Handsome Servers with Wooden Paddles Deliver the Dishes – A Renowned Japanese Robatayaki Restaurant Opens Its First Overseas Branch in Taiwan

▲ The interior is thoroughly authentic, featuring not only paddle service but also the essential square robatayaki grill.

Reported and photographed by Xiao Wanning / Taipei

The highly acclaimed Japanese grill restaurant “jiji Robatayaki” has opened its first branch in Taiwan,Chairman Masahide Maekawa shared: “We currently have one store in Kagawa, two in Ehime, and this is our fourth location—our very first overseas.”The restaurant retains many authentic Japanese grilling customs and practices, with the most eye-catching being the unique method of serving food on wooden paddles. Their signature dish is tebasaki (chicken wings). There are as many as eight variations of tebasaki on the menu, including Tulip Tebasaki and Teriyaki Tebasaki. Though made from the same ingredient, each version offers a unique flavor through different cooking methods. Another highlight is the waitstaff—mostly good-looking men and women—making your visit not just a feast for the taste buds, but also for the eyes.

▲ Tulip Tebasaki (left), Lotus Root Wrapped Meat (right).

In Japan, robatayaki refers to food grilled fresh at the tableside over a charcoal fire. Using only minimal seasonings such as pepper, salt, and soy sauce, it highlights the natural flavors of the ingredients—a traditional technique from Japanese fishing villages. Unlike regular grill restaurants, robatayaki chefs serve meals on wooden paddles, which is one of its most distinctive features besides preserving the original taste of the ingredients.

▲ Tebasaki Dumplings (left), Chairman Masahide Maekawa (right).

Chairman Maekawa takes great pride in his tebasaki dishes. He says all the chicken wings used are sourced locally in Taiwan, but prepared using traditional Japanese cooking techniques. For example, the Teriyaki Tebasaki is grilled using a barbecue sauce made from salt, pepper, and Japanese soy sauce. Moreover, all chicken wing dishes served here are pre-deboned for easy eating. Customer Ms. Chen highly recommends the tebasaki, saying she rarely finds such delicately prepared dishes in Taiwan. The wings are not only boneless but also stuffed with whole garlic cloves and hand-chopped fillings—definitely a must-try.

▲ Not only colorful but also nutritious—Steamed Pork and Vegetable Basket.

“Steamed Pork and Vegetable Basket” is another signature dish. It layers various vegetables such as cabbage, sweet peas, and carrots in a bamboo steamer, with pork belly placed on top before steaming. Just dip it in sesame sauce or Japanese-style dressing for a refreshing and light rural-style dish.

▲ Parippi Vegetable Salad, named for the “parippi” sound made while tossing the salad.

Additionally, the summer-friendly “Parippi Vegetable Salad” includes chips, lotus root, and burdock, giving the salad a satisfying crunch alongside fresh vegetables. This layered texture makes it extremely appealing to those who enjoy light meals.

▲ Coffee Ice Cream is topped with freshly brewed coffee before serving.

The dessert “Coffee Ice Cream” is also thoughtfully prepared. In addition to coffee jelly and vanilla ice cream, it is drizzled with freshly brewed coffee just before serving. The result is an intensely coffee-flavored dessert that makes for a perfect finale.

【jiji Robatayaki】

Tel: (02) 2541-0009
Address: 1F, No. 32, Lane 107, Linsen N. Rd., Zhongshan Dist., Taipei City
Business Hours: Daily 18:00–24:00