Hideki Matsuhisa is a renowned Japanese chef who operates in Spain. His food and his cooking have been awarded a Michelin star. your restaurant KOY SHUNKA It is one of the most prestigious Japanese cuisine restaurants in all of Spain. Today we will talk about this skilled chef and some curious anecdote about his work. Find out!
Hideki Matsuhisa, the first Japanese with a star in Spain
There are many achievements that this master of Japanese gastronomy has achieved throughout his life. Among them, the Michelin star It is part of his record. However, in an interview conducted in 2019, the chef told us about his opinion on this award: «I have had a Michelin star since 2013. If it is already difficult for a Spanish chef, more so for a Japanese in Spain. But don't give it too much importance, because a star is also a responsibility. I think it's better not have it, to have one and lose it. There are restaurants that have had to close after losing a michelin star.»
The Japanese chef was born in Toyota, a region of Japan (of course it was not going to be inside a car) in 1972. Since he was a child he had been interested in Japanese cook. She worked in his father's restaurant as part of his training. Later, at age 19, she resided in Tokyo to collaborate in other restaurants. In 1997 he arrived in Barcelona.
His first restaurant SHUNKA (seasonal aroma) would open its doors in 2001. In 2008 it would inaugurate KOY SHUNKA (intense seasonal scent), which would be a refinement of your first location. In 2013 he would win his first Michelin star, thus being the first Japanese to win this award in Spain.
Matsuhisa He also says that what was most difficult for him when he came to Spain was learning the language: "At first I didn't understood nothing. She knew how to say the numbers from one to ten, the time and words like “I want” or “I don't want”. I began to learn in the kitchen, with cooks' expressions: «boil», «raise», «go», «cut»...». Their favorite food always has been fish and shellfish, so they are the dishes that he most enjoys cooking.
A respectful relationship with your customers
His fame is undoubtedly well deserved thanks to the dishes he cooks and his culinary skills. However, another point that defines the chef is his I treat with the clients from your restaurant. As he himself affirms, his main motivation is to see his clients leaving his restaurant happy.
This philosophy It has led him to be recognized and criticized in equal parts by different diners. Recognized for offering the same deal independently of the person who enters your premises. Criticized for refusing to make exceptions for more famous people.
One of the most notorious anecdotes about this philosophy was when Hideki Matsuhisa denied a table to the businessman who owns Zara, Amancio Ortega, for not having a reservation: "I told them no, if it's full, it's full for everyone." His guests have historically encompassed all of profiles. From people with regular jobs who have saved and set aside months to be able to taste his kitchen to entrepreneurs and celebrities of the moment.
The difference with Japan
Matsuhisa He comments that when he arrived in Spain the cultural shock was the most striking thing. The difference of opinions and philosophies between him and his father caused Hideki decided to go his own way and set out to see the world. He says that what surprised him most when he arrived in Spain was the joy in the eyes of the people. She also greatly enjoyed the climate and the gastronomy country's own.
In his own words: «In Spain there are products that they are better than in Japan: shrimp, peas, onions. And things that do not exist in Japan. The garlic and the parsley! Why not use them? '. Hideki Matsuhisa is, without a doubt, one of the best chefs of Japanese gastronomy in all of Europe, which only makes us more curious to try his menu in Barcelona.
What do you think? Will you visit this restaurant the next time you pass by?
