How does the hibachi fire show work?

The physics

A teppanyaki griddle runs at 450-500°F. The chef pours a small quantity of high-proof alcohol (usually a splash of grain alcohol or vodka) onto the griddle, which flashes and ignites. The alcohol burns off in 3-5 seconds; the flame is 2-3 feet high at peak.

The onion volcano

The signature move: the chef stacks onion rings into a tower on the griddle, pours alcohol down the inside, and lights it. The flame shoots up through the center like a volcano. Lasts 5-8 seconds. Universally photographed.

Other classic moves

Egg juggle (chef tosses an egg from spatula to spatula without breaking it). Shrimp tail flip (chef flicks shrimp tails into their chef hat or a guest's mouth, consent-based). Sake toss (chef sprays sake from a bottle into guests' mouths, over-21 only). Flaming spatula flip (one spatula on fire, chef juggles).

Safety protocols

The chef controls alcohol quantity (small amounts = short flames). Guests stay 3-4 feet from the griddle. Hair ties and setback for guests with long hair. No overhead decorations within 4 feet of the griddle. We've done 500+ events with zero fire incidents.

Can we request specific moves?

Yes. Tell the chef at setup if the birthday guest wants the egg juggle, or if the group wants the sake toss timed to a toast. We time moves to your event's big moments.

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