When it comes to meat, there are all sorts of cuts, right?
Kalbi, loin, skirt steak, tongue…
But have you heard of cuts called “kappa” or “neji”?
These cuts are actually rare delicacies known only to those in the know.
There’s an izakaya in the Horinan district of Kurashiki City that serves dishes made with these rare delicacies.
It’s called “Oniku Bar Ma, Iikka.”
It has an unusual name, but it’s a sister restaurant of a long-established butcher shop, specializing in meat delicacies.
The owner worked at the family butcher shop for more than 30 years.
That’s why he can make dishes using delicious, rare cuts of meat.
Here’s an introduction to “Oniku Bar Ma, Iikka,” where you can enjoy the owner’s original meat delicacies, created by someone who knows meat inside and out.
It closed in 2020.
The information below is from when it was open.
The information provided was current when this article was published in December 2019. Please note that it may differ from current information.
What is “Oniku Bar Ma, Iikka”? An izakaya that is a sister restaurant of a long-established butcher shop
“Oniku Bar Ma, Iikka” is an izakaya in Horinan, Kurashiki City.
It is about 3 km southeast of JR Kurashiki Station, along Prefectural Route 274, a major road.
As its name suggests, “Oniku Bar” specializes in meat dishes.
What’s more, its signature dishes aren’t ordinary meat dishes.
They’re “delicacies” made with rare cuts.
In fact, the family home of the owner of “Oniku Bar Ma, Iikka,” Kenji Nakamura, is the nearby butcher shop “Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo (Maruyasu Co., Ltd.).”
Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo is a long-established butcher shop that cuts premium meat, primarily domestic, to order.
Its processed meat products are also popular. In 2019, frankfurters and bacon won gold awards at a competition hosted by the German Butchers’ Association.
Nakamura himself also worked at Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo for more than 30 years.
▼ The specialty of “Oniku Bar Ma, Iikka” is its original meat delicacies.
These are dishes he can offer precisely because his family runs a butcher shop and he has worked there for many years.
▼ The building housing “Oniku Bar Ma, Iikka” has the feel of a log cabin.
Its unusual exterior suddenly appears along a main road, making it hard not to notice.
▼ The sign is unique, too.
▼ There’s plenty of parking, so you can relax.
▼ The interior is cozy and compact.
It’s well suited to small groups looking to enjoy a lively, friendly atmosphere.
▼ The walls are covered with comments left by customers.
▼ There’s also a terrace seating area by the entrance.
▼ On a fine day, enjoying a meal on the terrace is highly recommended.
In summer, it might be fun to set up a mini beer garden with friends.
“Oniku Bar Ma, Iikka” is known for original meat dishes made with rare cuts
As mentioned earlier, the specialty of “Oniku Bar Ma, Iikka” is its original meat dishes made with rare cuts.
Every one of them is something you can only enjoy at “Oniku Bar Ma, Iikka.”
All prices exclude consumption tax. Prices are as of December 2019.
“Ponzu Kappa” is the most popular dish
▼ “Ponzu Kappa (350 yen)” is a dish made with a cut called kappa.
Kappa is a thin, membrane-like part that clings to the outside of the beef belly. Its name comes from how it looks like a kappa, a rain cape.
▼ They showed me a piece of kappa before it was cut up.
I was surprised—it was bigger than I expected.
Ponzu Kappa is made by grilling the kappa, chilling it, cutting it into small pieces, and serving it with ponzu and chopped green onions.
▼ The ponzu gives it a wonderfully refreshing flavor.
It has an even chewier texture, and the more you chew, the more the meat’s savory juices seep out.
It’s easy to see why this becomes addictive!
“Mo-Kappa” is grilled kappa cut into bite-sized pieces
▼ “Mo-Kappa,” also made with kappa, is another popular menu item.
Mo-Kappa is kappa that has been grilled and cut into easy-to-eat pieces.
▼ Mo-Kappa being grilled.
Since it is kappa from a cow, Nakamura named it “Mo-Kappa.”
▼ Mo-Kappa is also the name of the shop’s mascot character.
▼ Grilled until wonderfully fragrant, it has the distinctive flavor of kappa, with the meat’s savory taste coming through more with every chew. It’s excellent.
Kappa from Wagyu is well-marbled, so it’s delicious!
▼ Mo-Kappa is available in three portion sizes: S, M, and L.
| Size | Price (excluding tax) |
|---|---|
| S size | 400 yen |
| M size | 700 yen |
| L size | 1,000 yen |
“Sune-kajiri” is deep-fried pork shank
▼ “Sune-kajiri” is the second most popular menu item.
Sune-kajiri is pork shank that has been deep-fried.
▼ Its distinctive crunchy texture and fragrant coating are addictive.
It reminded me of the deep-fried chicken cartilage often found at izakaya.
But compared with chicken cartilage, its flavor is richer and more concentrated with the savory taste of meat.
It’s perfect as a snack with drinks!
▼ Sune-kajiri is available in three portion sizes: S, M, and L.
| Size | Price (excluding tax) |
|---|---|
| S size | 300 yen |
| M size | 500 yen |
| L size | 800 yen |
“Neji-yaki” is grilled beef neck cut into bite-sized pieces
▼ “Neji-yaki” is grilled meat from a part of the cow called neji (neck).
Neji is the neck of a cow.
It is called neji because it has a winding, twisted shape.
▼ The meat had a deep flavor, much like a top-grade cut.
Neji is a cut close to the chuck roll, so it’s very tasty!
▼ Neji-yaki is available in three portion sizes: S, M, and L.
| Size | Price (excluding tax) |
|---|---|
| S size | 400 yen |
| M size | 700 yen |
| L size | 1,000 yen |
“Neji-age” is deep-fried beef neck cut into bite-sized pieces
▼ “Neji-age” is another menu item made with neji.
