Bringing Authentic Taste to Japan!
On May 28 and 29, 2023, the U.S. Embassy in Japan held a significant event that celebrated the essence of American culture through food. The United States Meat Export Federation (USMEF) proudly hosted a certification ceremony that recognized six exceptional burger establishments as "U.S. Embassy-Approved American Hamburger Shops". This initiative aims to promote the best of American beef, emphasizing its unrivaled flavor and quality.
These establishments underwent a thorough evaluation at the U.S. Embassy, and their dedication to using 100% American beef shone through. During the ceremony, Erik Hansen, the director of the U.S. Embassy's Agricultural Trade Office (ATO), delivered a heartfelt address, expressing the joy of honoring those who serve discerning American hamburgers within a rapidly growing dining scene in Japan. He remarked, "The burgers crafted here reflect a beautiful fusion of American and Japanese culinary cultures, showcasing creativity and passion."
Each recognized shop received a certificate and a special logo to display, marking their commitment to serving quality beef. This logo allows them to proudly showcase their connection to the U.S. and emphasizes the authenticity of their offerings.
A Taste of Authenticity
Meet the Certified Burger Shops:
- - American Diner ANDRA: Located in Taito, Tokyo, this diner specializes in blended patties made from American short ribs and chuck roll, which provide unique flavors unimaginable with local products.
- - Louis Hamburger Restaurant: Situated in Koto, this restaurant prides itself on serving burgers made exclusively from chuck eye roll. They focus on enhancing the recognition and appreciation of American beef in the Japanese market.
- - OVERWHELM HAMBURGER & BAR STAND: Located in Meguro, their standout ingredient is Black Angus chuck eye, praised for its intense flavor and juicy tenderness when grilled.
- - Phat Q: A Texas BBQ style establishment in Toshima, featuring brisket that complements traditional American BBQ like no other.
- - Rick's Cafe American: This burger shop in Machida uses chuck eye for their patties, believing it's the perfect match for creating delightful burgers distinct from local options.
- - YUMMY BURGER: Known for their expansive menu focused on American cuisine, they use American beef and other ingredients like bread and wheat largely sourced from the USA.
The Recognition event
During the certification ceremony, representatives from the recognized shops expressed their gratitude and eagerness to continue sharing the joy of American burgers. Ryutaro Shioda from American Diner ANDRA shared, "It's an honor to receive this recognition as I've put great effort into representing American food culture. I want people to appreciate the distinct qualities that American beef brings to our burgers."
Kensuke Kozuka from Louis Hamburger Restaurant expressed how honored he felt, stating, "This acknowledgment reflects my admiration for American culture and further encourages me to elevate the perception of American beef within Japan."
Official Comments by the U.S. Embassy Staff
An official from the U.S. Embassy shared their excitement regarding the event's kickoff, stating that hosting such an event was a splendid opportunity. They were also deeply impressed by the chefs’ creativity, clarifying that while many think all hamburgers are alike, they’re quite different thanks to the chefs' individual styles and techniques. Each burger's success is attributed largely to the quality of the 100% American beef used.
Exploring More of U.S. Culinary Influence
Embassy staff members highlighted that hamburgers are emblematic of American culture, with estimates suggesting over 50 billion burgers are consumed nationwide every year. While Japan features numerous burger establishments, the number that uses only American beef remains low. Therefore, this certified program's recognition signifies a step towards broadening the appreciation of genuine American cuisine in Japan.
All burger lovers in Japan are encouraged to visit these certified shops and experience the taste that exemplifies authentic American flavors. For more information about these shops and to explore the renowned qualities of American beef, you can visit the special program site linked here:
U.S. Embassy Approved Program
Summary
The U.S. Embassy's initiative not only elevates American beef standards in Japan but also celebrates the melding of culinary traditions between these two nations. Each certified shop stands as a testament to this commitment, inviting everyone to savor the rich flavors of American beef burgers that carry the authenticity of tradition and innovation alike.