Hibachi vs Teppanyaki: Which One Should You Try First

There are various types of food preparation, and it can be confusing to pick the one you prefer. For instance, take a look at hibachi and teppanyaki. Hibachi and teppanyaki deal with grilling food over an open flame, usually while the diners watch.

However, they have their own set of differences, too. Keep on reading to find out if you should go for a hibachi or a teppanyaki grill.

What Is Hibachi?

Hibachi is an Eastern heating device. It was first introduced in China and was then brought to Japan.

In Japan, Hibachi is not only a cooking device, but a traditional and popular style of cooking in which the chef cooks the food directly on a hot steel grill in front of the diners. Hibachi chefs usually make a lot of noise doing so. In addition to using flat irons, Hibachi chefs also use spatulas, knives, and flames for cooking.

The diners are seated around the cooking area. They can directly watch the chef prepare the food. Some people say that Hibachi is an interactive kind of food preparation. Hibachi chefs also entertain the diners with their juggling and also brief demonstrations.

Some ingredients are commonly used in a hibachi meal. These include chicken, seafood, pork, beef, and rice.

What Is Teppanyaki?

Unlike hibachi, teppanyaki doesn’t use flat irons. Diners can watch the food being cooked in front of them, but they don’t have to be close to the cooking area.

The cooked food is served on plates and is usually a bit of a stir-fry. Usually, a teppanyaki dish is served with soup or a salad.

In teppanyaki, the food preparation is done on an iron plate. The chef prepares the food using his spatula or the side of the iron plate. The teppanyaki chefs don’t use any special knives. They use the spatula or the side of the plate to cut the food into pieces.

Teppanyaki chefs are known for their showmanship. They use their spatula as a wand to flip the food and make some magic happen with it.

What Are Other Differences Between Hibachi and Teppanyaki?

There are a few other differences between hibachi and teppanyaki. For instance, hibachi chefs prepare only one meal at a time, while teppanyaki chefs prepare a lot of food at the same time. Teppanyaki chefs don’t use the rolling grill. They use a flat steel plate with a griddle on top.

Teppanyaki meals are a bit more elaborate, and the ingredients of a teppanyaki meal are different from hibachi meals.

Which One Is Better for You: Hibachi or Teppanyaki?

As you can see, hibachi and teppanyaki have some distinct differences.

When you are choosing between hibachi and teppanyaki, you have to look at your preferences. If you want to eat a heavier meal, then teppanyaki might be for you. It comes with stir-fried food—usually with lots of veggies.

If you want to indulge in a more delicate dish, you should try hibachi. Hibachi meals are usually cooked with lean meats and seafood. They also come with some veggies in them.

So, if you want something healthy, hibachi may be your best bet. If you prefer something saucier and heavier, go with teppanyaki.

Final Thoughts

Both hibachi and teppanyaki offer great dining experiences. Many people enjoy eating hibachi meals because it’s like having a show in their own dining area. And if you prefer lean meats and seafood, hibachi is for you.

Do you want to try out a hibachi? Check out the hibachi at home grill options at Backyard Hibachi. Aside from the grills, we also offer hibachi cooking tools, grill accessories, replacement parts, and a whole lot more. Start shopping by going through the products on our website or give us a call for more information.