"Yamaya" is a leading producer of Karashi Mentaiko (spicy cod roe) in Japan. It does not only produce superior tasted Karashi Metaiko and distribute,but the company also operates restaurants where customers will enjoy gaining much experience in picking out local cuisine from Kyushu such as Motsunabe (tripe hot pot) and Tempura. In this article, we will introduce a case study of the installation of Hoshizaki kitchen equipment at "Hakata Tempura Yamaya", the first franchised restaurant in Thailand of Yamami, "Hakata Tempura", restaurant, which produced by Yamaya.
Choosing Hoshizaki's kitchen equipment for safety and peace of mind
"Hakata Tempura Yamaya" is a specialty restaurant that offers all-you-can-eat Karashi Mentaiko and Karashi Takena(pickled leaf mustard), which are famous specialties of Kyushu. Established the first branch in Bang Na in August 2023, and a Rangsit branch opened in December of the said year. They both are popular, and garnering attention as notable eateries. The restaurants in Thailand are operated by JALUX ASIA Ltd., a local subsidiary of JALUX Co., Ltd.
Both restaurants use Hoshizaki products for most of their major kitchen equipment.
＜Hoshizaki kitchen equipment was installed in the Yamaya Rangsit restaurant＞
・Refrigerator (Undercounter Type) 
・Refrigerator & Freezer (Reach-in type) 
"As a restaurant that provide food directly to consumers, we prioritized strict hygiene and safety in the place, and as a result, we decided to work with Hoshizaki, which is the most reliable Japanese kitchen equipment brand. We certainly compared a brand to others, but due to the abundance of choices in terms of features, quality, size, etc., we ultimately decided to standardize on Hoshizaki," said Mr. Oshitanai.
Customized under-counter refrigerators with emphasis on workability in the kitchen
Among the installed kitchen equipment, the under-counter refrigerators were customized based on customer requirements. It incorporates GN pans on display table to store Tempura ingredients. This is help by maintaining the quality of ingredients while improving the workability and efficiency of the deep-frying process.
▲ Storing Tempura ingredients right next to the fryer improves workability
▲ Inside of the refrigerator, an upper compartment is where GN pans are incorporated
"Hakata Tempura is characterized by its crispy texture of the deep-fried thin batter. Frying chilled ingredients in hot oil, once the ingredients are cooked to perfection, helps to extract their natural flavors. Having under-counter refrigerators with GN pans near the fryer can help to preserve temperature ingredients, resulting in delicious Tempura. We have two under-counter refrigerators with GN pans, one on the right side and one on the left side of the counter. We devised the design so that both right- and left-handed people can work easily," said Mr.Varuth.
Furthermore, a forced evaporation system is a device that heats wastewater to boil and vaporize, therefore it is not necessary to connect pipes and fittings on the kitchen floor, which is another key point. With this specification that is similar to a dry kitchen, it is hygienic, easy to clean, and has an additional benefit of not being limited by installation location.
▲ A drainage hose for defrosting prevents an area from becoming a flooded kitchen.
Satisfied with products and service quality are major factors of the consideration in choosing Hoshizaki’s products for in future-opening restaurants as well
The company is planning to expand its number of restaurants in Thailand in the future and would like to continue adopting Hoshizaki’s kitchen equipment in other locations as well.
"Hoshizaki's refrigerators and freezers are able to maintain at a constant temperature evenly, so even in busy kitchens with frequent opening and closing of doors, they can adequately maintain the quality and freshness of ingredients. In addition, I personally think that Hoshizaki's ice makers are highly reliable and extract deliciousness, flavors and quality of drinks and Tempura dipping sauce we serve in our restaurants. There have been no breakdowns or troubles since their installation and regular inspections by service personnel contribute to stable process in operations," said Mr. Oshitanai.
▲ The deviation of Hoshizaki’s refrigerators temperature between inside and outside rarely occurs.
Interview cooperation: Tempura specialty restaurant "Hakata Tempura Yamaya
This is a franchise restaurant of "Hakata Tempura Yamami", which is owned by Yamaya, a famous Mentaiko producer. The operation in Thailand is managed by the local subsidiary of the JALUX Group, JALUX ASIA Ltd. In August 2023, the Bang Na branch was opened, followed by another in Rangsit in December. The restaurants feature freshly fried Tempura with a crispy texture, paired with rich Tempura dipping sauce made with Yamaya's "Umadashi" (savory soup stock). The service of free refills of Mentaiko and Karashi Takana has gained popularity.
