In celebration of City of Dreams Manila’s 10th anniversary, world-renowned chef Nobu Matsuhisa returned to Nobu Manila for an intimate culinary showcase, offering a rare glimpse into his decades-honed techniques and signature dishes.
The highlight of his visit was an exclusive sushi masterclass, where he demonstrated the craftsmanship behind iconic Nobu creations such as New Style Sashimi, Whitefish Tiradito and Kakiage Donburi — a rice bowl layered with delicately fried seafood and vegetables. The hands-on session also included Nobu’s distinct six-step method for making nigiri, reflecting the precision and care that have defined his approach for more than 30 years.
A Nobu signature dish, the Whitefish Tiradito reflects Chef Nobu’s mastery of Japanese techniques influenced with Peruvian flavors: chili, citrus, and sea salt. (SHARED PHOTO)
In a nod to the vibrant local culinary scene, Nobu conducted one-on-one sessions with select Filipino food content creators, sharing both technique and inspiration. The exchange brought together tradition and innovation — a hallmark of Nobu’s culinary philosophy.
His Manila stop marked his fifth visit to the property since 2019 and followed closely on the heels of the Nobu Restaurants’ 30th anniversary celebration in October 2024. It was part of a larger itinerary that included a two-night “Art of Omakase” dinner experience and an elegant Canapé Night event.
An innovation of Chef Nobu, the New Style Sashimi was created to appeal to a guest who does not eat raw fish. The dish consists of sashimi with yuzu soy sauce, garlic puree, sliced ginger, chives, sesame seeds, and finished with hot oil poured over the fish. (SHARED PHOTO)
Joining him were top executives from the Nobu Restaurant Group: Chief Operating Officer Hiro Tahara; APAC Regional Director and Nobu Tokyo General Manager Ichibaku Kobayashi; and Corporate Chef Herve Courtot.
Nobu, widely regarded as one of the most influential chefs in contemporary Japanese cuisine, continues to lead one of the world’s most recognizable hospitality brands. The Nobu portfolio spans more than 50 restaurants, 38 hotels, and a dozen residential projects across five continents. He also helms 11 Matsuhisa restaurants in key cities in the United States and Europe.
Chef Nobu is known for his six-step process in making Nigiri sushi, showcasing his philosophy in creating balanced dishes with a sense of simplicity, allowing ingredients to speak for themselves. (SHARED PHOTO)
Known for the much-acclaimed Nobu Style — an inventive fusion of Japanese techniques with global flavors — and his service philosophy of kokoro (“from the heart”), Nobu has long been a revered figure in international fine dining.
In 2024 and 2025, he was appointed the official chef of the 81st and 82nd Golden Globe Awards. That same year, he was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays, by the Emperor of Japan. He previously received GQ’s Lifetime Achievement Award in 2017.
