SalaSpa

SalaSpa takes an unexpected approach to a familiar dish. Founded by Chef Aoyama, the restaurant is built around a simple idea: to create something that did not previously exist. That vision became Japan's first restaurant dedicated to salad pasta, exploring chilled pasta through the lens of Japanese ingredients, seasonality, and culinary traditions. Chef Aoyama has worked in the restaurant industry since graduating from culinary school. Over the years, he honed his skills in various kitchens before deciding to create something entirely his own rather than follow existing trends. The idea came from a simple observation. While pasta is a Western dish, eating noodles cold has long been part of Japanese food culture. Chef Aoyama brought these two ideas together, combining the freshness of a salad with Japanese ingredients and flavors to create a concept that feels both original and familiar. Today, SalaSpa continues to build on that philosophy. Every dish starts with traditional Japanese seasonings and carefully selected ingredients sourced almost entirely from within Japan. The result is a menu that celebrates seasonal produce and regional flavors in a fresh, approachable way. One of SalaSpa's signature dishes is the Japanese-style pork shabu-shabu salad pasta. It pairs tender Iwate pork with crisp domestic vegetables and chilled pasta, finished with traditional Japanese seasonings. Like the rest of the menu, it shows how familiar Japanese ingredients can be used in fresh and unexpected ways. The dining space is just as thoughtfully designed as the menu. Instead of the bright, casual look often associated with health-focused restaurants, SalaSpa features subdued lighting and a modern interior with a calm, grounded feel. It's a comfortable setting for everything from a casual lunch to a relaxed meal later in the day. Located in Tokyo's Minato City, SalaSpa brings a fresh perspective to Japanese-inspired pasta. With its focus on domestic ingredients, original concept, and relaxed atmosphere, it offers a different way to experience familiar Japanese flavors.