If you love sizzling food that you finish cooking right at the table, the Pepper Lunch menu will make you very happy. The brand’s signature “DIY teppan” hot plate turns simple ingredients into a fragrant, peppery rice or steak meal in minutes. In this guide, you’ll find a clear, up-to-date overview of what’s on the menu in major markets, how to personalize your plate, which sauces to try, and smart ordering tips. I’ve also added quick-scan tables under each section so you can spot what you want fast.
Note: Pepper Lunch’s menu varies by country and even by store. Items listed here are drawn from official menus in Japan, Singapore, Australia, and North America. Always check your local menu before you go.
What is Pepper Lunch?
Pepper Lunch is a Japanese fast-casual concept that lets you “be the master chef.” Your meal arrives on a patented iron plate heated to searing temperature. You stir, sizzle, and season to your liking, then eat while it stays hot. The brand was founded by chef Kunio Ichinose in Tokyo; today it operates hundreds of outlets across Asia and beyond.
Why the food sizzles: The teppan plate is designed to heat up to 260 °C in about 70 seconds and stay warm near 80 °C for more than 20 minutes, which helps meat stay juicy and keeps your rice hot to the last bite.
Quick facts at a glance
| Detail | What to know |
|---|---|
| Origin | Tokyo, Japan (founded by chef Kunio Ichinose) |
| Concept | DIY teppan on a patented hot plate; you sizzle and mix at the table |
| Global footprint | 500+ outlets across Japan, Asia, and Australia (plus expanding markets) |
| Signature dish | Beef Pepper Rice and hot-plate steaks |
| Typical formats | Pepper Lunch restaurant & Pepper Lunch Express (fast counter) |
How the “DIY” Sizzle Works
Pepper Lunch teaches a simple routine: sizzle, stir, mix. For Pepper Rice, you fold the meat into the rice and corn, melt the house margarine through the grains, and add sauces to taste. For steaks, you spread margarine, flip quickly (they cook fast), then sauce and eat.
Sizzle steps (table)
| Plate type | What you do | Result |
|---|---|---|
| Pepper Rice | Mix beef/chicken/seafood with rice, corn, and the hidden margarine; add house sauces | Crispy-edged rice with a glossy, peppery coating |
| Premium steak | Spread margarine, flip fast, cook veg on side, finish with sauce | Juicy steak, seared but tender |
| Cheese curry rice | Cook protein through first, then pour the cheese curry sauce to melt | Rich, stretchy cheese over curry-coated rice |
These steps are taken from Pepper Lunch’s official “How to Sizzle” guide and adapted here in plain language.
Pepper Lunch Menu Overview (Global)
While each region offers its own specials, the backbone of the Pepper Lunch menu repeats everywhere: Pepper Rice, Steaks & Hamburg, Japanese Classics, Teppan Pasta/Yakiudon, Sizzling Curry, plus sides, add-ons, and drinks. You’ll also see combos and sometimes kids’ sets.
Global menu map
| Category | What it includes | Where you’ll see it |
|---|---|---|
| Pepper Rice | Beef, chicken, salmon, tofu/veg; “jumbo” or spicy kimchi variants in some markets | Japan, Singapore, North America, Australia |
| Premium Steaks | Ribeye/striploin/tenderloin, diced cut steak; often served with rice | Singapore, Japan; similar cuts in NA/Australia |
| Hamburg Steak | Japanese-style ground beef patties, sometimes with egg | Japan, Singapore, NA |
| Japanese Classics | Teriyaki chicken or salmon, sukiyaki bowls, seafood plates | Singapore; some analogs elsewhere |
| Teppan Pasta / Yakiudon | Aglio olio, creamy or cheese sauces, pepper yakiudon | Singapore, NA, Australia |
| Sizzling Curry | Curry rice with protein and add-ons | North America; similar cheese curry variants in SG |
| Sides & Add-ons | Miso soup, salads, rice, veggies, eggs, sauces | Japan, Singapore, NA |
| Kids | Child-friendly hamburg or chicken plates | Japan |
Signature Pepper Rice
This is the brand’s most famous dish: a ring of thinly sliced protein around rice and corn, a dab of house margarine, and lots of black pepper. You stir it together to create glossy, savory grains with crisp bits where the rice meets the teppan. Variants include chicken, salmon, veggie, kimchi, and “jumbo” beef.
