Yong's Teriyaki in South Carolina: Where to Find Japanese-Style Grilled Meat and Vegetables

What Yong's Teriyaki serves and where to find it

Yong's Teriyaki is a casual Japanese grill restaurant where you order at the counter and watch cooks prepare your meal on a flat-top griddle right in front of you. The menu centers on teriyaki—meat or seafood glazed with a sweet and savory soy-based sauce—served over rice with grilled vegetables. You'll find chicken, beef, shrimp, and tofu options, along with combination plates that let you pick two proteins. Most locations also serve sushi rolls, gyoza (pan-fried dumplings), and edamame as sides or starters.

Yong's has multiple locations across South Carolina, including restaurants in the Midlands, Lowcountry, and Upstate regions. The chain operates as a fast-casual spot—faster than a full-service restaurant but with more customization than a chain takeout counter. Portions are generous, and you can watch the griddle work, which makes the experience interactive and transparent about what goes into your bowl.

Key Takeaways

• Yong's Teriyaki cooks your meal on a flat-top griddle to order, so you see exactly how your food is prepared.
• The core menu features teriyaki chicken, beef, shrimp, and tofu served over rice with grilled vegetables and a glossy sweet-savory sauce.
• You can build combination plates by choosing two proteins, letting you taste multiple items in one meal.
• Most Yong's locations also serve sushi rolls, gyoza, and other Japanese appetizers if you want to expand beyond teriyaki.

How the ordering and cooking process works

When you enter Yong's, you step up to a counter where a staff member walks you through the menu. You choose your protein—chicken, beef, shrimp, tofu, or a combination—and your rice base (white or brown). You can also pick your spice level and add extra vegetables or sauce. Once you order and pay, you move to the side of the counter where the griddle cooks work.

The cook takes your order ticket and begins grilling your protein and vegetables on a large flat-top griddle, chopping and stirring everything with metal spatulas. The whole process takes about five to ten minutes. You watch the sizzle and smell the caramelizing teriyaki glaze as it cooks. Once finished, the cook plates your meal over rice in a compartmentalized container and calls your name or number. The meal arrives hot, and the vegetables still have a slight char and crunch from the griddle.

What to order and flavor profiles

The teriyaki chicken is the most popular choice—tender pieces of chicken breast cooked with onions, zucchini, and mushrooms, then coated in a glossy brown sauce that is sweet with a salty undertone. The beef teriyaki offers a richer, more savory version with similar vegetables. If you prefer seafood, the shrimp teriyaki cooks quickly and pairs well with the sauce's sweetness. Tofu teriyaki works for vegetarians and has a slightly nutty flavor that absorbs the glaze.

Combination plates let you pick two proteins—for example, chicken and shrimp, or beef and tofu—so you get variety in one bowl. The sauce is consistent across proteins: sweet from sugar and mirin (a rice wine), salty from soy sauce, and slightly garlicky. Most locations let you adjust spice level or sauce amount when you order. Gyoza (dumplings) and edamame make good starters if you want to add to your meal, and sushi rolls offer a lighter, cooler option if you prefer something less cooked.

Atmosphere and dining style

Yong's locations are designed for efficiency and visibility. Most have open kitchens where the griddle is the focal point, so you can watch your food cook while you wait. Seating is usually casual—booths, tables, or counter seating—and the space tends to be bright and clean. The vibe is fast-casual and family-friendly, with a mix of lunch crowds during weekdays and families or groups on weekends.

The restaurant is built for people who want to eat quickly but still have a meal prepared fresh in front of them. It works well for lunch breaks, casual dinners, or takeout. The open kitchen means there is some noise and heat, but that is part of the appeal—you know your food is being made to order, not sitting under a heat lamp.

Pricing and portion sizes

Teriyaki bowls at Yong's typically range from moderate to mid-range pricing, depending on your protein choice and location. Chicken and tofu bowls are usually the least expensive, while shrimp and beef cost a bit more. Combination plates cost more than single-protein bowls but give you more food and variety. Most locations offer lunch specials or combo deals that bundle a bowl with a drink and a side like gyoza or edamame at a lower total price.

Portions are substantial—a single bowl often contains enough protein and vegetables to satisfy most appetites, and the rice base fills you up. If you order a combination plate or add sides, you will likely have leftovers. Prices vary slightly by location and whether you are in an urban or suburban area, so checking the specific restaurant's menu online before you visit is worth doing.

How Yong's Teriyaki fits into South Carolina's Asian dining scene

Yong's occupies a middle ground in South Carolina's Asian restaurant landscape. It is more casual and griddle-focused than traditional sit-down Japanese restaurants that serve sushi and kaiseki (multi-course) meals, but more refined than fast-food Asian chains. The flat-top griddle cooking style—sometimes called teppanyaki—is a draw for people who enjoy watching their food prepared and want the theatrical element of the cooking process.

In cities like Columbia, Charleston, and Greenville, Yong's competes with both independent sushi restaurants and other casual Asian chains, but its strength is consistency and the visual appeal of the griddle work. For diners who want Japanese flavors without a long sit-down commitment, or who are curious about teppanyaki-style cooking, Yong's offers an accessible entry point. The menu is straightforward enough for people new to Japanese food but customizable enough for regulars who know what they like.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I get my teriyaki bowl without rice or with a different base?

Most Yong's locations offer white or brown rice as the standard base, and some allow you to substitute vegetables or noodles instead. Ask when you order—the staff can usually accommodate requests, though availability may depend on the specific location and what they have prepared that day.

Are there vegetarian or vegan options?

Yes. Tofu teriyaki is a vegetarian protein option, and you can load your bowl with extra grilled vegetables. Ask about the sauce ingredients when you order, as some teriyaki sauces contain fish-based ingredients. Most locations can make adjustments if you let them know your dietary needs at the counter.

Is the food spicy?

Teriyaki sauce is sweet and savory, not spicy by default. However, most Yong's locations let you request extra spice or hot sauce when you order. The standard preparation is mild, so it works well for people who prefer less heat.

How long does it take to get your food?

From the time you order to the time your meal is ready usually takes five to ten minutes, depending on how busy the restaurant is. During peak lunch or dinner hours, it may take a bit longer. The wait is part of the experience—you are watching your food cook on the griddle.

Can I order takeout or delivery?

Most Yong's locations accept takeout orders at the counter, and many work with delivery apps. Call ahead or check online to confirm whether your nearest location offers delivery, as this varies by restaurant.