Gyūtan — Sendai Tongue Tradition
Asia — Japan (Sendai)
Japan's most famous tongue tradition and one of the world's strongest single-organ culinary traditions. Thick-sliced aged tongue grilled over charcoal, served with barley rice and oxtail soup.
Cuts in this tradition
Cultural context
Sendai is nationally synonymous with gyūtan. Specialized restaurants exist throughout Japan. Unlike most countries where tongue remains niche, Japanese consumers treat gyūtan as a mainstream and desirable cut.
Preparation
Tongue aged and seasoned, sliced thick (shio-tan) or thin, grilled over charcoal until lightly charred. Served with mugi gohan (barley rice), pickled vegetables, and oxtail soup (tenziru).