Teppanyaki (鉄板焼き) is a type of Japanese cooking. Generally speaking, it can be done on any iron plate (Hence "teppanyaki"; teppan means "iron plate"), with any ingredients. In the western world, it can be done on a griddle, though in Japan it is done in a special electric frying pan which is also called teppanyaki.
At home, Teppanyaki is a dish that is to be done on the table, with any ingredients and any sauce; sometimes, Okonomiyaki will also be done. In a restaurant, however, teppanyaki is a show-cooking, which is made famous by Benihana 's Hibachi Restaurant chain. The chefs will cook on the griddles in front of the custumers, using two metal spatulas and numerous exotic ingredients. In the more upscale restaurants, the teppanyaki chef will even play tricks as they cook, to give a feast for the eyes in front of customers.
See also: Okonomiyaki, Takoyaki
