Raffles The Palm Dubai welcomes three highly skilled and experienced chefs to elevate the culinary offering at MATAGI. The newly appointed team includes Kappo Master Chef Shimoda, Kaiseki Master Chef Kitada, and Sushi Master Chef Kenji. The three chefs will reinvent the menu at MATAGI and craft an authentic Japanese experience taking guests on a culinary journey like no other.
With over 40 years of experience in traditional Japanese cooking techniques, Chef Shimoda yields a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the newly appointed team at MATAGI. Throughout his illustrious career, Chef Shimoda has honed his craft in the finest Japanese restaurants, earning a reputation as one of the industry’s most skilled and respected chefs. In 2015, he was appointed as Executive Sous Chef for Hanagoyomi, where he was responsible for overseeing the pre-opening and operations of the restaurant for several years. Most recently, before joining Raffles The Palm, Chef Shimoda worked as Executive Chef in Macau, overseeing a two Michelin-star Japanese cuisine restaurant that offered a wide range of traditional dishes, including Kaiseki, Sushi, and Teppan. With his extensive experience and deep understanding of traditional Japanese culinary techniques, Chef Shimoda is sure to elevate the dining experience at MATAGI to new heights.
Alongside Chef Shimoda, with almost 30 years of experience in Japanese cuisine, Chef Kitada is known for combining authentic techniques and flavours with a contemporary touch. He received his culinary qualifications in Osaka and perfected his craftsmanship in traditional Japanese cooking techniques such as Kappo and Kaiseki. His experience in multiple Michelin-rated restaurants across Japan is a testament to his mastery of Japanese cuisine. In the early 2000s, Chef Kitada managed Kappo, a restaurant offering traditional Kappo-style Japanese cuisine in Nara, Japan. Under his expert guidance, the restaurant ranked One Michelin Star rating, a designation renewed for five consecutive years. Before joining Raffles The Palm, Chef Kitada curated the culinary strategy at Daigo, a Two Michelin Star Japanese Buddhist restaurant in Tokyo, further solidifying his reputation as a leading chef in the industry. Chef Kitada’s exceptional skills and knowledge of traditional Japanese cuisine will create a unique and exciting new dimension to the menu at MATAGI.
Rounding out the new team is Chef Kenji, a dynamic and talented chef who brings a breath of freshness to the team. Although he is the youngest of the three new appointees, Chef Kenji has 18 years of experience in Japanese cuisine, creating new dishes and conveying his passion for cooking every step of the way. He is a true artist in the kitchen, and when he talks about his love for cooking, his eyes light up with joy. Chef Kenji’s expertise in traditional sushi making and his unique perspective on flavours will introduce a fresh and innovative approach to the culinary offering in MATAGI, complementing the skills of the other chefs and creating an authentic Japanese culinary experience for guests.
With a Japanese Sushi Master and two chefs with Michelin backgrounds, the new team is sure to combine innovation and tradition, transforming MATAGI into a multi-faceted Japanese restaurant. The team at Raffles the Palm is thrilled to have them on board, and for those who can’t contain their excitement, the “Chefs’ Specials” offer an opportunity to take a sneak peek at what the three talented chefs will bring to MATAGI.
For reservations, guests can call 04 248 8888 or visit www.rafflesthepalmdubai.com