Popular Pepper Rice builds
| Build | What’s in it | Good to know |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Pepper Rice | Beef slices, rice, corn, margarine, fresh pepper | The classic; some regions offer regular, large, or “jumbo” meat portions. |
| Chicken Pepper Rice | Diced chicken instead of beef | Mild and leaner; nice with garlic-forward sauce. |
| Salmon Pepper Rice | Salmon slices on the teppan | In SG it’s billed as “sashimi-grade salmon.” Cook fully. |
| Tofu & Veg Pepper Rice | Tofu + vegetables (NA menu) | A simple meat-free option. |
| Kimchi Pepper Rice | Pepper rice + kimchi; beef/chicken/tofu variants | Spicy-tangy twist available in NA menus. |
| Broccoli & Mushroom Pepper Rice | Veg-forward pepper rice (SG) | Great if you want a lighter plate. |
Pro tip: To get crispy rice, spread a thin layer against the teppan and don’t stir for 30–45 seconds. Then fold it back in and add sauce. (Pepper Lunch teaches a similar rhythm in its “How to Sizzle” notes.)
Premium Steaks & Hamburg
If you want steakhouse vibes without the wait, go straight to the premium cuts. Singapore’s current line-up includes Tenderloin (180 g), Ribeye (160 g), Striploin (150 g), and Diced Cut Steak in 150 g or 200 g portions. You can also get Hamburg Steak, with or without a fried egg. All typically come with rice and a dipping sauce.
Steaks & Hamburg snapshot
| Item | Typical portion | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Tenderloin | 180 g | Lean and tender; comes with rice + one sauce. |
| Ribeye | 160 g | Well-marbled and juicy. |
| Striploin | 150 g | Balanced flavor and texture. |
| Diced Cut Steak | 150 g or 200 g | Cubed beef; easy to sizzle and mix. |
| Original Hamburg | — | Japanese-style beef patty; egg optional. |
Combo plates (steak + salmon, steak + hamburg, etc.) are common, and Japan lists special “waku-waku” combo sets and weekday lunch sets.
Japanese Classics (Teriyaki, Sukiyaki, Seafood)
Prefer an icon of Japanese comfort food? Try Pepper Lunch’s teriyaki and sukiyaki plates. They’re served on the teppan, so you still get that addictive sizzle.
Classics to know
| Dish | What it is | Try it if you like |
|---|---|---|
| Teriyaki Chicken (with egg) | Seared chicken finished with Japanese teriyaki (spicy option in SG) | Sweet-savory profiles and a soft egg garnish. |
| Teriyaki Salmon & Scallop | Seafood + teriyaki glaze (normal/spicy) | Seafood with a glossy finish. |
| Beef Sukiyaki | Thin beef simmered in house sukiyaki sauce, served with rice | A classic sweet-savory bowl on a hot plate. |
| Salmon Sukiyaki | Sukiyaki flavor over salmon | For sukiyaki fans who want seafood. |
Teppan Pasta & Yakiudon
Pepper Lunch also does noodles on the teppan. The heat gives you charred edges, melted cheese, and bold sauce coverage.
Noodle picks
| Item | Sauce style | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Beef Pepper Yakiudon / Chicken Pepper Yakiudon | Pepper-forward stir-fried udon | Springy noodles + teppan aroma. |
| Aglio Olio (Beef/Chicken/Seafood) | Garlicky olive-oil base | Simple, fragrant, and customizable. |
| Creamy/Cheesy Pastas | Cream or cheese sauces | Rich and melty on a hot plate. |
| Australia & NA variations | Region-specific pasta or shrimp options | Check digital menus in AU; NA lists multiple pastas. |
Sizzling Curry
On many North America menus you’ll find Sizzling Curry plates with beef, chicken, shrimp, or hamburg. These arrive bubbling; stir in the rice and enjoy the warm spice profile.
