The tasty art of Japanese teppanyaki

Originating in Japan 200 years ago, teppanyaki is as much about the art of presentation as it is about delicious cuisine. Named from "teppan," meaning iron plate, and "yaki," meaning grilled or broiled, this cooking style unites fresh ingredients with a flair for chef showmanship: knife skills, flame tricks and engaging personalities. 

The result is a meal that transforms dining from a tastes-good experience into a full-on entertaining event. One of the best places to sample this style? Tanaka of Tokyo on Oahu. 

We connected with Alison "Bo" Tanaka, executive vice president and CFO of Tanaka of Tokyo Restaurants, to get her take on what makes this dining experience unique, her favorite dishes and why Tanaka of Tokyo is a must-try.

The theatre of teppanyaki

Bo got her start in restaurants from day one.

"I was raised in a restaurant family, so it’s always been in my blood. My dad, Richard Tanaka, opened the first Tanaka of Tokyo teppanyaki steak and seafood restaurant in Waikiki 46 years ago, and it’s become a local destination and experience unique to Hawaii!" Bo shares. "I was lucky enough to grow up working in various positions at all three of our restaurant locations, which has taught me about Japanese culture, hospitality, discipline and hard work."

This feeling of culture and hospitality is front-and-center in Tanaka of Tokyo's teppanyaki cuisine – and it's truly a culinary art form. Meats and fish are cooked on a large, flat-iron grill at temperatures over 500 degrees, bringing out the flavor of the ingredients via a perfectly seared process that retains moisture.

“Teppanyaki cooking locks in the flavor of everything we prepare and retains the juiciness of steaks and seafood better than other cooking styles,” says Bo. 

Why Tanaka of Tokyo is an Oahu must-try 

At Tanaka of Tokyo, guests can expect a meal AND a show!

Located in the newly renovated OHANA Waikiki East by OUTRIGGER, this is the restaurant's newest outpost. It's the only location featuring EVO smart grills that guarantee a consistent sear, and it's just steps from famous Waikiki Beach. Expect open-air dining and a perfectly tropical backdrop that accentuates the vibrant flavors of the islands in every dish.

"What sets us apart from other teppanyaki restaurants is our specialization in combining authentic Japanese Teppanyaki with entertainment, performance and a local-style twist,” Bo shares. 

Local flavors and locally sourced ingredients also play a starring role.

"All of our sauces and dressings are prepared fresh in-house daily. Each meal comes with a house-made salad and miso soup, grilled shrimp and vegetable appetizers, rice, pickled vegetables, green tea and dessert," says Bo.

Must-try dishes

Signature dishes at Tanaka of Tokyo include options for all tastes, each with its own flair. 

“On our menu, you will find locally inspired tropical craft cocktails, local favorites like our house-made poke and seared blackened ahi, and of course, we serve the highest quality seafood and Certified Angus Beef,” says Bo.

Start with the house-made poke or a seared beef tataki featuring Bo's baba's (grandma’s) ponzu sauce recipe. Or try Bo's go-to: the blackened ahi, featuring a signature blend of spices and a mustard dipping sauce.

For an entree, the filet and shrimp combo is one of the top crowd-pleasers. If you're in the mood for all seafood, try the seafood combo featuring salmon steak, Maine lobster tail and sauteed scallops. 

Whichever (flavorful) route you go, don't miss out on Tanaka of Tokyo's famous fried rice – prepared in front of you with amazing bowl and egg juggling tricks. 

Book your stay at OHANA Waikiki East by OUTRIGGER now for the newly renovated style and tasty teppanyaki fun!