Experiencing the taste of authentic Japanese cuisine isn’t only about filling up your hungry stomach. Most people take the art of Japanese cuisine very seriously. It’s elegant and polished, while its preparation and presentation create the perfect blend of textures, flavours and freshness of the daily produce. That’s probably the reason behind the steady stream of Japanese food enclaves popping up all around Asia.
Japanese Restaurants stand like culinary temples, offering a taste of Japan’s rich gastronomic heritage. From the delicate art of sushi-making to the sizzling drama of teppanyaki grills, these establishments transport diners to the bustling streets of Tokyo or the serene countryside of Kyoto. With each bite, flavours unfold like chapters in a captivating novel, weaving a tale of tradition, innovation, and the pursuit of perfection. These restaurants are not just places to eat; they are epicurean adventures waiting to be savoured.
So, without further ado, ‘itadakimasu’.
HONG KONG
Mizumi
Mizumi at Wynn Palace is pleased to reveal a brand-new look that is contemporary, high-energy and playful, yet luxurious and sophisticated. Wynn Palace takes pride in delivering luxury with personality, and Executive Chef Hironori Maeda is elevating the dining experience at Mizumi by theatrically presenting contemporary Japanese cuisine. In celebration of Mizumi’s fresh new look, Chef Maeda is pleased to present a variety of exciting new menus that reflect the restaurant’s playful personality.
Censu
Censu, the Japanese word for a folding fan, is named in reference to the senses. From the basics of smell, taste, touch, sound, and sight to the sense of craft, fashion, music, and design of the restaurant, and ultimately, a sense of place. Where the relationship between people and the restaurant can be seen in the marks left on the tables and chairs as traces of their experience; a nod to the wabi-sabi philosophy of finding beauty in imperfections and frayed edges.
SINGAPORE
IMAMURA
Helmed by Chef Hirofumi Imamura, Restaurant IMAMURA is a testament to his culinary prowess. Opened its doors at Sentosa – Singapore, boasting a luxurious ambience, showcasing Chef Imamura’s ‘Philosophy of Five,’ featuring meticulously crafted dishes with premium Japanese and sustainably grown ingredients. At the heart of Restaurant IMAMURA lies a dedication to the ancient Japanese culinary principles of Gomi, Goshiki, Gohou. Chef Imamura orchestrates his culinary creations using five fundamental elements (senses, colours, tastes, ways of Japanese culinary and natural elements) to ensure a balanced and harmonious dish – one that appeals to all senses.
Taki Izakaya Bar
You won’t miss Taki Izakaya Bar’s sleek black shop front along Collyer Quay, but the interiors are equally stylish – a giant virtual waterfall is the centrepiece of the expansive 150-seater restaurant, making it ideal for hosting events. The menu is a spread of classics, with everything from sushi to sashimi, kushiyaki, agemono, donburi, steak and desserts. The bar also lets you ‘beer park’ your pints so you can continue drinking on your next visit.
BANGKOK – THAILAND
Teppen
How about a quality eating experience in a fun, stylish, and classic environment? Carrying on the concept of “Food Entertainment” that is unique to Thailand, Teppen doesn’t simply provide high-quality meals in terms of ingredients and flavour but they serve it to provide a unique, engaging, and memorable eating experience. Each meal is influenced by cultures all around the world and prepares Japanese cuisine in the manner of Teppen. Whether it’s grilling a straw, seeing a warayaki display, or hearing an original warm greeting, there’s something for everyone here.
Kisso
Dining at Kisso is as close as it comes in Bangkok to a full-spectrum restaurant experience in Japan. Taking “To Everything a Season” as its guiding principle, Kisso lives by a passionate mission to echo the authentic flavours and capture the essence of Japanese Winter, Spring, Summer and Fall with Seasonal Menu. Each meticulously prepared dish is based on the availability of prime ingredients that are to an extraordinary extent imported Ocean- and Farm-Fresh from Japan several times weekly.
www.kissojapaneserestaurant.com
BALI – INDONESIA
SugarSand
Located in Seminyak, Bali, this restaurant is a popular beachfront dining destination known for its vibrant atmosphere and contemporary izakaya-inspired dishes. With a freshly remastered kitchen spearheaded by Chef Syamsul Rizal, guests can expect a variety of modern Japanese delicacies such as Gindara Miso and Kiwami Wagyu Bollar Blade. The venue is a proud home to notable offers, naming some as Majestic Maguro, Sushi Session, and Robata Grill. Complementing the rich culinary offerings, SugarSand also serves innovative cocktails, from signature tipples to a solid line-up of Japanese-inspired homage, crafted by Head Mixologist Dewa Ari. The restaurant aims to provide a haven where people can enjoy fine food and drinks, music, and celebrate beautiful moments in a beachfront setting, serving the perfect atmosphere for socializing and mingling.
www.seminyak.hotelindigo.com/sugarsand
Shima Teppanyaki and Shabu Shabu
Situated in high-end Petitenget, Shima Teppanyaki and Shabu Shabu is renowned for its authentic Teppanyaki setting as well as their high-quality products which it uses for all of its extraordinary dishes. Shima’s internationally trained chefs provide not only outstanding food choices but a high level of entertainment bringing a uniqueness to Shima’s offering. Shima also boasts the best of Shabu Shabu in Bali using only the highest quality meats, fish and vegetables cooked in a choice of Shima’s homemade broths. These popular cuisines are backed up by a full range of delectable choices of Sushi, Sashimi and Tempura all with an emphasis on quality and freshness.
YUKI Canggu & Uluwatu
Meaning ‘snow’ in Japanese, the name YUKI is quite the contrast to the restaurant’s sun-soaked tropical surroundings. But surprise and juxtaposition are all part of the YUKI experience. From the superlative yet minimalist interiors to the menu that features wood-fired meats alongside innovative plant-based sushi – YUKI brings the best of both worlds to Bali’s beachfront.
YUKI’s menu is a far cry from your traditional Japanese feast. With boundary-pushing plates like Truffled Tuna Tartare and Nori Ahi Tacos made with ponzu watermelon, the restaurant’s culinary cues extend far beyond Japan. And yet, despite its play on flavours and fusion cuisine, YUKI pays homage to the traditional techniques, flavours and quality produce that are so pivotal in Japanese cooking.
Wrapping up the YUKI experience is the elegant, refined and raw interior design by Kosame. Drawing inspiration from Japan’s wabi-sabi aesthetics, YUKI uses clean and simple lines to maintain a sense of minimalism, topped off by warm and rustic materials that tell a story.