Chef Nobu Matsuhisa to CBN: I like Cypriot cuisine very much – it’s simple, fresh and healthy

Japanese celebrity chef and restaurateur Nobuyuki – or as he is usually known, Nobu – Matsuhisa is famous for his fusion cuisine but, during a recent visit to the island, he revealed a real appreciation for Cypriot cuisine, even though there are no plans to expand his dealings on the island at this time.

He has restaurants bearing his name in several locations, including Cyprus with Matsuhisa Limassol a popular dining venue at the city's AMARA Hotel, and he took time to answer some of CBN’s questions during a recent visit there.

"I like it, it is simple, fresh, healthy, the same as Greek cuisine. I like it very much," Matsuhisa said when CBN asked about his opinion of Cypriot cuisine.

While there are no immediate plans for further collaborations in Cyprus, Matsuhisa revealed other exciting future plans, including a new venue in Majorca.

Matsuhisa Limassol has been up and running at AMARA Hotel for five years now. How would you describe the experience of doing business in Cyprus?

Very comfortable, we have a good relationship with the owner of the hotel Demos (Demos S. Demosthenous Managing Director of Stademos Hotels). It is a family hotel and we also consider the restaurant as a family. I like the warm hospitality of AMARA which brings to the guests.

Do you currently have plans to open any more restaurants or enter new collaborations in Cyprus?

Not for the moment.

You have 14 Matsuhisa restaurants and over 50 Nobu restaurants around the world. What do you consider to be the main ingredients of your ‘recipe’ for success?

We always do one step at the time, we have a good team, we never rush and we try working with people that understand our concept. Every restaurant depends on the people that are there to represent.

And, further to the above, what are some of the ways you stay on top of all your businesses to ensure your high standards are maintained?

Quality is because of the philosophy, we have a team that knows the concept, we try every day our best and we never give up. We try to cook with passion and we do not want to rush doing many restaurants at the same time, making sure that everything is well represented.

On a more personal level, have you had the opportunity to see much of the island during your visits? What are your impressions of Cyprus?

Not a lot because I am working, but Demos, the owner, took us to some villages, had lunch, we have been to the centre of Limassol a couple of times.

What is your view of Cypriot cuisine?

I like it, it is simple, fresh, healthy, the same as Greek cuisine. I like it very much.

From your experience with Matsuhisa Limassol so far, how would you describe your typical customer in Cyprus?

I think it’s the same customers that we see in all Matsuhisa restaurants. People are nice, elegant, cosmopolitan, they have been to many locations. It’s a combination of people who live in Cyprus and tourists.

Is there anything else you would like to tell us about your upcoming plans, either related to Cyprus or not?

We do not have any upcoming projects in Cyprus, but next year we will open a restaurant in Majorca and another restaurant will soon come to a beautiful destination in Europe.