Chef Yoshihiro Murata, the king of kaiseki (traditional multi-course dinner) in Japan, recently opened his first restaurant in England. The seven-Michelin-star chef shares his top eats in both countries.
Best Japanese seafood: Kikunoi, Kyoto
“The best sea bream sashimi is at my restaurant Kikunoi. The texture may be a little chewy for Western tastes, but it is how I like it.”
kikunoi.jp
Best Japanese dessert: Tsujiri Tea House, Kyoto
I like the matcha parfait at this tea house in Gion. The matcha used is of exceptional quality and has a wonderful earthy smell.”
giontsujiri.co.jp
Favourite food: white rice
“Tsuyahime is the ultimate rice with its shiny whiteness, large grain size and balance between texture, umami and sweetness. I eat it every day.”
Best Japanese restaurant outside Japan: Umu, London
“Chef Yoshinori Ishii puts incredible effort into sourcing his ingredients. He buys very good fish from Scotland. The quality of his dashi is excellent. And he makes many of the plates (above) for the restaurant himself; they are very beautiful. His attention to detail is most impressive.”
umurestaurant.com
Best new dishes: Tokimeite, London
We present wagyu beef in two new ways: grilled with soya sauce using a technique I developed, and as tartare with English wasabi. I’m also pioneering a new way of serving sukiyaki (Japanese hotpot).”
tokimeite.com
– TEXT BY SUDI PIGOTT
This article was originally published by Singapore Press Holdings.
