If there is anything that Jeddah eatery Hokkaido can teach us, it is that it is possible to have a delicious meal and be thoroughly entertained at the same time.
The Japanese restaurant has branches all over the world and is famous for its creative menu and thrilling live cooking performances. For Saudi Arabia-based fans of Japanese cuisine, the restaurant is a must-try.
The mouth-watering offerings are cooked up by chef de cuisine Rogelio Mico who has 20 years of experience and is passionate about live cooking, known as teppanyaki.
Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food. The word teppanyaki is derived from teppan, which means iron plate, and yaki, which means grilled, broiled or pan-fried. The best part about this style of cooking is that it can be done in front of diners, which makes for a fun experience.
There are four set teppanyaki menus available at Hokkaido, each of them with slightly different choices and different price points.
The different options include the Samurai set menu, the Fujiyama set menu, the Nagoya set menu and the Kagawa set menu. The last is the most expensive, at SR200 ($53) per head, as it includes lobster and beef strip loin.
The restaurant has four live cooking tables, each run by one of the four main chefs. It is wise to book in advance if you wish to secure a live cooking table as they are popular.
Diners who choose the Fujiyama set menu are in for an unforgettable treat as it includes appetizers, miso soup, mixed vegetables, fried rice, a selection of seafood and dessert.
The crispy crab salad — with its mix of carrots, cabbage and edamame — and battered and deep-fried tempura prawns are delicious.
The miso soup is served in a clay pot with a large Japanese spoon made of glass and is full of healthy nutrients. The soup consists of a stock called dashi which is mixed with softened miso paste. Many ingredients are added depending on regional and seasonal recipes and personal preference.
After the soup, it is time for some fun.
The uncooked food is brought to the table by the chef, resplendent in his white overalls and red hat.
He flips his spatulas in the air, causing guests to gasp in amazement as flames erupt on the grill.
Considering the chef is mere inches from his guests, you can let him know exactly how you would like your food cooked.
To end the delightful culinary journey, guests can sample one of the restaurant’s scrumptious desserts.
A popular choice is the battered scoop of fried ice cream. Quickly deep-fried, the crispy outside gives way to a cold, creamy center and is served with berries for a tangy accompaniment.
The restaurant offers guests a playful dining experience that can be enjoyed in the plush décor of the establishment.
Even if diners do not opt for the indulgent set menu, the food is delicious and varied — from juicy prawns to fresh seafood and tender chicken, the choices are endless.
Hokkaido is located at the Radisson Blu Hotel on Medina Road in Jeddah and serves lunch between 12:30 p.m. to 3:30 p.m. and dinner between 7:00 p.m. to 10:00 p.m.