Sakata Teppanyaki

People are so easily amused. Teppanyaki tricks for humans are what a wool ball is to a kitten. Slapping of plastic bowls, giggles of reluctance and embarrassment as diners are pushed to participate, screams of delight and raucous applause for the chef after each act disrupts the constant murmuring amongst other patrons. No food fights for us tonight, but it looks like people here are having a whole lot of fun.

The a la carte menu is packed with dishes you’d find on any other standard Japanese menu, from sushi and sashimi, to teriyakis, udons and don sets. Besides tasting exactly how every other average place does a teriyaki beef, the Gyunikumaki provided appeal, thinly sliced strips of beef grilled then wrapped with cucumber in a teriyaki sauce. At $7, the okonomiyaki sadly lacked presence and could have been better value if it was a proper sized and piled with filling. Freshness of the fish is unquestioned, though the serving temperature... Stay away from the curry chicken don, it was dry and bland, a yellow colour resembling more like a Malaysian curry, only pepper saving it’s blushes. A set of animals comes in the appealing Makunouchi box featuring teriyaki chicken, katsu chicken, pork and salmon sashimi.

I might not have left with that singing that cheery annoying advertising jingle, but it’s a family filled atmosphere with plenty of laughter, alright for a local.

2 / 5 yums!

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Where? Shop 25, K-Mart Plaza Shopping centre, corner Blackburn Rd and Burwood Hwy, Burwood East

What? Average Entrees $7, Main - $17

Left to Right : Okonomiyaki, Gyoza, Californian Rolls, Sashimi, Curry Chicken Don, Makunouchi Bento Box, Gyunikumaki, Tatsuta Curry, Teriyaki Beef