By Jojo Dass
Sushi is as Japanese as can be – a delicacy known to be Japan’s gift to the world of gastronomic indulgence.
And as this gem of the spread finds its way on buffet tables everywhere, chefs and foodies caught on, digging in while perfecting the art of sushi making.
One such food enthusiast is Teerapan Rinthaisong, who hails from Thailand and is better known in Dubai’s sushi scene as Chef Tako.
“As a 14-year-old boy,” said Chef Tako, when asked by Food Trip Magazine about his interest in sushi, “I joined my friend, who invited me to work at a Japanese restaurant back home in Thailand.”
“I got the opportunity to work closely with a Japanese chef. Sushi making was my turning point as I began learning the art. When you work with a Japanese chef, it’s hard and full of challenges, where your skills were put to the test,” Chef Tako added.
Mastering the art of making sushi, Chef Tako swears, “requires a lot of discipline, dedication, quality, and perfection to maintain the authenticity of the Japanese food creation.”
“Giving people the excitement and anticipation of the food that I create in the kitchen gives me a great sense of pleasure. My first job defined and guided me towards my interest in Japanese cuisine and led my life to this stage of my career today,” he said.
Chef Tako has been with Sumo Sushi & Bento, a popular Japanese restaurant in the city, for the past 21 years as Executive Sushi Chef.
“In Sumo, It’s simple. Our food is not complicated. Our flavors are unique. Once it gets into one’s palate, the tastes we offer are lasting (and) unforgettable. It keeps our customers coming back for more,” Chef Tako said.
Some of Sumo Sushi & Bento’s top sellers – the sushi sandwich and samurai roll, among them – were Chef Tako’s original creations.
One wonders how it has been, introducing a Japanese delicacy – coming from the other side of the world – in an Arab country, where the staples include fire-oven-grilled meat, flat bread and a mixed rice dish known popularly as biryani.
“In the last two decades, sushi and Japanese dining has evolved a lot,” said Chef Tako.
“Back then, only a few people knew how to eat Japanese food; the local people’s perception was if its Japanese food – it’s raw and expensive. This is the reason why there are cooked rolls that still retain the Japanese style and taste in our food menu.
“With regards to the competition, every restaurant has its own unique style. We were one of the Japanese originators in the region (having been around) for more than 22 years, (over time becoming) renowned and credible for our fun (and) unique dishes that offer a quality Japanese dining experience to our customers across 14 outlets in the UAE.”
Chef Tako said he aspires to see Sumo Sushi & Bento further grow, before finally going home to Thailand and teach the art of Japanese cuisine to the locals.
“Over the years, I have engaged with different nationalities in the UAE. It has been very insightful throughout my career as I learned to be more creative in preparing Japanese food according to how different cultures would enjoy them. This is the knowledge I want to bring back home to my people,” he said.
Chef Tako said he also wants to spread awareness about the enriching experience he has gained throughout his career.