Teriyaki Masudaya - the Best Teriyaki in the San Fernando Valley

One of my pet peeves of going to an ethnic restaurant is the issue with authenticity. For some reason, this problem occurs all too often. If I want Thai food, I feel that someone of Thai decent should be making it. If I want Mexican food, I think a Mexican should be cooking it. And when I want Japanese food, I think a Japanese person should be preparing it. After all, I feel that only someone who has actual firsthand experience of the culture can truly create their cultural food with their subtleties and nuances. Though some might perceive this attitude towards cultural food pretentious, it was not an issue until recent years when cultural food became "trendy" and many restaurant owners began serving food of varying cultural backgrounds that distorted the authentic taste because of their lack of knowledge in the traditional taste of certain food. What is further annoying to me is how difficult it is to find a place to get quick Japanese food other than Sushi in the San Fernando Valley - it seems like I have to either go to Little Tokyo in Downtown Los Angeles or West LA.

Fortunately, there is a treasure of a quick restaurant in Winnetka of the San Fernando Valley (Saticoy and Winnetka) called Teriyaki Masudaya, where the service is fast and easy. And the best part is - nothing on the menu is over $7. In fact, their famous Teriyaki Chicken Bowl is only $3.25 and is hearty enough to fulfill a large man's appetite. The epitome of a "Mom and Pop's" place, this restaurant is owned by a friendly Japanese couple whose dream has been to own a restaurant that carried on the tradition of authentic Japanese food. Over the course of its 21 years (and counting) in establishment, they have not compromised their taste and recipe, nor have they had any reason to change because of its popularity of its unique special sauce.

People of various backgrounds come to this restaurant to enjoy delicious and quick Japanese food at a very affordable price. It is the perfect alternate to those fast food chains of hamburgers, etc. There are no fuss, it's simple straight food made to order. It's perfect for lunches during office hours, fast and quick dinner on the way home, or if you are too lazy to cook at home, perfect for ordering to go! Whatever the reason may be, it is a small hidden treasure that is worth going to. Best of all, there's a great variety of food available - it's not just teriyaki chicken or beef. There is yakisoba (Japanese pan-fried noodles), Japanese curry, Katsu (breaded chicken), and salad with the popular and distinct Masudaya dressing.

There is also a rewards card for frequent customers. For every purchase of a bowl or plate per visit, you receive a stamp on a card. Once you receive 10 stamps, you will receive a free teriyaki chicken bowl. Not that you need any other reason besides wanting the most delicious teriyaki bowl to come back, but this frequent customer card will surely entice people to come back often to get more of the delicious offerings from Teriyaki Masudaya. Teriyaki Masudaya is located at 20123 Saticoy St., Winnetka, CA 91306. It is definitely worth checking out. I bet you will become a returning customer!