These days, it seems like there are always new food trends battling for people’s attention. The latest, and one of the tastiest, culinary trends is yakiniku. Although yakiniku is having a culinary moment right now, its origins can be traced all the way back to ancient Japan. 

A Guide to Yakiniku

What Is It?

The word “yakiniku” comes from the Japanese and roughly translates to “grilled meat.” A traditional Japanese diet used to contain lots of meat, but once Buddhism became more widespread, locals switched to a more plant-based diet. However, Japan’s neighbors in Korea continued to eat a meat-heavy diet. Yakiniku is now often associated with Korean-style barbecue and refers to cooking bite-size pieces of meat over a small flame.

Where Can I Find It?

Today, Yakiniku can be found in many restaurants around the world and is often referred to as Korean barbecue. When ordering yakiniku, customers get to decide what they want to grill over the open flame to accompany it. This style of eating is best done with numerous friends or family to sample as many cuts of meat as possible. Popular foods to cook while ordering yakiniku include beef, pork, chicken, and various vegetables to complement the meat consumption.

Looking for a destination in which to enjoy yakiniku? Sura Hawaii in Honolulu, HI, has a quality menu and an abundance of Korean BBQ waiting for you. The dish is best enjoyed with several others by your side, so bring a group and prepare to feast. For more information regarding the restaurant’s menu and hours, visit their website or call (808) 941-6678 to speak with a representative. You can also connect with them on Facebook.