Aji no Gyūtan Kisuke is a well-known specialist in gyūtan (grilled beef tongue), with its flagship branch located on Gyūtan Dōri inside JR Sendai Station.
Known for its mastery in both preparation and presentation of ox tongue, Kisuke offers a focused yet varied menu that caters to both first-timers and those seeking premium cuts.
Smoked Ox Tongue (¥495)
This dish resembled salami in flavour, offering a familiar smokiness, but with a much more tender texture. The rich smoked aroma was well balanced by the tang of the accompanying mayonnaise, creating a savoury and satisfying small bite.
Tokugiri Atsuyaki Teishoku
(2 pieces, 4 cuts; ¥2,512; served with rice and oxtail soup; miso nanban seasoning)
This special thick-cut offering stood out for both its texture and depth of flavour. The tokugiri cut was noticeably more tender and bouncy, with excellent mouthfeel and concentrated beef flavour. The cabbage on the side was lightly salted—neither overly savoury nor sour—providing a clean, refreshing contrast to the richness of the meat. The miso nanban seasoning delivered a gentle heat that enhanced the meat without overpowering it. This dish was the highlight of the meal, and easily something one could return to repeatedly.
Gyūtan Yaki Teishoku
(3 pieces, 6 cuts; ¥2,178; served with rice and oxtail soup; salt seasoning)
While also enjoyable, this standard gyūtan cut felt somewhat eclipsed by the tokugiri. That said, the texture remained tender, and the salt seasoning allowed the meat’s flavour to shine. The smoky, charred edges imparted a satisfying grilled note, showing the restaurant’s command of traditional gyūtan preparation.
Oxtail Soup
The soup base was clear but full-bodied, showcasing a strong beef flavour. The oxtail meat was exceptionally tender and added substance to what was already a robust broth.
Barley Rice
Served with both set meals, the barley rice was well-cooked, with grains remaining separate and distinct. It provided a textural counterpoint to the meat and was ideal for pairing with the sauces and juices from the dishes.
The meal was highly satisfying in terms of flavour, execution, and variety, with the tokugiri standing out as particularly well-crafted. However, the experience was slightly marred by an overcharge—being billed for the 3-slice 6-cut set despite ordering the tokugiri 2-slice version. Nonetheless, the service was courteous, and the food itself met expectations in both quality and technique.
Aji no Gyūtan Kisuke is located in Gyūtan Dori at 3F JR Sendai Station, 1-Chome-1-1, Aoba Ward, Sendai City, Miyagi Prefecture, 980-0021, Japan.