Kobe beef is a type of Wagyu beef that comes from the Tajima strain of Japanese Black cattle, raised in Japan’s Hyogo Prefecture according to rules set out by the Kobe Beef Marketing and Distribution Promotion Association. The meat is a delicacy, valued for its flavor, tenderness, and fatty, well-marbled texture. Kobe beef can be prepared as steak, sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, sashimi, and teppanyaki. Kobe beef is generally considered one of the three top brands (known as Sandai Wagyu, “the three big beefs”), along with Matsusaka beef and Ōmi beef or Yonezawa beef.
What Makes Kobe Beef So Special?
Kobe beef is prized for its flavor, marbling, and texture. It has a buttery, smooth, melt-in-your-mouth texture and qualities that make it different from any other meat. The cattle are fed a special diet that includes beer and are massaged daily to ensure their meat is tender and flavorful. The meat is also graded based on its marbling, color, and texture, with only the highest quality meat receiving the Kobe beef label.
Recommended Restaurants for Kobe Beef
If you’re looking to try Kobe beef, there are several restaurants in Kobe, Japan, that serve this delicacy. Here are some recommended restaurants for Kobe beef:
- Kobe Beef Steak Ishida
This restaurant is located in the heart of Kobe and is known for its high-quality Kobe beef. The restaurant offers a variety of Kobe beef dishes, including steak, sukiyaki, and shabu-shabu. - Kobe Beef Steak Restaurant Mouriya
Mouriya is one of the oldest and most famous Kobe beef restaurants in Kobe. The restaurant has been serving Kobe beef for over 130 years and is known for its high-quality meat and excellent service. - Kokubu Steak House
This restaurant is located in Kobe and is known for its high-quality Kobe beef. The restaurant offers a variety of Kobe beef dishes, including steak and sukiyaki. - Steak and Grill Meriken Hatoba
This restaurant is located in Kobe and is known for its Kobe beef steak and seafood dishes. The restaurant offers a variety of Kobe beef dishes, including steak and sukiyaki. - Japanese Restaurant Hanasato Kobe
This restaurant is located in Kobe and is known for its traditional Japanese cuisine, including Kobe beef dishes such as steak and sukiyaki.
Kobe beef is a culinary delight that is highly sought after by foodies around the world. Its unique flavor and tenderness make it one of the most expensive and exclusive beef in the world. If you’re looking to try Kobe beef, there are several restaurants in Kobe, Japan, that serve this delicacy. Whether you’re in Kobe or elsewhere, be sure to try Kobe beef at least once in your lifetime.
