Tachigui Sushi Tonari, “standing sushi” restaurant in Tokyo by chef Hatano Yoshiki. In recent years, there has been a growing trend of more casual sushi-yas appearing throughout Tokyo, which was accelarated further by the pandemic and the lack of foreign visitors. Tachigui Sushi Tonari is one example of this trend.…

On my recent trip to Kyoto and the installation “Eternal Affinity” by the wonderful glass artist Yukito Nishinaka. “Eternal Affinity” is a unique piece of artwork created and located at the entrance of the Honen-in Temple in Kyoto, which has been in existence for over 340 years. Nishinaka’s installation is…

Upon entering Auberge Tokito in Tachikawa, just 45 minutes from Tokyo, you are transported to an exclusive and serene oasis. The stunning architecture and interior design, created by renowned Japanese architect and designer Shinichiro Ogata, offer a modern take on the traditional Japanese ryokan. In keeping with the ryokan tradition, all…

Hyoteiis a traditional kaiseki restaurant located at the entrance of Nanzen-ji Temple in Kyoto. It also boasts 3 Michelin stars. Crossing the doorstep of Hyotei is like traveling back in time. The restaurant has been owned and operated by the same family for 450 years, with the current chef-owner, Yoshihiro…

Soba noodles is a staple food originating from the Edo period and one of my favourites in Japanese cuisine. During this period, it was considered a cheap and fast food that was enjoyed by people of all social classes. Made of buckwheat, Soba noodles are often served with a dipping…

Culinary excellence at 2 Michelin starred Tantris Maison Culinaire in Munich, a family business that’s been shaping German gastronomy scene since 1971. The listed, iconic Bauhaus building, owned by the power couple Sabine and Felix Eichbauer, has recently undergone renovations while preserving its original style both inside and out. Upon passing the…

If you’ve ever had the good fortune to visit Japan, you’ll doubtless have been left with the same wealth of feeling I have, as I write from my home in London. The chaotic modernity of Tokyo versus the historical richness of Kyoto, to the Idyllic countryside, kind gestures of the…

Nestled in the picturesque village of Cartmel, L’Enclume is a culinary gem that embodies the essence of farm-to-table dining. Led by the visionary chef Simon Rogan, it is the latest restaurant in the UK to receive 3 Michelin stars and very deservedly so. At the heart of L’Enclume’s success lies…

In random order.

More than a staple food, rice is a way of life in Japan. From a baby’s first solid food, in the form of a soft rice porridge, to the national beverage: saké made from fermented rice, consumed in bars and restaurants throughout the country, rice lies at the culinary and…