Otsukaresama set.
Plenty of beef lovers out there will understand it when we say that not many things in life could ever amount to the satisfaction of tucking into a piece of steak cooked to your absolute liking. The birth of your first child, maybe. Winning the lottery, possibly. But aside from those occasions, cutting into a medium rare rib eye that has perfect marbling is rather hard to beat.
While its consumption is nowhere near as popular in this country as other meats like pork or chicken, it has a growing fan base in the world of carnivorous diners whose appetite is easily piqued with the mentions of “dry age”, “grain-fed” and the five-letter magic word: “wagyu”.
While Bangkok does not fall short of restaurants that serve the much treasured delicacy, few manage to deliver it at an affordable price. So here’s where Wagyu Kamada comes into play. The owners are blessing us with wallet-friendly, high quality wagyu beef in the casual environment of a mall eatery where diners can enjoy cooking it themselves on a hot stone. The restaurant is small and fills up quickly during lunch and dinner hours with office workers and residents within the area.
Wagyu fillet steak.
THE MENU
A la carte and set menu options are available. So whether you’re out for a quick lunch or a long meal with plans to indulge in a little bit of everything, there’s something for everyone (even for non-beef eaters).
For starters, the Kamada salad (B250) is a light introductory dish, perfect for leading diners into a heavier meal. Fresh salad leaves are topped with shrimp roe and thinly sliced wagyu beef that has been seared nicely. The Japanese dressing pairs with the salad extremely well, with the aroma of white sesame coming through and a kick from the wasabi adding a little spice to the tang.
Those of you feeling peckish can hit four birds with one stone if you order Otsukaresama set (B199), which includes roast beef, edamame and tamagoyaki and a draft beer.
A recent addition to their menu, Neua Koo (B990) is perfect for first-timers to the restaurant who may want to try different cuts of beef. The set comprises wagyu sirloin steak and chef’s recommended choice, which includes short rib, top-round, chuck roll, shoulder tender and other cuts. Order the set and you’ll be rewarded with generous portions of rice, soup and refillable soft drink.
If you want to splurge, go for the Wagyu fillet steak (B1,400). A fabulous quality of A4 grade marbling that is butter-soft and just melts in your mouth. No more than a pinch of salt is needed to season the beef and we didn’t touch the sauce on the side. Watching the beef sizzle on the hot stone for a few seconds is a joy in itself and those looking to add more photos to your #foodporn album certainly won’t be disappointed.
INSIDER’S TIP
In a few months time, diners can look forward to new sukiyaki additions to the menu with the same premium quality wagyu beef from Kagoshima, Japan. We also hear that they’re looking to open a second branch in Silom.
Kamada salad.
VALUE & VERDICT
Wagyu Kamada is definitely a haven for Japanese beef lovers who don’t want to be bogged down with fancy table cloths and the sort of prices that’ll make you squirm. The quality of all the dishes is much deserving of a praise and to top it all off, it’s affordable enough to make it a weekly luxury treat. Along with an ample choices of salads, vegetarian and fish dishes are also on offer here so you won’t even need to try and convert your non-beef eater friends to join you at the restaurant. g
Pumpkin cheesecake.
WAGYU KAMADA JAPANESE, STEAK
10am-10pm
3/F Mercury Ville, Chit Lom
02-253-2915
This source first appeared on Bangkok Post Lifestyle.