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Welcome.---------- May 2017 ----------Heading south along Hanazono Street towards Minami Taru, across from Boa New Hakomukai, you will find Nikuyaki, a meat grill restaurant. The impressive open flame in front of the store catches your eye. Inside the deep and almost slightly elevated space, the kitchen is bustling with the smiles and humble demeanor of the staff. By 7 pm, the restaurant was fully packed. I learned that although there are many family members involved in running the restaurant, the bond between parents, siblings, and the family is deep and strong, creating a warm and welcoming atmosphere. There are only two table seats, and sitting at one of them provides a close view of the kitchen, with the staff frequently coming over to interact with you.
The restaurant has been in operation for 17 years, and despite its age, it is well-maintained due to its recent relocation. I ordered a lemon highball and a generous serving of charcoal-grilled kimchi. The food included a crispy and chewy kakuteki, a mild spicy cabbage, and a refreshing cucumber salad. The Cholegi salad was a mix of sesame oil-flavored greens with Korean-style dressing, a perfect start to the meal.
The highlight of the meal was the premium kalbi, which melted in your mouth with a refined taste. The upper tongue had a tender texture and a refreshing fat content. The sanchu with miso complemented the meat dishes perfectly. The salted pork trotters had a crispy texture and a juicy sweetness. The pork cartilage was cooked to perfection, providing a crunchy and enjoyable eating experience. The thick-cut, fatty pork belly was long and had a unique texture due to the cuts in the fat, making it crispy and juicy.
The spicy miso tripe was crunchy and packed with flavor, with a well-cooked texture and a sweet and savory miso sauce. The sagari with a tender texture and a strong beefy flavor was a hit. The marbled Japanese beef sirloin was rich in fat, creating a heavenly experience. The thick-cut special tongue had a strong sweetness, which was enhanced by squeezing lemon over it.
The Yukkejang soup was a delightful combination of sesame oil, beef broth, and egg, providing a smooth and slightly spicy flavor. The overall experience was enhanced by the warm and welcoming atmosphere created by the family running the restaurant. From start to finish, I enjoyed a moment of hospitality and delicious food. Thank you for the meal.