Niku Sushi — Meat Sushi Looks Great and Tastes Great! Recommended Ways to Eat and Where to Go
What is niku-zushi?
So, just what kind of sushi is niku-zushi?
Niku-zushi is, as its name suggests, sushi that incorporates meat.
The name niku-zushi alone has a delicious ring to it, and with its visuals being uploaded to social media, it has become a major topic.
In fact, this niku-zushi is a dish born overseas.
Sushi, which has undergone its own unique evolution in various parts of the world, came to be combined with meat as well, and the new form of niku-zushi was born.
In other words, the niku-zushi that is currently booming is a new sushi reverse-imported into Japan from overseas.
Recommended ways to deliciously enjoy niku-zushi, and points of caution
Because the history of niku-zushi is still short, there is no particular definition of niku-zushi.
However, niku-zushi basically uses raw meat as the topping in most cases.
Being able to savor the natural deliciousness of meat by eating it raw is the real pleasure of niku-zushi.
Now, let us introduce tips for eating niku-zushi deliciously and safely.
Recommended cuts
The toppings for niku-zushi are wide-ranging.
Beef and horse meat, which are often eaten as sashimi to begin with, are frequently used as toppings for niku-zushi.
For horse meat, cuts such as harami (skirt) or loin; for beef, cuts such as lean meat or fatty cuts (toro)—cuts with a moderate amount of fat are recommended.
While keeping an eye on the marbling of fat, please find the cut to your liking.
Points of caution for eating niku-zushi safely
To eat raw meat as niku-zushi, there are many hygiene-related points of caution.
You need to use meat that has been appropriately handled in terms of freshness, storage condition, and so on.
If you eat niku-zushi at home, master the correct knowledge first, and be sure to use meat that has been processed for raw consumption.
However, processing it at home takes considerable effort.
The way to deliciously savor niku-zushi.
That is to eat niku-zushi that has been processed and seasoned by the hands of a professional.
That is the bottom line.
So, where can you eat delicious niku-zushi?
Information on shops that serve refined niku-zushi that is very much like Japan.
We introduce them below!
5 recommended shops where you can eat niku-zushi
We introduce 5 select shops where you can safely eat delicious niku-zushi.
(1) Honki Yakiniku Niku to Meshi Nikuzushi
The shop that has continued to serve delicious sushi and meat dishes in Susukino, Hokkaido for 20 years is "Honki Yakiniku Niku to Meshi."
The secret to the deliciousness of this shop's niku-zushi is carefully selected Hokkaido-produced wagyu and rice that pairs perfectly with the fat of the meat.
Furthermore, a secret sauce and seasonal condiments serve as a moderate accent.
It is popular as niku-zushi that can be enjoyed not only by taste but also visually.
Shop name: Honki Yakiniku Niku to Meshi Nikuzushi
Address: New Blue Nile, 1-2 Minami 5-jo Nishi 3-chome, Chuo-ku, Sapporo, Hokkaido
Phone: 050-5595-8406
Website: https://www.instagram.com/nikumeshi_nikuzushi/
(2) Nikuzushi Niku Washoku KINTAN Coredo Muromachi
The shop serving niku-zushi that impresses gourmets in Nihonbashi, right in the heart of Tokyo, is "Niku Washoku KINTAN Coredo Muromachi."
Among its many meat dishes on the menu, the niku-zushi prepared by craftsmen well-versed in meat is this shop's signature dish.
Even in the lunch course, it has the air of the "star of the show."
The selection of wines that match niku-zushi is also outstanding.
It is only natural that the shop has many repeat customers among gourmets.
Shop name: Nikuzushi Niku Washoku KINTAN Coredo Muromachi
Address: Coredo Muromachi 1, Unit 305, 2-2-1 Nihonbashi Muromachi, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 050-5593-4936
Website: https://www.kintan.restaurant/shop/muromachi-niku-kappo/
(3) Ebisu Yokocho Nikuzushi
"Ebisu Yokocho Nikuzushi," founded in 2001, is a shop where you can enjoy faithful, original Edomae sushi in a food-stall style.
For those making their niku-zushi debut, this low threshold is a welcome point.
The repertoire the owner created to perfect the deliciousness of horse meat and beef toro is said to reach 30 varieties.
While it is niku-zushi eaten in a down-to-earth atmosphere, a commitment to details such as the rice and vinegar can be felt throughout.
Shop name: Ebisu Yokocho Nikuzushi
Address: 1F, Dai-ichi Kyoei Building, 1-7-4 Ebisu, Shibuya-ku, Tokyo (inside Ebisu Yokocho)
Phone: 03-3444-7005
Website: https://nikusushi.ne.jp/
(4) Shinjuku Masuo Shinjuku Honten
Known for niku-zushi using delicate, non-heavy Ozaki beef is "Shinjuku Masuo Shinjuku Honten."
The niku-zushi of beautifully lean Ozaki beef is popular as a standard, but you will definitely want to try the gunkan with its luxurious combination with sea urchin (uni).
Shop name: Shinjuku Masuo Shinjuku Honten
Address: B1F, Residential Stage Higashi-Shinjuku, 2-19-12 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 050-5592-8532
Website: http://masuo29.com/
(5) GINZA KOSO
The place where you can experience the luxury of eating Japanese black wagyu as sushi is "GINZA KOSO."
The sushi of glossy, marbled Japanese black wagyu has an exquisite balance of elasticity and tenderness.
Also, please try the sushi topped with wagyu seared by the craftsman's skill with salt alone.
The rich flavor of the meat spreads gently throughout your mouth.
Shop name: GINZA KOSO
Address: 8F, Ginza 888 Building, 8-8-8 Ginza, Chuo-ku, Tokyo
Phone: 050-5593-8163
Website: https://www.ginza8888.net/
Savor the distinctive niku-zushi of these recommended shops!
Niku-zushi is a new category that has been accepted even by Japanese people who love traditional sushi.
Niku-zushi diverse in both price range and style is being born all across Japan.
The reason for its popularity may be not only its deliciousness but also its tasteful, beautiful visuals.
The niku-zushi of the shops we introduced is all sushi with different characteristics and appeal.
By all means, please savor the niku-zushi of these recommended shops!
