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ZIPAIR Exclusive: Premium Wagyu Beef Delivery to the US & Singapore

By Ryan Noble
Updated: September 27, 2024

We’re taking a slight departure from food tours, restaurants and cooking classes today, because we’ve got a unique opportunity we need to tell you about…

Introducing ZIPAIR's exclusive offer: a culinary journey with Japanese wagyu beef, available only for ZIPAIR passengers and connoisseurs of fine Japanese food, allowing you to travel home with a luxurious souvenir of premium, A5-grade Japanese beef.

But, before we dive into the details, let's explore the captivating world of premium wagyu beef!

What is wagyu beef? 

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Japanese wagyu beef is renowned as one of the most luxurious and sought-after types of beef globally, celebrated for its exceptional marbling, tenderness and rich flavor profile. However, not all Japanese beef is created equal.

For beef to be considered on the same pedestal as premium wagyu, it must originate from one of four Japanese cattle breeds:

  • Japanese Black (from Tottori, Hyogo, Shimane and Okayama Prefectures)
  • Japanese Brown/Red (from Kochi and Kumamoto Prefectures)
  • Japanese Polled (from Yamaguchi Prefecture)
  • Japanese Shorthorn (from Iwate Prefecture)

Read more: What is Wagyu Beef?

The rich history of wagyu beef 

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Although wagyu beef is often considered an especially Japanese craft, the origin of wagyu cattle is surprisingly international. The evolution of modern wagyu cattle began with innovative crossbreeding, when, following the Meiji Restoration in 1868, Japanese breeders embarked on a journey to create the perfect beef.

They meticulously crossbred native Japanese cattle with imported breeds known for exceptional beef, such as the Hanwoo cattle from Korea and the Brown Swiss from America.

Elevate your special occasions with wagyu beef

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So, when is the best time to splurge on melt-in-your-mouth wagyu beef?

Host an unforgettable dinner party 

If you’re planning a dinner party that you want your guests to be talking about for years to come, craft a truly premium meal with a sensational serving of wagyu at your next soiree. 

There are many ways to serve wagyu — all of which are sure to keep your guests asking for more — but with a high-quality cut, many prefer to serve it as a grilled medium-rare steak.

Often, this is complemented by simple sides such as roasted vegetables or simple salads to allow the flavors of the wagyu beef to really take center stage.

The ultimate gourmet gift

If you have a lover of steaks or high-quality beef within your friends and family, treat them to an unparalleled culinary experience by buying them a cut of wagyu beef, direct from Japan — more on how ZIPAIR will make this happen soon!

Whether served as a thick cut of meat for succulent steaks or thinly sliced for exquisite sukiyaki dining, they will surely remember this extraordinary present.

Impress with special event catering 

Elevate your event catering with the pinnacle of beef cuts, guaranteed to leave a lasting impression on clients and guests with the luxurious taste of wagyu beef.

ZIPAIR's exclusive wagyu beef delivery: a seamless experience

A ZIPAIR flight, soaring through clear blue skies.

Now that you understand the true luxury of Japanese wagyu beef, let’s get into how ZIPAIR will help you take the finest cut home with you.

Exclusive to ZIPAIR passengers flying from Narita airport to US or Singapore destinations, you can order through their premium delivery service, allowing you to take hand-selected A5-grade wagyu beef from Japan to your destination without any of the usual paperwork and declarations.

ZIPAIR will make sure your chosen wagyu beef is waiting for you at Narita airport when you arrive, ready to present your gourmet parcel at check-in so you can confirm its quality and freshness firsthand before boarding your flight.

When you arrive at your destination, simply collect your spectacular souvenir alongside your luggage at the destination and start dreaming of how you’re going to prepare it…

Order your A5 grade wagyu beef.

How to purchase wagyu beef with ZIPAIR 

A flowchart showing the purchase and delivery process of wagyu beef with and without ZIPAIR.

Exquisite wagyu beef options available with ZIPAIR

Premium wagyu beef blocks for steaks* 

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Famous for its unique marbling, ensuring a flavor explosion in every bite, this superior cut of wagyu beef is as versatile as it is filled with sweetness and umami. Recommended for use in exquisite steaks or breathtaking BBQ dishes, but equally as perfect in any other gourmet creation you desire.

Allow centuries of expertise and perfected breeding techniques to elevate your next meal to new heights and depths of flavor.

Order your premium wagyu beef for steaks.

*Available exclusively for Los Angeles, San Jose, San Francisco, and Honolulu flights. From ¥37,700 per 1.2kg.

Delicate wagyu beef slices for sukiyaki* 

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Thinly sliced for traditional Japanese dishes like sukiyaki and shabu-shabu, allowing the smooth texture and natural sweetness of the wagyu beef to develop even further as it soaks alongside your chosen ingredients in a flavorful broth.

After swishing your beef to perfection, each slice of wagyu beef promises to melt on your tongue, sure to impress even the most discerning food enthusiasts.

Order your delicate wagyu beef slices.

*Available exclusively for Singapore flights. From ¥25,900 per 1kg.

Wagyu beef FAQs

A ZIPAIR plane as seen from below, set against a bright blue sky.

How can I ensure the freshness of my wagyu beef? 

When checking over your premium wagyu beef at the airport, you should be looking for a clear contrast between the bright red or pink meat and white marbling of fat, and an almost sweet aroma — some say it resembles the scent of coconut or fruit.

What's the best way to store wagyu beef? 

If your wagyu beef will be eaten within 48 hours:

  • It can be stored in your refrigerator
  • Keep your wagyu beef in the coldest part of the refrigerator to preserve freshness
  • Ensure the packaging is still airtight

If you plan to freeze your wagyu beef:

  • Wagyu beef can be frozen and stored for up to a month
  • Keep your wagyu beef in the coldest part of the freezer, ideally away from the door
  • To thaw your frozen wagyu beef, simply place it into the refrigerator to gently defrost — consume within 48 hours and do not refreeze

Can non-ZIPAIR passengers purchase this Wagyu beef? 

Unfortunately, no! This exclusive wagyu beef delivery service is a special privilege reserved for ZIPAIR passengers only.

How is wagyu beef graded? 

The Japanese Meat Grading Association (JMGA) grades all wagyu beef on a scale of A1 to A5. A5 represents the highest quality of beef, and Japan-based vendors are only permitted to sell A3 to A5 grades, meaning you’ll always experience high-quality cuts of beef when you’re dining in Japan.

This wagyu beef grading criteria includes:

  • The ratio of fat to lean meat 
  • Meat color 
  • Texture and firmness

What sets wagyu beef apart from other types of beef? 

Discover the unique qualities that make wagyu beef a cut above the rest: 

  • Uniform fat distribution throughout the muscles
  • Delicate, pink-hued meat 
  • Exceptional tenderness, even after extended cooking times 
  • Lower melting point, enhancing the flavors of the marbling

All of these elements come together to create an unforgettable dining experience that captures the essence of elevated Japanese cuisine.

We strive to be as accurate as possible and keep up with the changing landscape of Japan's food and travel industries. If you spot any inaccuracies, please send a report.
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Ryan Noble
Ryan’s love for Japan may have begun with Naruto — something he refuses to hide — but it only grew once he truly understood the beauty of this country’s language, culture, and people. He hopes to use that passion to bridge the gap between Japan and the rest of the world, shining the spotlight on its hidden gems and supporting the revitalization of rural regions.
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