For Gourmet Abu Dhabi, the InterContinental’s Yacht Club will be hosting Japanese celebrity chef, Hal Yamashita, who has promised to wow the capital’s foodies as he does in his homeland. Chef Yamashita is a strong believer in preserving local cooking customs and culinary traditions, which is why he’s promised to use only locally sourced Emirati ingredients for the gastronomic delights he will be preparing.
You’ve visited Abu Dhabi before, what do you think about the food here?
I think the UAE has a wonderful culinary culture, but it has not been spread throughout other regions in the world. By spreading the UAE food culture, you help in preserving and maintaining it.
How do you propose we should do this?
I believe it’s very important to introduce and educate children at a young age. The younger they start, the more solid their knowledge gets. This creates a confidence which is vital when expressing your own food culture.
During your visit did you try any Emirati dishes?
I did try some Emirati dishes. My favourite was the ground leaf (with mint, I believe), nuts and olive oil wrapped in baked dough made out
of corn flour. It was very nice!
What can we expect from chef Yamashita for the culinary festival?
Expect a fresh Japanese taste combined with the authenticity of local UAE ingredients – sincere and simple.
How confident are you that you’ll be able to preserve the Hal Yamashita style, without relying on Japanese ingredients?
I’m very confident I can keep my style. I’ve been fortunate enough to travel the world and find ways to express my style based on other country’s cultures.
We know that there are four concepts which govern your cooking philosophy; can you tell us a little about them?
Life – sanctity and appreciation of life.
Love – for the person I love, I do everything out of love.
Health – opt for better food products.
Japanese spirit – the importance of Japanese dignity overseas.
