with a Japanese twist.
What items are typically on a teppanyaki grill’s menu?
Appetizers
Appetizers at a teppanyaki grill often include Edamame ($5.21 ~ $9.04), Gyoza ($6.27 ~ $12.00), Shrimp Tempura ($7.63 ~ $18.04), Yakitori ($5.89 ~ $12.32), and Miso Soup ($2.54 ~ $8.91).
Teppanyaki Entrees
The main course at a teppanyaki grill typically includes Filet Mignon ($18.12 ~ $59.00), Chicken Breast ($3.85 ~ $21.61), Shrimp ($5.02 ~ $24.95), Scallops ($7.32 ~ $29.75), Lobster Tail ($18.55 ~ $59.98), Vegetable Delight ($7.59 ~ $16.03), Salmon ($4.49 ~ $26.15), Swordfish ($20.90 ~ $38.98), and Tofu Steak ($6.97 ~ $15.33).
Sides
Sides at a teppanyaki grill often include Fried Rice ($4.43 ~ $16.81), Grilled Vegetables ($3.15 ~ $13.98), Noodles ($3.21 ~ $10.84), Mushrooms ($2.00 ~ $16.36), Zucchini ($2.33 ~ $11.45), and Onions ($1.00 ~ $14.99).
Desserts
Desserts at a teppanyaki grill often include Green Tea Ice Cream ($3.94 ~ $10.99), Mochi Ice Cream ($3.40 ~ $9.30), Tempura Ice Cream ($5.73 ~ $10.50), and Fresh Fruit ($3.49 ~ $25.71).
Drinks
Drinks at a teppanyaki grill often include Sake ($4.77 ~ $21.94), Japanese Beer ($16.23 ~ $19.55), Green Tea ($2.60 ~ $7.23), and Soft Drinks ($2.00 ~ $4.25).
Are teppanyaki grills popular for breakfast, lunch, and dinner?
Traditionally, Teppanyaki is not associated with breakfast. The menu typically consists of seafood, steak, and vegetables cooked on a large iron griddle, which doesn't align with conventional breakfast foods. For lunch and dinner, teppanyaki grills are quite popular. Lunchtime often attracts business people and those looking for a quick, yet satisfying meal. The interactive cooking style and the ability to customize orders make it a fun and engaging dining experience. Dinner at a teppanyaki grill is often seen as an event. The theatrical cooking style, where chefs showcase their skills right in front of the diners, makes it a popular choice for celebrations, group outings, or a special night out.
Are teppanyaki grills popular for food delivery?
Teppanyaki grills are known for their unique dining experience where chefs prepare food right in front of customers, often with theatrical flair. This interactive, live-cooking aspect is a significant part of the teppanyaki experience, which unfortunately cannot be replicated through food delivery. However, the popularity of food delivery from teppanyaki grill restaurants can vary based on several factors. In urban areas or among customers who prioritize the taste and quality of food over the dining experience, teppanyaki grills may still be a popular choice for food delivery. Their menu items like sushi, grilled seafood, and meat dishes can travel well and retain their flavor during delivery.
What are the most popular teppanyaki grill chains?
When it comes to popular teppanyaki grill chains, Benihana Inc. and Edo Japan stand out. Benihana Inc., an American restaurant company, was established by Hiroaki Aoki in 1964 in New York City. Now headquartered in Aventura, Florida, it owns or franchises 116 Japanese-influenced restaurants globally. These include the flagship Benihana Teppanyaki brand, Haru (fusion cuisine), and RA Sushi restaurants. Edo Japan, another popular teppanyaki grill chain, was founded in 1979 by Reverend Susumu Ikuta, a Japanese Buddhist minister. The company is based in Calgary, Alberta, Canada, and as of 2022, it boasts over 160 locations across the country. Edo Japan's core menu items are made to order using a signature teriyaki sauce and cooked on a 450 °F (232 °C) teppan grill.
References
About Otter
- Increase revenue up to 10% with Marketing*
- Reduce storefront downtime by up to 50% with Live Alerts*
- Increase sales up to 50% with Digital Dine-In's QR code ordering*
- Reduce missed orders to less than 1% with Order Manager's Auto-Accept feature*
- Supercharge your food business with our all-in-one restaurant POS system*