Sizzling curry combinations (NA)
| Protein | Add-ons that pair well |
|---|---|
| Beef or Chicken | Corn, extra onion, egg |
| Shrimp | Broccoli, mushrooms |
| Hamburg | Cheese, garlic chips |
Menu names vary by store. Check your local list under “Sizzling Curry.”
Sides, Add-Ons, and Toppings
The menu encourages mixing and matching. Japan publishes a clear list of add-ons: egg, garlic chips, broccoli, bean sprouts, corn, cheese, and even an extra 60 g cut steak add-on. Singapore lists add-ons like king oyster mushroom, okra, and more, plus sides such as miso soup, mashed potato, and salads.
Build-your-plate helpers
| Add-on / Side | Why add it |
|---|---|
| Egg (fried or raw for mixing) | Creaminess and extra protein on rice or steak |
| Garlic chips | Crunch and aroma; great on ribeye or hamburg |
| Broccoli / mushrooms / bean sprouts / okra | Texture and fiber to balance rich sauces |
| Corn & cheese | Classic Pepper Rice boosters |
| Miso soup / salad / rice sets | Round out a meal or make a combo set |
All examples above come from official JP/SG menus; availability varies by store.
Sauces & Seasonings: What to Expect
Pepper Lunch’s flavor backbone is simple: freshly ground black pepper, original butter/margarine, and house sauces. The brand highlights an original butter and a soy-and-garlic based sauce designed for the hot plate.
In many markets, you’ll also find two table sauces people talk about often:
- Sweet “Honey Brown/Amakuchi” – a sweeter soy-based sauce.
- Garlic Soy “Karakuchi” – a bolder, garlicky soy sauce.
These exact names may not appear on every official menu, but diners and recipe writers consistently describe the two bottle styles this way. Use the sweet sauce on pepper rice and the garlic soy on steaks—or mix both.
Sauce pairing quick guide
| Sauce / Seasoning | Flavor profile | Best with |
|---|---|---|
| House soy-garlic (teppan sauce) | Savory, aromatic, built for high heat | Steaks; finish after searing |
| Sweet “honey/brown” style | Sweet-savory soy | Pepper Rice, cheese curry rice |
| “Karakuchi” garlic-soy | Salty, garlicky, sharper | Beef/chicken pepper rice; ribeye steaks |
| Fresh black pepper | Floral heat | Everything; it’s the brand’s signature touch |
| Onion sauce (JP topping) | Sweet onion-based | Hamburg steaks, diced cut steak |
Dietary Notes, Allergens, and Halal Info
- Allergens: Pepper Lunch Singapore notes that food “may contain allergens” and that the team cannot guarantee no cross-contact. If you’re sensitive to soy, dairy, gluten, shellfish, sesame, or eggs, speak to the staff and check local allergen charts where available.
- Halal (Singapore): All Pepper Lunch Restaurants and Pepper Lunch Express outlets in Singapore have been MUIS halal-certified since 8 Feb 2021, per the official FAQ. (Pepper Kitchen, a separate brand, is not halal.)
- Other markets: Halal status varies by country and even by outlet. Always confirm locally (e.g., national halal directories or store pages). Regulations and certification processes differ (Indonesia and Malaysia have their own frameworks).
- Vegetarian options: Look for Tofu & Veg Pepper Rice (NA) or Broccoli & Mushroom Pepper Rice (SG). Vegan options are limited because of margarine and sauces—ask if the team can hold butter/margarine and suggest a simple soy-garlic finish.
