Torisaki
Kyoto, Japan
⭐1 Star
The Experience
From Michelin Guide
The name is short for ‘yakitori no saki’, meaning ‘the future of yakitori’, and a harbinger of things to come in the yakitori world is just what Torisaki aims to be. Using brand-name chicken from Fukushima, the chef and his team grill skewers of chicken over a high flame. A chicken skewer combining liver with chochin has become a signature item thanks to the affinity between the cuts used. The atmosphere of the machiya interior is nostalgic; the sight of the cooks in their twisted headbands a cheerful welcome.
Unique Things
From Visitor Experiences
Here are three unique and unconventional aspects of the Michelin-starred restaurant Torisaki in Kyoto:
1. Branch of the First Michelin-Starred Yakitori Restaurant
Torisaki is a branch of Tori Shiki, which holds the distinction of being the first yakitori restaurant ever awarded a Michelin star. This heritage links Torisaki directly to a pioneering establishment in the yakitori culinary scene.
2. Exclusive Set Menu Featuring Rare Chicken Parts
Unlike many restaurants that offer à la carte options, Torisaki serves only a set menu. This menu includes not only standard yakitori items like chicken thigh and skin but also rare parts such as "Saezuri" (chicken esophagus), showcasing an adventurous and refined approach to yakitori.
3. Traditional High-Heat Grilling Technique to Lock in Juices
Torisaki employs a traditional grilling method inherited from Tori Shiki, where skewers are quickly grilled over high heat. This technique is designed to lock in the meat’s juices and flavors, resulting in exceptionally juicy and flavorful yakitori that stands out even among Michelin-starred peers.
Ingredient Stars
From Visitor Experiences
The most honored or signature ingredients at the Michelin-starred restaurant Torisaki in Kyoto, known for its yakitori (grilled chicken skewers), focus on premium chicken parts and carefully selected charcoal to achieve a perfect balance of texture and flavor. Key ingredients include:
- Premium chicken meat: The restaurant emphasizes the use of high-quality chicken, selecting various parts to highlight different textures and tastes in their skewers.
- Charcoal (sumi): The type of charcoal used is crucial, as it imparts a distinct smokiness and ensures the skewers are grilled to the ideal crispness without losing tenderness.
- Seasonal local ingredients: While the main focus is on chicken, Torisaki also incorporates seasonal vegetables or accompaniments that complement the yakitori, enhancing the overall flavor profile.
These ingredients are used in signature yakitori dishes where each skewer is grilled to perfection, balancing smokiness, tenderness, and crispness, which is what makes Torisaki stand out as a Michelin-starred yakitori grill in Kyoto.
No other specific ingredients unique to Torisaki were detailed in the search results, but the emphasis on premium chicken parts and charcoal grilling technique is central to their acclaim.