Are you looking to experiment with Asian foods in Kolkata? If so, teppanyaki is definitely something you should try!

It’s a Japanese form of cooking and is derived from the word ‘teppen” which means an iron pan or plate and ‘yaki’, indicating pan-fried, barbecued or grilled. So, in a nutshell, the term literally means ‘grilling on a plate’ and various foods are prepared with this method including seafood, meat and even noodles. And one of the most interesting aspects of this type of cooking is that it can be done in the same place, making it an experience to share with loved ones. 

If it sounds like something you would like to try and want to learn more about, keep reading this blog. 

The Basics of Teppanyaki Iron Plate Cooking

Here are some things you should know about in terms of the Teppanyaki cooking form. 

The Basics

Teppanyaki cooking takes place over a wide iron plate grill and it was a popular form in the western Kansai region during its early days. And, initially, it was used to cook things like fried noodles. But it was in Tokyo that the teppan grill started being used to grill different items in restaurants. 

In most restaurants, the grill is placed on the tableside and the chef typically prepares the food in front of the guests. And, they use fresh ingredients to prepare the dishes and use a very small amount of oil. Generally, different shoyu-based sauces are served alongside the dishes to be used as a dipping sauce. To cook the foods on the grill, the chef uses grill forks and metal spatulas and sometimes a sharp knife to cut the meats. 

Teppanyaki vs Hibachi

This grilling form is often confused with the Hibachi grill but they are different forms of cooking. 

In the Hibachi grilling method, the food is commonly cooked over an open fire in a barbecue-style but the Teppanyaki uses a sturdy frying pan that offers a large surface to cook on. Hence, it’s possible to cook vegetables such as carrots, onions, mushrooms and rice along with other things on the grill as they won’t fall from the grate. 

Ingredients and Accompaniments Used

The Teppanyaki iron plate cooking is currently being used in western cuisines too and you can find them in Asian restaurants in Kolkata and in other Indian cities too. And as such, some of the most common ingredients used are chicken, lobster, shrimp, assorted vegetables, rice and noodles too. Most commonly soyabean oil is used to prepare the different ingredients on the grill but some chefs may use butter or olive oil too. 

The dishes are commonly accompanied by zucchini, mung beans, fried rice and garlic chips. Along with these, restaurants across the world also offer different dipping sauces however in traditional Japanese culture, only soy sauce is served with the dishes. 

The Cooking Style

Typically, guests that opt to try dishes made with this style are seated at a large table that has the grill in the middle and the chef stands at the table and “performs” a show for the guests. They begin using the tools in which the spatula, fork and knife are flipped, tossed, clanged together or drummed. Then, the chef skilfully dices and chops the different ingredients before setting them on the grill and the overall scene is an entertaining one. 

In many restaurants, chefs perform different variations and tricks to entertain guests, such as:

  • Arranging the onion rings that mimic the appearance of a fire-shooting volcano
  • Throw an egg and split it open using the spatula before it falls on the grill
  • Create drawings using the egg like hearts
  • Flip small pieces of food into the guest’s mouth

And what’s more? When you opt to try the Teppanyaki iron plate cooking method, you can choose the chef and also tell them how you want them to prepare your food. 

As you can see, this modernised Japanese cooking style is both delicious and a fun experience to share with loved ones. And, it can be an interesting activity to experience with friends and family. It will definitely give you a memorable dining experience that you remember for a long time.