Den

Chef Zaiyu Hasegawa is no ordinary Japanese chef. While others seek to replicate the high-class and historic cuisine of courtly Kyoto, he instead chose to cast light on a different side of his country’s food: a refined take on the home cooking of Japan. This down-to-earth choice of menu, along with his impeccable execution, has earned his restaurant — Den, in Jimbocho — two Michelin stars in 2018 as well as a Green Star for sustainability. Here the staples which hold a fond place in the heart of every Japanese person are raised to a higher level through the application of expert culinary techniques. Take for example their “Dentucky Fried Chicken”: chicken wings stuffed then deep-fried, potentially the best karaage on earth. The claypot cooked rice, topped with either meat or seafood, has also been met with endless praise. It’s no wonder that Chef Hasegawa's establishment is consistently rated among the top 50 in Asia. Michelin Guide: 2011 - 1 Michelin Star 2012-2013 - 2 Michelin Stars 2014-2016 - 1 Michelin Star 2018 - 2 Michelin Stars, Green Star