Hibachi vs. Teppanyaki — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 11, 2023
Hibachi is a traditional Japanese cooking apparatus involving an open grate or charcoal grill. Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine that uses a flat iron griddle for cooking.
Difference Between Hibachi and Teppanyaki
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Hibachi and Teppanyaki are both related to Japanese cooking but are distinct in terms of equipment and cooking style. Hibachi refers to a specific type of grill that often uses charcoal or gas. This grill is usually smaller and more portable, making it ideal for small gatherings and outdoor cooking.
Teppanyaki, on the other hand, refers to a style of cooking that uses a flat, iron griddle, commonly incorporated into a chef's table. This type of cooking is often more theatrical, featuring skilled chefs who perform cooking tricks while preparing the food. The griddle itself is usually built into a larger setup and is less portable than a hibachi grill.
Hibachi cooking is often more intimate, with the focus on the grill itself. The small size of the hibachi grill allows for close-up interaction with the food being cooked, and it's often used for simple dishes like skewers or small pieces of meat. Teppanyaki, in contrast, often involves larger pieces of meat and vegetables, cooked and sometimes flambeed right before the diner's eyes.
Both Hibachi and Teppanyaki are popular cooking styles, but they serve different culinary and social functions. Hibachi is more common for home cooking or small gatherings, while Teppanyaki is generally a restaurant experience featuring a show-like atmosphere.
Comparison Chart
Equipment Used
Charcoal or gas grill
Flat iron griddle
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Cooking Style
More intimate
Theatrical, showy
Portability
Generally portable
Generally built-in
Typical Food
Skewers, small meat pieces
Larger cuts, multiple dishes
Setting
Home or small gatherings
Restaurants
Compare with Definitions
Hibachi
Hibachi is a small, portable charcoal grill used in Japanese cooking.
We used a hibachi to grill some yakitori at the picnic.
Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cuisine involving a flat iron griddle.
The chef at the teppanyaki restaurant cooked right in front of us.
Hibachi
Hibachi refers to an open-grate cooking apparatus.
She prepared some delicious kebabs on the hibachi.
Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki cooking often features theatrical, showy techniques.
The teppanyaki chef tossed an egg into his hat for our amusement.
Hibachi
Hibachi is known for its simple and efficient design.
The hibachi's design made it easy to carry to the beach.
Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki is commonly found in restaurants rather than home settings.
For our anniversary, we decided to go to a teppanyaki restaurant.
Hibachi
Hibachi can also be a gas-fueled grill used for similar cooking styles.
They decided to switch to a gas hibachi for quicker cooking.
Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki involves cooking various types of food together.
We had both seafood and beef on the teppanyaki grill.
Hibachi
Hibachi is a method of grilling foods over direct heat.
He loves using the hibachi for summer barbecues.
Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki griddles are typically large and built-in.
The teppanyaki grill spanned the length of the table.
Hibachi
The hibachi (Japanese: 火鉢, "fire bowl") is a traditional Japanese heating device. It consists of a round, cylindrical, or box-shaped, open-topped container, made from or lined with a heatproof material and designed to hold burning charcoal.
Teppanyaki
Teppanyaki (鉄板焼き, teppan-yaki), also known in some countries as Hibachi (火鉢, "fire bowl"), is a post–World War II style of Japanese cuisine that uses an iron griddle to cook food. The word teppanyaki is derived from teppan (鉄板), the metal plate on which it is cooked on, and yaki (焼き), which means grilled, broiled, or pan-fried.
Hibachi
A portable cooking apparatus similar to a small barbecue.
Teppanyaki
A Japanese dish of meat, fish, or both, fried with vegetables on a hot steel plate forming the centre of the table
The restaurant has ten teppanyaki tables
Hibachi
A portable charcoal-burning brazier with a grill, used chiefly for cooking.
Teppanyaki
A style of cooking in Japanese cuisine in which food, such as chopped beef, chicken, shrimp, or vegetables, is stir-fried on a griddle.
Hibachi
A portable brazier, powered by charcoal, used for cooking.
Teppanyaki
Food cooked in this way.
Hibachi
(North America) A cooking method and performance art in which the chef grills pieces of food on a hot metal griddle in front of the guests; teppanyaki. This terminology is virtually unknown in Japan.
Teppanyaki
A Japanese style of cooking in which thin slices of meat, or fish, seafood, vegetables and noodles are quickly fried on a hotplate.
Hibachi
(North America) The griddle used in such cuisine; teppan.
Hibachi
A portable brazier that burns charcoal and has a grill for cooking
Hibachi
Cook over a hibachi grill
Common Curiosities
Is Teppanyaki only for meat?
No, teppanyaki can be used for cooking various foods including vegetables and seafood.
Can you do Teppanyaki at home?
It's possible but generally less common due to the need for specialized equipment.
Is Hibachi similar to barbecue?
Yes, hibachi is a form of grilling similar to a barbecue but usually smaller and portable.
Is Hibachi suitable for large gatherings?
Hibachi grills are generally smaller and more suited for smaller gatherings.
Is Teppanyaki a modern style of cooking?
Teppanyaki became popular in the post-WWII era and is considered relatively modern.
What is Hibachi?
Hibachi is a traditional Japanese cooking grill, often fueled by charcoal or gas.
What is Teppanyaki?
Teppanyaki is a style of Japanese cooking using a flat iron griddle, often in restaurants.
Is Hibachi food always grilled?
Hibachi cooking primarily involves grilling over an open grate or flame.
Do Teppanyaki chefs always perform tricks?
Not always, but it's a common feature in many teppanyaki restaurants.
Can Hibachi be gas-fueled?
Yes, some hibachi grills use gas instead of charcoal.
Is Hibachi cooking quick?
Hibachi cooking can be relatively quick due to the direct heat.
Do Teppanyaki griddles require electricity?
Usually, they do require an electric or gas connection.
Is Hibachi a form of Teppanyaki?
No, they are distinct both in terms of the equipment used and the style of cooking.
Is Teppanyaki a restaurant experience?
Generally, yes, teppanyaki is most commonly found in restaurants.
Which is more interactive, Hibachi or Teppanyaki?
Both can be interactive, but teppanyaki often features a more show-like experience.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
