Where there is a birthday, you can be sure there is going to be cake.
Perhaps, this isn't the cake you might be expecting.
You may have seen and tasted some elaborate, out-of-this-world layers, colours and towers, but put your sugar and spice to one side and head over to Japan for your own meat cake. More and more yakiniku restaurants, places specialising in grilled meats, are draping layers of raw beef and bacon, all for a special occasion.
Not your average-looking birthday wish-maker, these meat cakes are made from quality cuts and rolled into beautiful shapes. Beef and pork across Japan are becoming quite popular, even though they are still considered luxury items, and they look rather impressive and taste pretty good - once they're cooked, of course. While the "cakes" display birthday messages, flowers, candles and sparklers, they are then taken apart and cooked right in front of you at the table, adding to the fun and playful nature of the birthday cake.
Twitter and Instagram is loving this carnivore's delight and while it might baffle some, they have others already planning their marbled meat-dom: one thing's for sure - this is the beef cake of all cakes. Under the hashtag # you'll be able to go in search of some more meat-inspo.
If anyone in Oz is looking to elevate to meat cake creator status, we'll be your taste testers! Sure, birthdays have been and gone but impromptu cake is just as good (if not better) than expected cake, right? We're sure it's only a matter of time befor meat wedding cakes make an appearance.
Have we got your attention and your tastebuds? It’s Japanese week on airing 6pm weeknights on SBS. Check out the for episode guides, cuisine lowdowns, recipes and more.
