David Kwon’s connection to the food industry came via apps.
Not the “apps” (short for appetizers) served before a meal, but rather the mobile applications on our cell phones. Kwon has been an IT engineer for a food company for 15 years. He acquired Kazan Japanese Steakhouse in 2016 for a new challenge, he says.
The Indianapolis-based restaurant opened in 2010, specializing in hibachi and sushi. In the U.S., “hibachi” or hibachi-style has come to indicate grilled Japanese-style cuisine, the grills the food is cooked on, or even restaurants themselves.
The word “Kazan” means “volcano” in Japanese and pays homage to the tower of flames your hibachi chef creates in cooking your protein, vegetables and fried rice to order. You’ll be amazed while the chef catches an egg on the knife or builds and then sets fire to a stacked onion volcano.
“Our chefs are good at flashy shows, but they also have a knack for making customers and children laugh,” Kwon says.
Hibachi proteins include steak, chicken, shrimp, salmon, filet mignon, lobster, orange roughy and scallops. Kwon says the filet and scallops are the most popular hibachi grill menu items.
Although a staple in Asian cooking, fried rice is elevated at Kazan Japanese Steakhouse.
“Our customers love our fried rice,” says Kwon, noting the chefs use a special recipe. Although he demurred in sharing the specific ingredients in both the fried rice and the sauce used in preparing it, Kwon notes the health of their customers is most important.
“It is made with less salt, and it’s less sweet for the health of the customers,” Kwon says. Those who can’t get enough of the sauce can order extra on the side for their fried rice.
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The Art of Food
An old proverb states, “We eat first with our eyes.”
At Kazan, sushi presentation is elevated to an art form, with one online reviewer noting how impressive her dish looked even before she tasted it. Kazan offers an extensive sushi menu with more than 60 different possibilities.
If you go
Kazan Japanese Steakhouse
2412 Lake Circle Dr., Indianapolis
317-337-2000
Hours: Monday through Thursday lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner 4:30-9:30 p.m.; Friday lunch 11 a.m. to 2 p.m., dinner 4:30-10 p.m.; Saturday noon to 10 p.m.; and Sunday 3:30-9 p.m.
Website: “Kazan Japanese Steakhouse” on Facebook
Fan favorites include the God of Fire roll, a secret, off-the-menu order, Kwon says. The God of Fire roll is spicy tuna and cucumber, topped with tuna, jalapeño pepper and eel sauce. The Colts roll (named for Indy’s hometown football team) is salmon, avocado and cream cheese topped with crab and eel sauce.
You can sit at the sushi bar and watch the magic happen – the chef cutting the sashimi or preparing almost endless combinations of nigiri sushi, veggie rolls or sushi rolls.
And yes, there are apps (the small portions you crave before your main meal), no download required. Steamed edamame is served hot. Deep-fried pork dumplings come with Kazan’s tempura sauce, and, of course, eggrolls – homemade with sweet and sour sauce.
Welcome Back
For Kwon, who wanted a new challenge in acquiring a restaurant, the most rewarding aspect is seeing customers who have moved away from the Indianapolis area come back with their families to eat at Kazan.
“It means a lot to us as a business and as people,” Kwon says. “We hope that all customers who visit can enjoy delicious meals and make meaningful memories through Kazan.”
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