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My good buddy Eriko, whom I’ve talked about many occasions on this website, is at all times fast to right folks after they make beef references upon studying she’s from Kobe.
“The cows are slaughtered right here,” she factors out, with a smile and generally even with a morbid chortle, “however they’re raised on Awaji Island, far exterior town limits. We Japanese title our beef primarily based on the place it died, not the place it lived.”
With that technicality out of the way in which, I’d wish to introduce you to a few of the finest beef eating places in Kobe. As a result of let me inform you: The place you eat your beef in Japan is extra necessary than the place the cow lived or died.
Misconceptions About Kobe Beef
Earlier than I checklist a few of the finest beef restaurant in Kobe, we should always talk about a couple of misconceptions about Kobe beef. As I already talked about within the introduction to this submit, there’s the truth that Kobe beef ought to really be known as “Awaji beef,” for the reason that cows used to make it reside most of their lives on close by Awaji Island. However that, maybe, is only a technicality.
One other technicality that grinds my gears? Foreigners who speak about eager to eat “wag you” beef, as if that’s one thing that exists. I’m not attempting to be judgmental after I say this, however useful. Announcing the phrase appropriately, wa-gyū, will improve your probabilities of being understood when asking Japanese folks the place you’ll find finest wagyu in Kobe (I imply, assuming you don’t simply belief my suggestions).
My Favourite Kobe Beef Eating places
Misono
My first expertise with Kobe beef, I’m embarrassed to say, was not really in Kobe. Fairly, it was in Tokyo’s Ginza district, the place Kobe outpost Misono as soon as had a store. The unhealthy information? That retailer is closed. The excellent news? You possibly can benefit from the beautiful eating expertise (and, after all, wagyu) in Kobe not removed from Sannomiya Station (in addition to in Kyoto, and simply west of Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station).
Wakkoqu
In response to my buddy Eriko (a Kobe native), Wakkoqu is among the many finest Wagyu eating places in Kobe—and I can’t disagree along with her. I personally love visiting the “metropolis” location (versus the one close to Shin-Kobe Station), although each supply superb Teppanyaki meals. Do word that in contrast to Misono (which solely seems cellphone reservations), you’ll be able to reserve seats at Wakkoqu on-line.
Steakland
Steakland might be the best beef restaurant to eat at in Kobe: It has a number of places; somewhat than reserving a desk, you wait in a generally lengthy however normally fast-moving queue. I’ve heard some folks criticize this place for being touristic and even cheesy, however I don’t take heed to them. The meals is beautiful, and in addition to: In case you’re in search of a Kobe beef lunch that doesn’t dominate require a lot forethought (or time) Steakland is your best option.
Mouriya
Objectively talking, Mouriya may serve one of the best beef in Kobe, although there are some things you need to know. The primary is that you’re 100% going to wish a reservation, which you’ll make on-line right here. The second? Mouriya serves up life-changing wagyu in a complicated setting, however you’re going to wish to pay for it. Don’t count on an reasonably priced worth within the vary of what you’d see at Steakland.
Hanasato
Positioned simply steps south of Sannomiya Station, Hanasato serves up fantastic wagyu in a small and understated constructing, which nearly seems to be a Kyoto-style Machiya. Notably, this isn’t Kobe beef, however Hida beef from Takayama. Moreover, this restaurant (which isn’t open for lunch, and doesn’t allow the entry of babies) solely accepts reservations through e mail.
Why to Go to Kobe (In addition to the Beef)
Kobe is likely one of the most underrated cities in Japan, primarily as a result of it sits within the shadow of Osaka (very like Yokohama does vis-à-vis Tokyo). Nevertheless, whether or not you come on a day journey from Osaka or Kyoto, or keep in a single day, there’s loads to do:
- Stroll down into town from Shin-Kobe Station through the historic houses of Kitano-cho
- Ascend to viewpoints like Mt. Rokko or Nunobiki Herb Backyard for an superior panorama
- Eat your approach by Nankin-machi, one in every of Japan’s three authentic Chinatowns
- Watch sundown behind Kobe Port Tower because it lights up—or go up inside it as a substitute
Different FAQ About Kobe Beef
Is Kobe beef one of the best beef?
Whereas Kobe beef is definitely the most well-liked beef in Japan (and perhaps even the meat with one of the best repute on the earth), it’s not the one choice. The town of Takayama within the Japanese Alps, for instance, is dwelling to Hida beef. An alternative choice is to make a visit from Nagoya to Matsusaka, to strive that metropolis’s beef.
How a lot is Kobe beef in a restaurant?
Though Kobe Wagyu will be extraordinarily costly within the US or Europe, many vacationers are shocked to find how cheap it’s in Japan. The trade fee clearly impacts the final word worth in your foreign money, however most menus in Kobe function lunch units that vary from as little as ¥3,500 per particular person, with premium choices on supply as low cost as ¥10,000.
Is Kobe beef well worth the hype?
Whether or not you eat it in Kobe, Takayama, Matsusaka or some other place in Japan, Japanese beef is totally well worth the hype. Whereas the serving dimension isn’t what you’d get within the US, Australia or Argentina, the flavour and texture completely reside as much as any expectations you may need set.
The Backside Line
I hope you’re fortunate sufficient to get a reservation at probably the greatest beef eating places in Kobe—or, no less than, those I think about to be one of the best. The excellent news? Irrespective of the ambiance of the place you find yourself consuming, the flavour and texture of Wa-gyu (which is technically farmed on Awaji Island, and never in Kobe metropolis) will blow your thoughts. The higher information? In case you can pair Japan’s most well-known beef with one in every of these impeccable Teppanyaki, it’ll turn out to be one in every of your life’s most unforgettable culinary experiences. Need your whole Japan journey to be one for the document books? Contemplate hiring me to plan it!
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