How "authentic" is Teppan Edo?

[mmtska]

I lived in Japan for many years and still go back often.

I have to say that Benihana-style restaurants are not very common. Usually you find them in the big Western tourist hotels or outside the U.S. military bases. What I'm trying to say is, whether it's Benihana or Teppan Edo, whether the staff is Japanese or not, it's not an "authentic" Japanese dining experience.

The counter service place there, on the other hand, is actually only slightly Americanized -- it's very much like a Japanese take-out place you might find in Tokyo. The funny thing about that one, though, is that it's called "Yakitori House," but serves no yakitori. Those are skewers of chicken, basically bar food in Japan.[/QUOTE]

This makes me so sad. I got all excited when I saw the name (I LOVE yakitori) and there's none served. That's jacked up.

Living in Okinawa there are a ton of teppanyaki places on the island, but that's mostly here where there is a huge military presence. Then again there is just a huge variety of food places around. One of my faves happens to be Mexican lol!!

Still bitter about the yakitori though. Guess I'll stop somewhere on the way home and get it to make me happier

 

[TinkerbellinLouisian]

Teppan Edo is a TRADITION for us...

DS & I will be there next week... That being said... I checked wikipedia after blogging on here about 4 months ago about "what is Hibachi" and found... as PP's mentioned... that the style of dining is really westernized and not "authentic" at all...

I agree with PP's that mention that while it is not considered to be 'authentic' it is a LOT of fun...

Our chef in Jul '08 was from Osayka Japan... He had a WONDERFUL show...much better than what is offered at local Baton Rouge Hibachi Restaurants... albeit...I have never been to a "Benihana"....

Have a wonderful visit !

Mary

PS: I can't believe after 10+ visits to Teppan Edo (Previously Teppan Yaki) that the place has gone "downhill" as some have said... however I WILL be around after we get back 5/15...and can report back from our ressies 5/14 at 2:15pm.

 

[nytimez]

Living in Okinawa there are a ton of teppanyaki places on the island, but that's mostly here where there is a huge military presence.

Funny you should write that -- the only place I ever ate teppanyaki myself in Japan was in Naha.

Anyway, enjoy the taco rice.

 

[mommycrawford]

IF you want an authentic Japanese meal experience, I would opt for Tokyo Dining which is quiet and wonderful!...If you have children, it will be a great lesson in manners and humility, as those are very highly prized in Japanese service.

 

[mmtska]

Funny you should write that -- the only place I ever ate teppanyaki myself in Japan was in Naha.

Anyway, enjoy the taco rice.

LOL!!! Yeah there are teppanyaki places EVERYWHERE there. And close to where I live. Taco rice is AMAZING. They even serve it on base at Taco Bell :-D