Quick dietary guide
| Need | What to order / ask |
|---|---|
| Halal (SG) | Any restaurant/express outlet in Singapore (certified since 8 Feb 2021) |
| Gluten awareness | Avoid wheat-based sauces/pastas; stick to plain pepper rice + simple soy/garlic; confirm on site |
| Shellfish allergy | Skip salmon/shrimp/scallop plates; ask about cross-contact in shared teppans |
| Vegetarian | Tofu & Veg (NA) or Broccoli & Mushroom Pepper Rice (SG); hold butter if needed |
| Lower-oil | Ask for light margarine and extra veg; don’t over-caramelize the rice |
Drinks & Nutrition Notes
Singapore’s site lists Nutrition Information Panels for several beverages (e.g., Pepsi, 7 Up, Milo, Ribena, teas). Main-dish nutrition is not consistently published across all markets; values will vary by protein, sauce, and how much you sizzle. If you track calories, consider sharing and going lighter on sauces.
Drink nutrition (examples per 100 ml, Singapore)
| Drink | Energy | Sugar | Sodium |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pepsi | 20 kcal | 4.9 g | 5 mg |
| 7 Up | 0 kcal | 0 g | 22 mg |
| Mug Sarsaparilla | 19 kcal | 4.8 g | 6 mg |
| Mountain Dew | 19 kcal | 4.8 g | 8 mg |
| Nestlé Milo | 64.5 kcal | 8 g (5 g added) | 37 mg |
| Ribena | 36 kcal | 9 g | 3 mg |
Pulled from the Singapore menu’s NIP listings; always verify in store.
How to Order (and Customize) Like a Regular
- Pick your base: Pepper Rice, Steak/Hamburg, Classic (teriyaki/sukiyaki), Sizzling Curry, Pasta/Yakiudon.
- Choose a protein: Beef (slices or steak), chicken, salmon, shrimp, tofu/veg.
- Add toppings: Egg, garlic chips, veggies, cheese, extra steak.
- Sizzle properly: Spread rice thin for crisp bits; flip steaks fast.
- Finish with sauce: Try a mix of sweet and garlic-soy; add fresh pepper.
Customization table
| Want this | Do this |
|---|---|
| Extra protein | Order “jumbo” beef (where offered) or add 60 g steak (JP topping) |
| More heat | Ask for kimchi versions (NA) or use more pepper/garlic-soy |
| Lighter plate | Hold some margarine; add extra veg; go easy on sweet sauce |
| Cheesy pull | Pick cheese curry rice or add cheese topping (JP/SG) |
| Kid-friendly | Look for kids hamburg/chicken sets (JP) |
Regional Highlights (with examples)
Japan (公式メニュー)
Japan lists the full classic range: Pepper Rice, Steaks, Hamburg, Weekday Lunch Sets, Drinks, Side Salads, and Toppings. It also shows kids items and many limited-time flavors.
| Category | Example items |
|---|---|
| Pepper Rice | Beef (regular/large/extra), spicy chicken & beef pepper rice |
| Steaks | Wild juicy steak, cut steak, combo sets |
| Hamburg | Original hamburg, hamburg + fried egg |
| Lunch (weekdays) | Hamburg lunch, cut steak lunch |
| Toppings | Onion sauce, egg, garlic chips, broccoli, bean sprouts, corn, cheese, +60 g steak add-on |
Singapore
Singapore’s menu is broad and descriptive, with premium steaks by gram, deluxe combos, pepper rice (including broccoli & mushroom), Japanese Classics (teriyaki, sukiyaki), yakiudon/pasta, sides, salads, and clear allergen notice. Singapore outlets are also MUIS halal-certified (since 8 Feb 2021).
| Category | Example items (SG) |
|---|---|
| Premium Beef Steak | Tenderloin 180 g, Ribeye 160 g, Striploin 150 g, Diced Cut Steak (150/200 g) |
| Deluxe & Combos | Ultimate Meat Deluxe, Beef Trio Deluxe, Seafood Trio Deluxe |
| Pepper Rice | Beef, Chicken, Salmon, Broccoli & Mushroom, Jumbo Beef |
| Japanese Classics | Beef/Salmon Sukiyaki, Teriyaki Chicken (normal/spicy), Teriyaki Salmon & Scallop |
| Yakiudon & Pasta | Beef/Chicken Pepper Yakiudon; Aglio Olio, Creamy/Cheese options |
| Add-ons / Sides | King Oyster Mushroom, Okra, Egg, Cheese, Scallops; Miso Soup, Mashed Potato, Salads |
| Allergen / Halal | Allergen cross-contact notice; MUIS halal since 8 Feb 2021 |
North America
The current NA menu lists Pepper Rice (including tofu & veg and kimchi variants), teriyaki, steaks (Angus ribeye/steak), hamburg, pasta, salads, sides, and a big Sizzling Curry section.
