By Hollie Harris
Open kitchens are all the rage these days, but the Japanese have long been ahead of the game when it comes to the theatrics of interactive dining. Whether you want to watch blades move at dizzying speed across a grill or watch flames climb high into the air while you test your hand-eye coordination, Teppanyaki is where it’s at.
If you’ve been thinking that the Junction is coming to life in a big way, you’d be right. Yen Teppanyaki is sure to take it to another level and owners Annie and Paul are so excited to invite Noosa to experience their vision. With modern Japanese design and a relaxed atmosphere, Yen Teppanyaki brings the true essence of the East to Noosa Junction.
World class Chefs who have trained and cooked in some of the finest restaurants and cruise ships throughout Dubai, The Maldives, Africa, Europe and the US are literally going to serve you up dinner and show right at the table.
Teppanyaki is about as fresh as you can get. Using the highest quality meats and seafoods as well as plenty of enticing vegetarian dishes, (Yen is completely gluten free) Teppanyaki Chefs expertly prepare everything on the communal grill. Diners are seated around large steel hotplates, where the Teppanyaki chefs showcase their skills, or individual tables if they choose to order off the al a carte menu.
While Teppanyaki is the star of this show, the highlights are found both on and off the grill – Head Chef Renato has curated a very special menu including deep-fried prawn tempura which are so crisp you can ingest them whole, tail and all. The chicken karage (think Japanese style KFC if I dare say) is an absolute smash hit – your children will have a new favourite with this one. There are also the tried and tested favourites; gyoza dumplings and sushi rolls.
On the grill, the scallops are juicy, seared morsels with a slight chewiness. You’ll wish for more of that melt-in-the-mouth salmon and the top-notch Waygu beef steaks which just dissolve in your mouth. You can take comfort in a favourite Japanese meal or indulge yourself with a new taste sensation.
There is an abundance of selections for the kids and they will be in awe of the Teppanyaki chefs performance, so this really is a special family night out.
Teppanyaki sittings are at 12pm, 5.45pm or 7.45pm and bookings are essential. The banquet style meal involves starters, side dishes, mains and a dessert. There is a minimum spend and a deposit required for Teppanyaki and Al la carte will be available for walk-ins.
Open 6 days, (Closed Wednesdays) conveniently located in the Junction, right near the bus terminal and plentiful parking, it is an easy choice. Yen has fully licensed bar and can be found at 34 Sunshine Beach Road, Noosa Junction.
*Psst! Bento boxes are coming and the well-stocked bar may be the new ‘it’ place for an after-work wind-down.