Oldie but Goodie is a monthly column where we feature noteworthy restaurants, cafes or bars that have been open at least six months and are worth a try.
“When you miss Japan and are trying to reminisce the awesome memories and food, Futago is a good spot to do that.” So wrote one Yelp reviewer of Yakiniku Futago’s New York location. And after two visits to the brand’s Guangzhou branch on Xingsheng Lu, we’d tend to agree.
Though nowhere near as posh as its NYC locale, Futago Guangzhou hits home on two important marks: meat and service. It’s fine Japanese barbecue, so expect to pay at least RMB400 for two, and more if you have an appetite.
Call ahead to reserve the famous hamideru karubi, a big slice of premium beef from Japan (RMB165 at the time this was written). The wait staff will tell you it’s imported from Australia, but our secret source begs to differ… Just know you’re getting the real deal.
Other must-orders include the spicy hangoroshi kimchi (RMB29), Futago style potato salad (RMB29), wagyu prime karubi (RMB92), beef with sea urchin (RMB59) and imported cold Korean noodles (RMB33). Why Korean? The founder was actually born there, but raised in Japan, meaning Yakiniku Futago offers a nice hybrid of both cuisines under one roof.
If the kimchi has you desperately parched, you may need to shout for more water over the wait staff’s intermittent chants. Don’t be alarmed – it’s custom in Osaka, and a sign of respect (they’re either welcoming guests inside or asking if you’re ready to cook the meat).
By 6pm most nights, the shop is already smoking hot and packed, so consider swinging by for an early dinner or midnight snack – and definitely book a table ahead.
Price: RMB250
Nearest metro: Liede (Exit D), 5 minutes
Open Mon 4pm-2am, Tue-Sun noon-2am; see listing for Yakiniku Futago.
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