Firm imports Wagyu beef direct from Kobe, Japan to Sabah
Published on: Thursday, May 11, 2023
By: Jonathan Nicholas
Grace (right) and business partner Serena Yap (left) showing the intense marbling on a slab of Japanese A5 Wagyu
Kota Kinabalu: Gourmet Merchant PLT (GMP) ups Sabah’s steak game by importing A5 Wagyu beef direct from Kobe, Japan.
Japanese A5 Wagyu beef is known for its intense marbling, which gives it a rich and creamy texture. Think of meat flavoured butter that melts in your mouth.
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GMP Director Grace Kho said the beef must meet strict criteria to be even considered authentic.
“We are excited to introduce authentic Japanese A5 Wagyu beef to our customers in East Malaysia.
“By importing the beef directly from Japan, we are able to ensure that customers receive only the best quality product.
“For every shipment, the cuts must first gain approval from the Sabah Veterinary and Jakim for halal certification, making them accessible to a wider audience in Malaysia,” she said during a steak testing session held at Pound, Jesselton Mall offering six different cuts.
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Among them was the most prized cut, the tenderloin. It being Japanese Wagyu grilled to medium rare perfection – arguably the only way a steak should be prepared – just might make all other beef seem dry and inferior.
The ribeye, meanwhile, which was the fattiest of them all showed beyond doubt that a cut of meat can actually melt in your mouth.
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The word Wagyu is a combination of “wa” and “gyu,” which translates to Japanese beef.
While Wagyu cattle are native to Japan, several countries, including Australia and the United States, have become producers of the meat over the years.
Despite this, Japanese Wagyu is still widely regarded as the highest quality and most sought-after.
“We believe that quality sets us apart from other companies and are proud to be able to offer such products.
“We take great pride in the selection process while constantly exploring new products to add to the selection.
“We are confident that our customers will appreciate the quality and flavour of our A5 Wagyu beef and look forward to serving them,” Grace said.
According to her, there are plenty other “Wagyu” although most are all Australian and Japan cross breeds.
“There is even Thailand Wagyu. Many of the pure Japanese Wagyu are hand carried into Sabah. We ship ours directly to ensure proper storage conditions.
“After the tasting today, a few renowned hotels have shown high interest in our products,” she added.
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