Wagyu beef has become quite a common ingredient in some high-end steakhouses and premium Yakiniku shops. And to most people, 'A5 Japanese Black Wagyu' is like a synonym of 'the finest Japanese beef'. During my trip to Saga, I was very lucky to learn and have a try of one of the best Japanese Black Wagyu, namely Saga-gyu.
Saga-gyu (Saga beef), along with the Kobe beef and Matsuzaka beef, is one of the top three Japanese wagyu. Winning multiple awards in Japanese beef competitions every year, Saga-gyu is best known for its amazing quality as revealed by its signature sweet and rich taste.
To maintain Saga-gyu' s quality and superior brand value, a strict and scientific certification system has been developed. In fact, the title of ‘Saga Beef’ is not only about where the cattle is raised, but whether the meat can meet Japan Agriculture’s rearing criteria (which is very methodical with strict rules)(More details can be found in JA's website or my previous post about The visit to the JA Meat Centre!)
The certification system is complicated but at the same time also proves why Saga-gyu is called the 'finest'. My visit to Kira, the representative Saga-gyu restaurant in Saga was a heavenly experience that I tried the finest Saga-gyu! Here are a few shots of mine!
The Japanese wagyu grading system looks into 5 criteria : (1) marbling, (2) meat color and brightness, (3) firmness and texture of meat, and (4) color, luster and quality of fat. And these were definitely some of the best!
Teppanyaki was probably one of the most popular ways to taste wagyu beef!
But Seiromushi was also an interesting, indigenous way - the Saga Wagyu beef was steamed with vegetables in Steamer Basket.
The marbling was INSANE!!
Perfection is simple: an incredible A5 Saga-gyu steak with a bowl of plain Saga rice. The beef tallow from the steak gave the rice some magical aroma and enriched the texture....it was toooo good to be true!
My love for the Saga-gyu is REAL, and luckily in Hong Kong, there are places serving authentic, premium Saga-gyu. Hana, by Mr. Steak Concept, is a Japanese restaurant specialising in authentic Sukiyaki, Shabu Shabu and Seiromushi cuisines in Hong Kong. The restaurant has been highly acclaimed for the food quality (Saga-gyu is one of their key highlights)
The marbling was mindblown- I mean.... the very fine yet even fat distribution was purely art.
Do visit Kira if you are in Japan, but if you are not, Hana in Hong Kong could also be a really good choice! (Sukiyaki Saga-gyu with rice is my top favorite!!)
