Nobu Matsuhisa, the celebrity chef and restauranteur known for his fusion cuisine blending traditional Japanese dishes with Peruvian ingredients, in conversation with Aparajita Mukherjee discloses his passion for food, and Nobu – the global brand.
QH: Talk us through the philosophy of food that inspires you.
Matsuhisa: The Nobu style is simple. I prefer to keep things simple and let the ingredients work together and speak for themselves.
QH: Why did you opt to become a chef and not pursue any other profession?
Matsuhisa: My passion for food started at 10 or 11 years old when my older brother took me to a sushi restaurant for the first time. We sat at the counter and watched the chefs prepare the fish and hand it to us, piece by piece. I ate it in one bite, and I just said “wow”. At this time, I hadn’t started cooking yet, but I knew immediately that I wanted to be a chef.
QH: Tell us 5 characteristics that set Nobu – the global institution – apart from any other food business.
Matsuhisa: Quality ingredients, exceptional service, inspired cuisine, unforgettable memories, and family.
QH: Nobu Doha has acquired a niche amongst foodaholics – what are the targets for the next 3 years?
Matsuhisa: It’s an exciting time for Nobu Hospitality, with new restaurants, hotels and residences opening across the next few years including Del Coronado, Maui, Cairo, Rome and Danang. I look forward to introducing the Nobu brand to new markets.
QH: If you were to re-do anything about Nobu – the global institution – what would it be? And why?
Matsuhisa: I don’t think I would change anything. I am very grateful and proud of my team and all that we’ve achieved.
SHORT SHOTS:
Best advice received: Always do your best. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes and remember to learn from them. Think from your guests’ point of view and never lose passion for what you do.
Best travel destination: Wherever the next Nobu hotel or restaurant opens.
Best go-to book: I don’t have a go-to book!
Best method of unwinding after a tiring day: I like to take a hot bath at the end of the day to relax.
Hero/heroes that you look up to: My mom and my grandmother who raised me.
