This Tokyo debut from a much-loved restaurant in the city of Sapporo, on Japan’s northern island Hokkaido, brings the authentic taste of that region’s culinary speciality to Ueno. A Sapporo institution established in 1954, Daruma is famed for the quality of its Genghis Khan, a Hokkaido-born and curiously named dish that consists of mutton slices grilled in a similar manner to yakiniku. This richly aromatic dish with firmly blue-collar origins has gradually become popular nationwide.
At this Ueno branch, premium mutton is hand-cut by craftsmen each day before opening, just like how things are done at Daruma’s six hometown locations. Another factor in the superior taste of Daruma’s Genghis Khan is its use of sheep fat for grilling, rather than the beef tallow utilised by many rivals: sheep fat melts noticeably more slowly. Onions, leeks and other vegetables (¥230) are also given a sweet and fragrant taste thanks to being soaked in this sheep fat.
As is the tradition at both yakiniku and Genghis Khan spots, here customers cook each piece of meat over a charcoal grill at their table. As well as the signature Genghis Khan offering (¥1,290) which consists of various cuts including thigh, belly and shoulder, there are also top-shelf meat and tenderloin options (¥1,690 respectively). Wash these substantial delights down with drinks including a highball made with Hokkaido corn tea (¥375).