Description
Red Nikkei & Steak Bar: Experience the new flavors when Japanese cuisine meets Latin elements
A chic restaurant with a strong focus on flavors, this culinary project is created by Thailand’s famous Iron Chef - “Aof” Nattawut Thammapan. This time, he expands his kingdom of delicacies and transcends from a beef monster to the owner of a Japanese-Peruvian restaurant. Just like a samurai wandering from South America towards Sukhumvit Road in the heart of Bangkok, he finally launches “Red Nikkei & Steak Bar,” a place where Latin and Japanese cuisines blend in harmony.
Chef Aof began to narrate the story of how Red Nikkei & Steak Bar came forth: “It started from world history when Japan lost World War II. Their people had to flee to different continents such as South America. Many of them chose Peru as the main destination, and this group of people was called “Nikkei.” Everything in my life is like a jigsaw piece. When I was studying at a university in San Diego, I had so many Japanese friends, and one of my roommates used to live in Peru. We often cooked this style of food together, especially ceviche. And of course, it was Japanese people’s habit to have shoyu and wasabi around wherever they were. The ingredients were adjusted as pickles and fruits were added to the ceviche, transforming it into Peruvian sashimi or Japanese ceviche. As a result, this style of fusion food was born. As I learned further and my skills became more refined, I got inspired to establish this restaurant since there were still not many restaurants of this style in Thailand.”
Japanese-Peruvian fusion food or “Nikkei cuisine” became official when the notable chef Nobu Matsuhisa freshly served Japanese-Peruvian food from Lima, Peru’s capital, to New Yorkers to taste. It consequently captivated their hearts and became renowned worldwide. That was how it started, but this Iron Chef will not just follow the old trend. From now on, Chef Aof has determined to make Red Nikkei & Steak Bar lead the trend by creating a menu in his own style, and the only place on earth that it will be served is here at this restaurant.
“Frankly speaking, the restaurant trend in our country is 3-5 years behind the global trend. For this reason, I would like to make Red Nikkei & Steak Bar ahead of the trend. Not to follow anybody, only up to me. Therefore, we have small Spanish tapas that can be ordered at any time, with local fish from the Andaman Sea as the signature dish. Some ingredients, however, need to be imported from overseas. Also, my identity is meat. Pair them up to create something different, either ceviche-style sashimi or beef dishes that our customers love 100%, i.e., 30-day dry-aged baby buffalo meat and 30-day dry-aged Thai beef developed by Kasetsart University teachers.”
When talking about authentic Thai ingredients, how can the senses of smell, taste, and touch of people in general like us be comparable to those of Iron Chef Thailand? Some Thai people would say “Eww!” and refuse to eat local ingredients as they think they are not up to standard. In this case, Chef Aof would softly smile and confidently give a reply that may make lots of people feel ashamed and even change their mind.
“Some people’s definition and understanding of ingredients may just be a way to make themselves look good despite the lack of real knowledge. There are many Thais who refuse to eat as soon as they know that it is Thai fish. That’s their own business and I don’t care, either. The only difference between Thai fish and Japanese fish is the water temperature. Japanese fish live in cool water, so they have more characters. Thai fish may not be as flavorful since our water is warm; that’s it. So, for example, I add a new character to red snapper by applying the method of cold smoking. Besides, our fish are fresh daily, not frozen for days, nights, or weeks. So, you make your own choice.”
The restaurant is surrounded by clear glass windows, allowing diners to see the atmosphere outside and letting the light shine through. Food is cooked and served from the open kitchen, which enables guests to watch each dish being cooked closely step-by-step. This creates a trendy experience for groups of friends who are looking for a place to get together and socialize after work.
Here’s the promise that this famous Iron Chef has given to Red Nikkei & Steak Bar’s guests: the price of every dish here is lower than a thousand Baht, but the flavors that will last on your tastebuds and memory will be worth a hundred times more. Pair them with beer, wine, or pure mineral water like VAVA for a more refreshing sensation as you prefer. Anybody who wants to prove the deliciousness that derives from Chef Aof’s long experience, profound knowledge, and ultimate skills that he always uses to the fullest while cooking, feel free to visit us here. Then, enjoy everyone!
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