EAT IN ASIA / Food destinations / Japan - japaneese food
What is so special about Kobe beef? All you need to know about it
Have you ever heard about Kobe beef? Do you like steaks and a good quality meat? If so, read this post and learn more about this Japanese meat.
As the name suggests, Kobe beef originates from the Kobe city in Japan. Kobe is located on Osaka Bay and is known for its marbled beef, that is the most expensive one in the world.
Why is Kobe beef so expensive?
The most important thing that makes this Kobe beef so expensive is its flavor. It is very distinct and incomparable to any other beef taste. Kobe beef is slightly sweet and lean.
How does Kobe beef taste?
As mentioned above, it has a very distinct taste. It is flavor is both sweety and very delicate. The taste is very rich, and the meat is juicy.
How does Kobe beef look like and what is its texture?
Kobe beef is extremely tender and has a wonderful butter like texture. The structure of the Kobe beef meet is also unique. It has a marble like look that derives from the intramuscular fat. That fat makes this meat incredibly juicy and soft.
What kind of beef is Kobe beef?
Kobe beef is a regional staple food that cannot be missed while visiting Japan. This specialty is a meat delicacy that is obtained from the Japanese cattle. To be more precise, Kobe beef is from the Wagyu breed that is raised in the Kobe region. And being even more precise, it is from the Tajima breed from the Hyogo Prefecture. What is more, this pedigreed breed has not only to be born in that Prefecture but also slaughtered.
Of course, not all the meat can be labelled as 'Kobe beef'. To gain this signature, the meat must be of the highest quality. That means that it must pass many strict tests and fulfill many obligatory requirements. Apart from that, the meat must have this characteristic marbling structure that is the consequence of a very high level of the intramuscular fat content.
How is Kobe beef served?
Kobe beef steak
Usually, Kobe beef is served as a steak. In that case you will be able to fully appreciate this distinct flavor and the buttery texture of the meat.
Japanese shabu-shabu
Another form of serving Kobe beef is to prepare it in thin meat slices. When it is served in slices and boiled in a broth with vegetables then it is a traditional Japanese shabu-shabu. Shabu-shabu is a hotpot dish served with sauces for dipping.
Sukiyaki
Another dish with sliced meat is sukiyaki. In that case the meat is simmered in a hotpot. A Japanese sukiyaki is a meat dish in which thin meat slices are cooked slowly with vegetables. The whole cooking or simmering process is done not in a broth, as it is in shabu-shabu, but in a sauce prepared from the soy sauce, sugar and mirin (mirin is a fermented, vinegar like light alcoholic condiment). Sukiyaki is cooked in a pot that is placed at the table.
Teppanyaki
Apart from that, worth mentioning is trying Kobe beef in a good teppanyaki restaurant where grilling is done in front of you on an iron plate. Not only it is a great experience to particpate in the whole preparation but is also a wonderful option for meeting other people gathered close to the grilling chef.
Ramen
If you are a big ramen fan, you can enjoy it with Kobe beef too. There are many places serving it but, in this case, you will not be able to fully taste the characteristic Kobe beef flavor.
Ground meat cutlet
Finally, there is an option of trying Kobe beef in the burger like form. The ground Kobe beef meat cutlet is breaded and served alone as a snack. Thanks to that, you will be able to enjoy the juiciness and the tenderness of the meat. Although at the beginning it might not be very convincing, however it is worth trying too. The ground meat cutlet made from the Kobe beef is delicate, extremely juicy and slightly sweet.
Where to eat Kobe beef? Best places for trying Kobe beef
Of course, the best place to try it would be in Kobe, Japan. However, if you had no chance to have it there, the second-best option would be to try Kobe beef in Tokyo, Japan. The capital is full of places where you could enjoy Kobe beef and have it in any form. That means that not only in a regular beef steak form but also in cutlets and in ramen.
Tsukiji Food Market, Ginza, Tokyo
Tokyo is full of good quality restaurants. I would suggest you go to the Tsukiji Food Market in Ginza, Tokyo. Over there, you will have many options of trying multiple Japanese staple dishes including sushi, teppanyaki, sukiyaki, ramen and of course this exquisite Kobe beef.
Taito, Asakusa
Another place that we would highly recommend is in Taito, Asakusa. One of these places serving Kobe beef is a local restaurant close to an ancient Buddhist temple - Sensō-ji. Do not forget that if only you had a chance to visit this temple during the Sanja Matsuri Festival, you should do it! You will really feel the Japanese spirit and be able to try many Japanese staple dishes like yakisoba noodles.
Author: Beti – A passionate traveler and lover of Asian cuisine, especially Thai and Japanese dishes, Bernadeta brings her culinary and cultural experiences to life in her writing. Beyond her travels, she’s an avid technology enthusiast with a deep interest in data processing, merging her love for exploration with analytical insights.
Photographer: Adalbert – An aficionado of computers and photography, Adalbert captures the essence of diverse cuisines with a discerning eye. A connoisseur of rich flavors and particularly fond of meat-based dishes, he combines his technical skills with his passion for the culinary arts in every shot.
