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No trip to Kobe is complete without trying Kobe Beef. This A5 beef is a must-try when visiting Japan because of its exceptional quality, tenderness, and marbling, which make it one of the most in-demand and expensive types of beef.

Introduction to Kobe Beef

Kobe beef is a type of Wagyu beef that comes from Tajima cattle, a strain of Japanese Black cattle raised in Hyogo Prefecture, Japan, with Kobe as its capital city. The name “Kobe Beef” specifically prefers to beef from cattle that meet certain criteria regarding breed, lineage, and strict production standards within Hyogo Prefecture.

Tajima Beef (High-Quality Beef)

Tajima cattle are a specific lineage within the Japanese Black breed known for producing highly marbled beef. The region’s climate, terrain, and traditional feeding methods contribute to the unique flavor and texture of Kobe beef.

Kobe beef is known for its intense marbling of fat within the meat, which gives it a buttery texture and rich flavor. This marbling is achieved through specific genetics, diet, and meticulous raising techniques.

Why It’s Limited

Kobe beef is produced in limited quantities each year due to strict regulations governing its production. The prefecture carefully monitors and restricts the number of cattle that can be certified as Kobe beef, ensuring only the highest quality meat reaches the market.

Where to Try Kobe Beef

To ensure you’re dining at a certified Kobe beef restaurant in Japan, look for specific things indicating authenticity.

Here’s what to look for:

Kobe Beef Certificate of Authenticity and Bronze Statue: All restaurants display a certificate and bronze statue issued by the Kobe Beef Association, confirming their authenticity.

Certified Kobe Beef Restaurants

Restaurants across Japan that serve Kobe beef must adhere to strict guidelines to ensure authenticity. Certification involves verifying that the beef served meets the standards set by the Kobe Beef Marketing & Distribution Promotion Association.

Complete list of certified Kobe Beef Restaurants, Retailers, and Wholesale Shops in Kobe

10 Restaurants to Enjoy Kobe Beef

1. Mouriya
2. Steak Aoyama
3. Wakkoqu
4. Kobe Beef Ishida
5. Teppan Kawasaki
6. Meriken Hatoba
7. Sai Dining
8. Misono
9. Kobe Beef Daichi
10. Steakland Kobe

Kobe Beef Nigiri

In addition to the typical course menu featuring Kobe beef, you can also enjoy Kobe beef nigiri— a cooked slice of Kobe beef delicately placed atop a sushi rice—some restaurants in Sannomiya and Nankinmachi offer this unique dish.

In summary, Kobe beef’s reputation for quality and flavor is maintained through strict standards, limited production, and a deep cultural heritage. You can enjoy Kobe beef across Japan by identifying restaurants with specific marks or logos that guarantee authenticity.

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