The key to the kind of precision only the Japanese can master in these types of restaurants is the authenticity and simplicity of cooking

There’s something about Japanese haute cuisine that tells a story the moment a dish is laid out on the table. From the delicate choice of garnish to the simmering, fresh broth, and even to the use of ceramic, the precision of the food presentation is just as clean and targeted as the flavor profiles. But what exactly composes the luxurious art of Japanese fine dining?

Looking back at history, did you know that Japanese haute cuisine influenced French cuisine? Every plate was theatrical. Kaiseki, a style of traditional Japanese cuisine in the 1500s that centers on small and intricate dishes, accompanied the ancient tea ceremony when nouvelle cuisine was created in the late 1960s.

Nouvelle cuisine is characterized by the authenticity and simplicity of crafting dishes. The subtle trace of minimalism in cooking and the use of light sauces all lead to bringing ingredients to their prime state without completely transforming them. For the Japanese, this was the highest level of dining.

Hotel Okura Manila is about to offer this kind of experience to Japanese fine dining enthusiasts in the country through Yamazato. Chef Rinnosuke Mouri, Yamazato’s Japanese executive chef, brings to the Philippines his extensive culinary experience from luxury settings such as JFE Roponggi Club, Okura Tokyo, and Okura Prestige Taipei.

The visual elements of a dish matters a lot to Yamazato as this adds to the seasonality of the dish

What makes Yamazato a premium choice for Japanese haute cuisine is its menu that changes with the season. Sourcing a  major portion of their ingredients from Japan, Yamazato’s dishes vary depending on what produce comes out of each season.

“We refer to four seasons in Japan, and use the ingredients which are best in that season as much as possible because the seasonality respecting nature is the essence of Japanese cuisine, and we are proud of our authenticity,” says Mouri.

Aside from the ingredients, they also have a thorough concern for how their food is presented. Mouri demonstrates a few examples: Ingredients are laid on a bed of finely crushed ice to highlight the coolness during summer and the real red maple leaves or carrots cut into the shape of leaves are added to the plate to remind diners of autumn.

“For instance, Japanese cuisine is beautiful to the eyes Most of the items on the plate are edible, including flowers and sprouts. They are carefully selected and cut; not only is it delightful to look at but its taste also enhances the charm of the main ingredients or serves as a refreshment,” says Mouri.

The visual elements of a dish matters a lot to Yamazato as this adds to the seasonality of the dish. Even their use of earthenware and ceramic plates from Japan vary per season. Many aspects go into highlighting their food so they pay close attention to the presentation.

“Filipinos are well known for their genuine warmth from the heart, which gives Yamazato Manila the synergistic effect,” says Mouri

One of Yamazato’s main offerings is the eight-course Kaiseki Ryouri, which is composed of seasonal appetizer, clear soup, sashimi, a choice of grilled, simmered, meat, or fried dish, a rice set, and dessert. They also have a teppanyaki counter. Teppanyaki translates to “teppan” meaning hot plate and “yaki” meaning grill. The chef cooks the guests’ choice of ingredients right before them, preparing it according to their preference. 

This upscale fine dining by Yamazato is set to bring in stories expressed through their carefully crafted dishes. What Yamazato greatly prides themselves on is how they incorporate omotenashi in every course—service that comes from the heart. Through attention, imagination, and anticipation, Yamazato intends to create and enhance the dining experience tailored in every scene and occasion.

“Filipinos are well known for their genuine warmth from the heart, which gives Yamazato Manila the synergistic effect,” says Mouri.

Yamazato can also be a venue for business meetings and intimate gatherings as they have private dining rooms.

With the well-heeled, simple luxury of Yamazato—and now that we all have an idea of how the Japanese does fine dining—the future of Japanese haute cuisine in the Philippines is bound for a good start.