Yonezawa Beef Purchased by the Whole Cattle and Prepared in a Variety of Ways

Shokurakutei Asahiya

Tabiiro’s picks: signature dishes

"Niku no Asahiya's" signature Yonezawa Beef sukiyaki

"Yonezawa Beef" personally purchased at auction by the owner

Warishita (sukiyaki sauce), unchanged since the restaurant first opened

"Sukiyaki Set: Yonezawa Beef Loin" with a Perfect Balance of Beef and Warishita Sauce

The sukiyaki set features loin from whole cattle purchased by "Niku no Asahiya." As an authorized buyer at the Yonezawa Beef Carcass Market, the owner personally bids on cattle and selects them based on years of experience. The beef is sliced thick yet remains tender, with the sweetness and umami characteristic of its fine marbling. The key to the dish is the warishita sukiyaki sauce, made to the same recipe since the business was founded. Its sweet-savory flavor complements the beef and pairs especially well with rice. Drawing on the sourcing expertise and techniques of a butcher-operated restaurant, the dish highlights the qualities of "Yonezawa Beef."

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  Whole-Cattle Purchasing Brings Out the Versatility of "Yonezawa Beef"

  "Niku no Asahiya" buys whole cattle to source its "Yonezawa Beef." Rather than relying on grades alone, the owner draws on years of experience to assess each cattle's condition and personally bids for it at auction. Buying cattle whole gives the shop a thorough understanding of the characteristics of different cuts, allowing it to serve each in dishes that suit it best. The expertise built over years as a butcher shop guides its sourcing decisions, helping bring out the best in "Yonezawa Beef."

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  Warishita Sukiyaki Sauce Passed Down Since the Restaurant's Founding

  The warishita sukiyaki sauce is one of the restaurant's defining elements, made to the same recipe since the business was founded. Its balanced sweet-savory flavor complements the sweetness of the fat and the natural flavor of "Yonezawa Beef." As the meat cooks, its savory juices blend into the sauce, deepening the flavor as the meal progresses and allowing the character of "Yonezawa Beef" to come through to the last bite.

Popular pairings

"Yakiniku Course" for savoring the full flavor of the meat

Carefully crafted yakiniku from "Niku no Asahiya"

Savor it slowly from appetizers to dessert

A course meal featuring high-quality meat, to be savored at a leisurely pace in a refined setting

"Private Tatami Room Course Menu: Yakiniku Course"

The "Yakiniku Course" features meat dishes centered on "Yonezawa Beef" and "Yamagata Beef," served in a calm tatami setting. Drawing on extensive knowledge of meat, each cut is sliced and seasoned according to its individual characteristics. The course includes "Namul, Kimchi, Seared Yamagata Beef Sashimi, Salad, Soup, Seven Yakiniku Selections, Chilled Salt Noodles, and Dessert." The varied cuts and preparations offer a broad taste of the meat's natural umami. The relaxed setting suits meals with family or friends, as well as special gatherings and dining while traveling.

Must-try signature dish

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  "Yonezawa Beef Steak"

  Steak made with meat selected by "Niku no Asahiya," which has handled meat for many years, is served sizzling on a hot iron plate to showcase the flavor of "Yonezawa Beef." Cuts include sirloin with rich, sweet fat, tender filet, and rump with a pronounced lean-beef flavor. Served straight from the grill, the different cuts can be compared for their individual textures and flavors.

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  "Seared Yonezawa Beef Sushi"

  This dish pairs the savory richness of the meat with the clean flavor of vinegared rice, offering a different way to enjoy "Yonezawa Beef" from steak or sukiyaki. Selected "Yonezawa Beef" is lightly seared and served as nigiri sushi. A quick sear brings out the sweetness of the fat and the meat's natural umami while adding a lightly roasted aroma. The tender beef and sushi rice come together smoothly in the mouth, highlighting the rich flavor of "Yonezawa Beef."

Restaurant highlights

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  "Yonezawa Beef" sourced by the whole animal and served in a variety of dishes

  A Wide Range of Meat Specialties Built on Extensive Expertise

  In addition to sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and steak, the menu includes a wide range of original dishes designed to highlight the qualities of the meat. Because "Yonezawa Beef" is purchased by the whole cattle, the restaurant can make use of many different cuts. Each is assessed for its marbling, texture, and character, then prepared using a method suited to that particular cut. Drawing on decades of experience as a butcher, the restaurant offers many different ways to experience the flavors of "Yonezawa Beef."

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  A variety of dishes that bring out the best in the meat

  A Seasonal Dish Reflecting Yamagata's Food Culture

  Another appeal of "Shokurakutei Asahiya" is the chance to enjoy seasonal dishes featuring ingredients and local flavors long associated with Yamagata Prefecture. Beyond its meat dishes, the restaurant incorporates Yamagata's food traditions and seasonal ingredients into dishes that change throughout the year. This means each visit can bring something different to the table. Alongside meat dishes centered on "Yonezawa Beef," diners can experience the broader seasonal bounty and food culture of Yamagata.

Interior

A relaxed interior for enjoying a leisurely meal

A tranquil second-floor tatami room

Counter seating offering an up-close view of the chefs at work

Casual semi-private seating on the first floor

A comfortable space filled with jazz

The first floor offers table seating, semi-private sunken kotatsu rooms, and counter seats that are easy for solo diners to use. Soft lighting and jazz create a relaxed atmosphere without feeling formal. Upstairs, private tatami rooms are available for meals with family or friends, as well as special occasions with someone important. The calm, characterful setting provides a comfortable place to take your time over high-quality meat dishes.

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  Private Tatami Rooms That Set the Scene for Special Occasions

  The second floor features private tatami rooms where guests can relax and enjoy their meals at a leisurely pace. Suitable for dining with family and friends, as well as gatherings, anniversaries, and celebrations, these rooms offer a variety of ways to enjoy a special occasion. The tranquil Japanese-style setting provides a welcoming space to spend time with loved ones over the restaurant's thoughtfully prepared meat dishes. Available by reservation, the private rooms are an excellent choice for a peaceful meal or a memorable occasion with someone special.

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  A Calming Space with Jazz Playing in the Background

  The first floor offers seating for a range of occasions, from casual meals to longer, more relaxed visits. Semi-private sunken kotatsu seating is complemented by soft lighting and jazz, creating a comfortable atmosphere. Counter seats make it easy for solo diners to stop by, and the relaxed setting allows the food to be enjoyed without formality. It is well suited to meals while traveling as well as everyday dining.

From the Tabiiro Editorial Team

"Shokurakutei Asahiya" is well worth a visit during a hot spring getaway. Our conversation revealed the restaurant's desire to make "Yonezawa Beef" more approachable, along with a deep dedication to meat rooted in its background as a butcher shop. In addition to sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and steak, an extensive selection of à la carte dishes allows diners to choose according to their preferences. The tranquil, modern Japanese interior also features private tatami rooms, making the restaurant an excellent choice for family trips or meals with loved ones.