Quick Take: Wagyu Steak in Kobe


Location: Kobe, Japan

Author: My Husband

Kobe beef in Kobe. Kind of poetic isn’t it? When we were traveling in Japan, we managed to get our guide to order us a wagyu steak. He got the beef shipped to our hotel via overnight delivery and took us to a self-serve BBQ joint to cook it.

kobe beef

kobe beef

The beef was shipped in a clear air-tight bag along with a piece of fat. We didn’t think it was top-grade wagyu as the marbling wasn’t as extensive or well-distributed as some of the stuff we’ve seen in pictures, but it was still miles better than any steak we’ve seen sold in North American stores.

kobe beef

We threw it on the grill along with some other items we picked up at the restaurant’s food cabinets. We rubbed the slowly melting square of fat all over the surface of the wagyu steak to keep it moist – not that it needed a lot of help in that department.

kobe beef

After browning both sides, we took it off the grill and dug in. It was the most tender piece of beef we’ve had. The reports about the meat melting in your mouth are not far from the truth – it really did melt a little in our mouths, similar to the way foie gras or oh-toro would. Also similar to foie or oh-toro is the rich, pleasing, unctuous mouthfeel. Flavour-wise, there was sweetness and a huge sense of umami. Interestingly, the ‘beefiness’ (or gaminess) was pretty subtle compared to North American breeds. All in all, we thoroughly enjoyed it.

For our readers in greater Vancouver looking for a taste of real Wagyu, visit Nikuya Meats in Richmond. They sell a range of products spanning Japan-raised Wagyu to American “Kobe” beef (along with other interesting meats). Bring money…

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Reader Comments

Comment Number:
1
Written by:
Ben
Posted on:
November 11, 2008 at 5:57 am

So ET … how much did you have to pat for that slab of meat? I have never tried real Kobe beef except for the so-called “Kobe Beef” in Las Vegas buffet tables. My life will never be complete without having tried the real one!
Ben

Comment Number:
2
Written by:
Jonnek
Posted on:
November 11, 2008 at 6:23 am

I’m just wondering if you have tried the Wagyu beef from Nikuya. If you have, how was it? Thanks..

Comment Number:
3
Written by:
webmaster
Posted on:
November 11, 2008 at 9:44 pm

Hey Ben, it was ~$50 USD. We really enjoyed the Wagyu and I’m sure you would as well. I’ve never tried the “Kobe beef” at the LV buffets, but I will go out on a limb and say the real deal is several orders of magnitude better.

[ET]

Comment Number:
4
Written by:
webmaster
Posted on:
November 11, 2008 at 9:57 pm

Jonnek, we haven’t bought Wagyu from Nikuya yet. We’ve been to the store and have seen some really primo Japanese A5-grade stuff there, so I don’t think there’s any question about the quality of their meats! We’re trying to convince ourselves to pick up a steak or two for Christmas… :-)

[ET]

Comment Number:
5
Written by:
Kyle
Posted on:
November 13, 2008 at 2:29 am

The number one reason you wont find stuff that good in the states is, the uber-high grade cattle are not allowed to move around they are kept on really small plots that would not be acceptable (possibly criminal) on American farms. Less movement= more tender and more fat. think veal calves but are kept in tiny conditions not for 6 months but between 18-36 months.

Comment Number:
6
Written by:
Kobeguy
Posted on:
November 28, 2008 at 10:16 pm

I just joined a rancher in Texas who has the best agyu in the US. He just gave me the OK to sell Kobe burger for $5.00 a lb. I am a meat eater and I will tell you this is the best steakburger I have ever had. If interested please call me 561-313-0794 Matt. I would love to share this with everyone.

Comment Number:
7
Written by:
Petti
Posted on:
December 30, 2008 at 7:32 pm

I just had my Wagyu steak from Nikuya when they are still having the 20% off sale. It tastes so good! I went back to stock up other meats but yeah, very pricey.