Yakiniku Guide

Welcome to Meat Time, your Machi Yakiniku in Bay Area. "Machi Yakiniku” means the neighborhood-style Japanese BBQ — casual, warm, and full of human connection.

This guide is your companion to enjoying Yakiniku the Meat Time way! Flip through our meat cards to get to know our cuts, and dive deeper in this guide to learn the essentials of yakiniku and what makes our selections unique.

Thank you for dining with us!

- The Meat Time Crew

Yakiniku 101

    • Tip #1: Space your meats for the perfect sear!

      • Avoid overcrowding the grill! Cooking 2-4 meats per person at a time allows you to try the meats fresh from the grill for the perfect taste. Most of the meats require a quick sear on each side.

    • Tip #2: Skip the stack!

      • Yakiniku stays juiciest when you enjoy it straight from the grill. For maximum tenderness and flavor, we recommend not to pile on all the meats at once.

    • Tip #3: Balance your bite

      • To highlight the contrast and different flavors that Meat Time has to offer, we recommend to balance your bite with our many side dishes and rice.

  • Shinshu Wagyu is a top-brand wagyu from Nagano Prefecture, certified under the region’s unique “New Standard of Deliciousness.”

    Raised only on approved “Shinshu Safe Farms,” each cut meets strict criteria for both oleic acid content, which enhances aroma, texture and marbling quality, ensuring a rich yet clean-tasting wagyu experience.

  • The character of each cut depends on how much that muscle moves. Active muscles (like shoulder or thigh) are rich in flavor and have a satisfying bite. Relaxed muscles (like loin or tenderloin) are tender and delicate in taste.

  • Especially for thin cuts like beef tongue or Brisket slices.

    Slightly frozen meat holds shape, sears evenly, prevent excessive dripping and locks in juice — that’s professional technique, not a mistake.

  • Wagyu tallow melts around 25°C (77°F), while butter melts at 32°C.

    That’s why wagyu feels like it “melts on your tongue.”

    Oleic acid is the reason — the same healthy fat found in olive oil.

    Our Shinshu Premium Wagyu has strict standard on the contents of this fatty acid.