▼ Since it’s deep-fried, you can enjoy a different flavor from Neji-yaki.
Along with the meat’s deep flavor, you can taste the coating’s crisp texture and fragrant aroma.
▼ Neji-age is available in three portion sizes: S, M, and L.
| Size | Price (excluding tax) |
|---|---|
| S size | 400 yen |
| M size | 700 yen |
| L size | 1,000 yen |
“Neji-kure Tomato” is a salad of roast beef made from beef neck and tomatoes
▼ “Neji-kure Tomato (450 yen)” is a salad served with tomatoes and lettuce, featuring Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo’s popular delicacy “Neji-kuremon.”
▼ Neji-kuremon is neji prepared like roast beef.
Neji-kuremon is sliced and eaten with tomatoes and lettuce.
You can add dressing if you like.
It’s light and refreshing, so it’s recommended as an appetizer or palate cleanser!
Incidentally, “Neji-kuremon,” a product from Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo, was created by Kenji Nakamura.
There are plenty of other popular menu items, too!
At “O-niku Bar Ma, Ikka,” there are many menu items besides their signature original meat delicacies.
Of course, many are meat dishes, but there are other kinds of dishes as well.
All prices exclude tax. Prices as of December 2019 (Reiwa 1)
Enjoy a variety of “Nakamurasan-chi sausages,” too
▼ You can try the homemade sausages (150 yen each) sold at Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo.
This is a menu item unique to “O-niku Bar Ma, Ikka,” whose owner’s family home is Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo.
Each order is for one piece of each type, so feel free to order an assortment of the ones that catch your eye!
▼Chorizo
▼Polish sausage
▼Coarse-ground wiener
▼Thuringian sausage
After trying them, if you find one you like, we also recommend buying that sausage from Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo.
“Nakamurasan-chi’s Assorted Ham Platter” lets you enjoy three kinds of ham
▼“Nakamurasan-chi’s Assorted Ham Platter (550 yen)” is an assortment of several kinds of homemade ham from Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo.
Ham is not available to order individually; it is sold only as an assortment.
▼Soft salami
▼Black pepper pastrami
▼Black sesame roast ham
As with the sausages, if you find a ham you like, be sure to try buying it from Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo.
“Beef Tendon Stew”
▼“Beef Tendon Stew (400 yen)” is made by stewing beef tendon, sinew, and several other cuts.
▼It has a sweet-and-savory seasoning and a very home-style flavor.
It was thoroughly simmered, and the flavor had soaked right into the meat.
As this is available in limited quantities, please understand if it sells out.
“Steak Sold by Weight” is marbled wagyu beef
▼One of the meat dishes on the menu, rather than a delicacy, is “Steak Sold by Weight (1,000 yen per 100 grams).”
▼Juicy, marbled meat packed with umami.
It is premium domestic meat from Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo, and it was so delicious it practically melted in my mouth.
Other Menu Items
“O-niku Bar Ma, Iikka” has plenty of other menu items, too.
▼“Fried chicken wings (150 yen each),” a favorite with kids.
They’re what are commonly known as “tulip chicken.”
▼Another kids’ favorite: “Fried chicken thigh (300 yen).”
▼“Chicken nuggets (300 yen)”
▼“French fries (300 yen)”
▼ “Minced meat cutlet” (¥400), also sold at Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo.
▼ “Korokke” (¥300), also sold at Nakamurasan-chi no Umaimono Kobo.
▼ A hidden favorite besides the meat dishes is “deep-fried king oyster mushrooms” (¥300).
▼ These are king oyster mushrooms cut into pieces and deep-fried. It was my first time trying them.
They taste nothing like king oyster mushrooms—delicious!
There are also other vegetable dishes.
▼ “Stir-fried edamame” (¥300)
▼ “Stir-fried pea shoots and bacon” (¥300)
▼ “Salted cabbage” (¥300)
There are plenty of other items on the menu, too.
“O-niku Bar Ma, Ikka” Menu
Here is a list of the menu items at “O-niku Bar Ma, Ikka.”
Prices exclude consumption tax. As of December 2019 (Reiwa 1).
Items may be subject to change.
▼ Grilled items
▼ Fried items and soups
▼ Salads and other items
▼ Drinks
▼ Takeout menu
At “O-niku Bar Ma, Ikka,” some menu items are available for takeout.
It may take some time to pick up your order during busy periods, so we recommend calling ahead to place your order.
▼ At “O-niku Bar Ma, Ikka,” orders are placed by writing your name and the number of each item on a note at your table and handing it to Nakamura.
“O-niku Bar Ma, Ikka” is run by me alone, so thank you for your understanding and cooperation!
The appeal of “O-niku Bar Ma, Ikka” is that you can enjoy distinctive meat dishes made possible by the owner’s family running a butcher shop.
We interviewed the owner of “O-niku Bar Ma, Ikka,” Kenji Nakamura.
O-niku Bar Ma, Ikka Information
| Name | O-niku Bar Ma, Ikka |
|---|---|
| Address | 6914 Horinan, Kurashiki City, Okayama Prefecture |
| Contact | 070-4076-0161 |
| Parking | Available |
| Hours | 5:00 p.m.–11:00 p.m. |
| Closed | Monday |
| Payment methods |
|
| Reservations | Accepted Reservations can be made by phone |
| Seating | 11 seats ・Counter: 3 stools ・Two tables seating four There is also outdoor seating (one table seating four) |
| Smoking | Smoking permitted |
| Restroom | Western-style toilet |
| Website | O-niku Bar Ma, Ikka [Official]—A meat delicacies shop in Kurashiki City, directly operated by a butcher |
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“Ponzu Kappa” is our most popular dish!