Konel, a Restaurant in Tokyo Centred on Kneaded Ingredients
From Italy to China, the menu put together by chef Takaki Kikuchi is created around wheat flour, a key ingredient in bread and pasta.
Takaki Kikuchi did not embark on a career as a chef straight away. After studying at university, he entered the world of work as a clerk, but after a few years, he realised he needed to return to his first love, cooking. Thus, he trained in Bologna, Italy, and in Chinese restaurants in Japan. He chose these locations because his passion is wheat flour, an ingredient found in gyoza, pasta and bread.
After performing the role of executive chef at the Italian restaurant AWKitchen, Takaki Kikuchi opened Konel in the Shibuya district of Tokyo in 2018. He was accompanied by manager and sommelier Tomoko Kansaku, whom he had previously worked with at AWKitchen. The concept of their establishment is a menu centred on kneaded ingredients (koneru is Japanese for ‘knead’). Thus, chef Takaki Kikuchi fuels his obsession for wheat flour. Homemade pasta, bread and gyoza are produced every day at Konel and make up a menu composed of eight to ten dishes. Diners can enjoy their meal while admiring the Tokyo metro’s railway lines that extend into the distance just below the restaurant’s windows.
More information about Konel can be found on the restaurant’s Instagram account.
View this post on Instagram
TRENDING
-
A Child's Snowy Quest to Find his Father
The silent film ‘The Night I Swam’ follows the journey of Takara, a young boy alone in an adult world he is yet to understand.
-
The Tattoos that Marked the Criminals of the Edo Period
Traditional tattoos were strong signifiers; murderers had head tattoos, while theft might result in an arm tattoo.
-
Iñigo Gutierrez's Calligraphic Illustrations
Inspired by ‘shodo’, Japanese calligraphy, the Spanish artist who now lives in Tokyo conveys a certain nostalgia in his work.
-
Celebrating Nature Through Cuisine in ‘Wild Herbs’
In this book, Michelin-starred chef Hisao Nakahigashi reflects on his childhood memories, his philosophy of cooking, and shares his recipes.
-
Old Age Unveiled in the Illustrated Book ‘Otoshiyori’
In this book that's like a travel journal created in a land of seniors, illustrator Isabelle Boinot depicts the daily lives of the elderly.
