At the end of every Yakiniku meal, there’s always that one big question – “What’s your last dish?” Some choose cold noodles for a refreshing finish, others prefer Kuppa to savor the warmth until the very end. Every Yakiniku lover has their own perfect way to close the meal.
Kuppa Lovers Cherish the Aftertaste
Kuppa – rice served in a hot soup – is perfect for those who love to enjoy the lingering flavor of grilled meat. The rich broth captures the umami of the meat’s fat and sauce, wrapping up the meal in a comforting way.
In Korea, it’s actually common to eat rice and soup separately instead of mixing them. You take one bite of rice, then one sip of soup – appreciating each flavor on its own. Many professionals in the Yakiniku industry in Japan follow this “separate style,” enjoying the clean finish of both components without blending the tastes.
Cold Noodle Fans Love a Refreshing Finish
Those who choose cold noodles want to reset their palate – refreshing the mouth after all that delicious grilled meat. The cool, tangy broth clears away the fat, leaving a perfectly balanced aftertaste.
Interestingly, those who enjoy rice during the meal tend to finish with cold noodles. After savoring the richness of meat and rice together, they crave that crisp, cold contrast. It’s this hot-and-cold rhythm that defines the Japanese Yakiniku experience.
The Hidden Choice: “Raising” Your Own Bibimbap
Bibimbap is another popular way to finish a Yakiniku meal. While the sizzling stone version is famous, true Yakiniku fans know a secret style – the “growing” Bibimbap, where you build your bowl as you grill.
Add pieces of grilled meat little by little onto your Bibimbap bowl, adjusting the balance of flavor as you go. It’s an interactive and luxurious way to end your meal – as if the Yakiniku itself continues until the very last bite.
The Three Signature Closers of KURO5
Kuro5 is a Yakiniku restaurant with locations in Kabukicho and Ikebukuro, Tokyo. Here, the “finale dishes” are taken seriously – each one designed to complete your Yakiniku experience.
① KURO5 Rice (Kurogo Meshi)
The restaurant’s signature KURO5 Rice is a luxurious garlic rice cooked Kamameshi-style (in a small iron pot). It’s made with a rich, milky white broth simmered from beef knuckles and chicken feet under pressure. The rice is finished with homemade Aomori garlic chips, green shiso, and Korean seaweed, plus a secret touch of butter for depth. It takes about 30 minutes to prepare – regulars often order it midway through grilling to time it perfectly. The aroma, flavor, and texture define KURO5’s signature taste.
② Tantanmen
A classic since KURO5’s opening, the Tantanmen combines the restaurant’s white broth with minced meat trimmings and white sesame for a deeply flavorful bowl. Despite its rich appearance, the aftertaste is surprisingly clean – an ideal finish even after a full Yakiniku course.
③ Cold Noodles
Kuro5’s Cold Noodles feature a double broth made from rich white soup and clear chicken stock. The result is a unique harmony – clean yet creamy, refreshing yet satisfying. The chewy noodles capture the broth beautifully, making it one of the most beloved dishes among local and international guests alike.
The True End of Yakiniku is About Balance
Whether you’re a Kuppa fan who enjoys the aftertaste, a cold noodle enthusiast who prefers a clean reset, or a Bibimbap lover who likes to “raise” your own final bowl – the Yakiniku finale is more than just a last dish. It’s the art of completing a meal with balance, warmth, and satisfaction. At KURO5 Tokyo, that moment of “final harmony” is where the story of your meal truly ends.
Wagyu Yakiniku Kuro5
IKEBUKURO Main Restrant
1F Shima 100 building ,2-46-3, Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku , Tokyo 171-0014
https://en.kuro5.net/restaurant/honten
Wagyu Yakiniku Kuro5
IKEBUKURO East Exit Restrant
2F Need Building, 1-42-16 Higashi-Ikebukuro, Toshima-ku, Tokyo 170-0013
https://en.kuro5.net/restaurant/higashiguchi
Wagyu Yakiniku KURO5
Kabukicho
1F Sankei Building, 2-21-4 Kabukicho, Shinjuku-ku, Tokyo
https://en.kuro5.net/restaurant/kabukicho
Official Instagram: @kuro5yakiniku
