Yakiniku Hayashi

At Yakiniku Hayashi in Matsue, Edogawa, the richly flavoured sauce is reason enough to step inside. The harami and kalbi are thoroughly marinated, then grilled until fragrant. Each bite brings the rice to mind—a classic yakiniku pleasure, with the sauce adding depth to the meat’s savoury flavour.

The rice deserves attention in its own right. Cooked until fluffy in a clay pot, it has distinct, well-formed grains. Order a large serving and it arrives piled high in the bowl, a generous touch. Alongside the marinated cuts, the salted shibire and kainomi are among the options worth considering, with a good range to suit different tastes.

There is plenty to choose from between rounds of grilled meat, too. Settle in with the simmered dish served as an appetiser and a beer or other drink, then share the well-seasoned pig’s trotters and kimchi. To finish, choose from gently savoury komtang soup, spicy tegtang, tegtang ramen or bibimbap loaded with toppings, depending on your appetite.

The restaurant is open from 17:00 in the evening until 22:00 at night, and is closed on Tuesdays. Reservations are accepted. Payment is by cash only, so come prepared.