An Interview With Chef Nobuyuki Matsuhisa
1 October 2018
Chef Nobu is everything you can expect in a Japanese celebrity chef, with over 30 restaurants under his belt knife. He is humble, charismatic, talented, and extremely entrepreneurial. Chef Nobu's story includes heartache, a burnt-down restaurant, a Peruvian adventure that influenced his incredible dishes, and an eventual success story when he partnered with famous actor Robert De Niro.
His first restaurant with De Niro opened in New York in 1994! Now his vast network of delicious establishments can be found all over the world, including his biggest restaurant, Nobu Doha.
I was fortunate enough to meet and interview Chef Nobu during his recent visit to Qatar, and as you can imagine, my excitement levels were high. With so many questions running through my head, I had to come up with a select few to ask him. Here is our conversation - I hope you enjoy reading it as much as I enjoyed meeting him!
With all the success and recognition you've received throughout your career, what do you find most satisfying?
In business, a good team is very important. So, the team is like my family. I like to see the family growing and working with me. If the family is growing, then the business is growing.
At this point in your career, what motivates you to keep going?
Cooking is my life. I like to cook with my heart. It is my passion. Not only with food, but with everything, I like to try my best.
Take me through a typical day of eating for Chef Nobu.
I travel ten months of the year, so it depends on where I stay and how I feel. If I have jet lag, I try not to eat rich foods. I have fruits, juice, and yogurts. Sometimes I have eggs or Asian-style congee and noodles. It depends on the day.
If I go into your refrigerator at home, what will I find in there?
At home, my fridge is not my territory, so I will have to ask my wife if I can open the fridge. [laughter]
Of all your restaurants, which Nobu restaurant should I visit and why?
We have restaurants on five continents. All the restaurants are like my kids. It is very difficult to choose one.
Describe yourself in one word.
Passionate.
If you weren't a chef, what would you be?
I want to be an artist, like a painter.
Let's end with a drink. What is in your glass?
Tequila shot with salt and lime.
SEE THE FULL INTERVIEW ON YOUTUBE
Thank you, Chef Nobu, for taking the time to answer my questions. Thank you to Chef Andrew and the rest of the Nobu Doha family for your continued hospitality. Finally, thank you to the Four Seasons Doha team for making this happen!
