A simple description of Binchō-tan is white coal.
In reality though, it ’s so much more…
Impeccable quality and very expensive, Binchō-tan is branch-shaped charcoal traditionally used in Japanese cooking to enhance the flavour experience. Produced through centuries of artisanal skill and craftsmanship, it is the epicentre of our concept and cooking methodology. It is cooking from the absolute source.
Binchō-tan is formed through a meticulous and systematic process of placing high-quality wood in a kiln for five days at around 240ºC, after which the temperature is raised to around 1000ºC. Once fully pyrolyzed, it is taken out and covered in a damp mixture of earth, sand and ash, giving it a ceramic-like form that burns fluorescent.
The result is a literally white-hot charcoal that is pure, emits almost no smoke when burning, infuses food with rare and delicate flavours, and when struck gives off a metallic ring, leading to it being used as wind chimes. Little is actually known about the molecular structure of Binchō-tan, only adding to its wonder and charm.
Binchō-tan is the fuel that fires the flavours and fragrances of KōL Izakhaya.