| Category | Example items (NA) |
|---|---|
| Pepper Rice | Beef, Chicken, Salmon, Shrimp, Tofu & Veg; Kimchi versions |
| Steaks | Angus cut steak, Angus ribeye steak |
| Teriyaki & Hamburg | Teriyaki chicken/salmon; hamburg steak |
| Sizzling Curry | Beef, chicken, shrimp, hamburg; “combo deluxe” styles |
| Pasta/Salad/Sides | Aglio olio and creamy pastas; pepper salad; miso soup, wedges, onion rings |
Australia
Australia mirrors many global categories and publishes a digital national menu that’s regularly updated (e.g., June 2025). Expect pepper rice, premium steak, Japanese classics, teppan pasta, and sizzling curry, with local tweaks.
| Category | What to look for (AU) |
|---|---|
| Pepper Rice | Core beef/chicken/salmon builds |
| Premium Steak | Local beef cuts, teppan-served |
| Pasta/Yakiudon | Aglio olio, creamy/cheese styles |
| Sizzling Curry | Curry rice plates with protein options |
Timing, Speed, and Experience
Pepper Lunch is built for speed: order → sizzle → eat. In media interviews, the brand has emphasized fast throughput in lunch rushes, which matches the whole “cook at your table” model. You control doneness and sauce at the plate, which is part of the fun (and helps reduce back-of-house time).
Experience checklist
| Expect | Why it matters |
|---|---|
| Very hot plates | Keep napkins and sleeves away from the teppan edge |
| DIY mixing | Flavor control and crisp rice are in your hands |
| Two main sauces | Sweet/honey and garlic-soy styles are common table choices |
| Fresh ground pepper | It’s in the name—pepper adds aroma and kick |
Delivery, Takeaway, and Mobile Order
Many regions offer takeaway and delivery; Japan’s official site also highlights mobile order. If you’re taking Pepper Rice to-go, be ready to mix promptly so the rice doesn’t clump as it cools.
Ordering options (check your country)
| Channel | Where noted |
|---|---|
| Dine-in | All markets |
| Takeaway | Japan shows a dedicated takeaway menu section |
| Delivery | Listed on Japan site; also common elsewhere |
| Mobile order | Highlighted on Japan site |
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Pepper Lunch Japanese or Korean?
Japanese. The brand started in Tokyo in 1994 under chef Kunio Ichinose, and expanded across Asia and beyond.
What should first-timers order?
Start with Beef Pepper Rice and try both the sweet and garlic-soy sauces. If you prefer steak, pick Ribeye or Diced Cut Steak and add garlic chips.
Are there kid-friendly options?
Yes in Japan (kids hamburg/chicken). Check your local store for kids’ sets.
Is Pepper Lunch halal?
It depends on the country. In Singapore, all Pepper Lunch Restaurants and Express outlets are MUIS halal-certified (since 8 Feb 2021). Always verify in other markets via official pages or national halal directories.
What’s the safest way to sizzle?
Flip steaks quickly; keep sauce off the bare plate until the meat is seared. For rice, let a thin layer crisp before mixing. Follow the “How to Sizzle” steps on in-store materials.
A quick, honest note on accuracy
Menus change, limited-time items rotate, and names differ by market. I relied on official regional sites for core categories and examples, plus reputable articles for context. If you’re planning a visit today, check your local store page or national menu for the final word.
Enjoy the sizzle—and don’t forget that last twist of fresh black pepper. 🍽️🔥