{"id":4876,"date":"2023-09-04T15:22:17","date_gmt":"2023-09-04T08:22:17","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/thailand-real-review.com\/en\/?p=4876"},"modified":"2024-10-09T16:07:09","modified_gmt":"2024-10-09T09:07:09","slug":"best-japanese-omakase-in-bangkok-kappo-yume-by-chef-naoki-hayakawa-ex-ambassadors-residence-chef","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/thailand-real-review.com\/en\/4876.html","title":{"rendered":"Best Japanese Omakase in Bangkok: Kappo Yume by Chef Naoki Hayakawa, Ex-Ambassador’s Residence Chef"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Hello, everyone I am Chifumi Maeda, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

a Japanese female president living in Bangkok.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Thank you, guys, for visiting this <\/p>\n\n\n\n

\u201cTrue comments from Japanese female presidents living in Thailand\u201d blog<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Today I would like to talk about \u201cKappo Yume<\/span>\u201d, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

which opened on the 8th of August 2023.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo
Owner and chef Hayakawa and his wife Masako.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Bangkok has a large number of Japanese restaurants, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

ranging from high-end establishments to relatively easy-to-find, budget-friendly eateries.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

A new addition to the list is Kappo Yume, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

which serves omakase-style kappo (Japanese cuisine).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Kappo Yume is a Must-Visit Omakase Restaurant in Bangkok<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

This omakase-style Kappo restaurant was opened by Naoki Hayakawa, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

a former chef at the Ambassador’s residence, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

who, after 10 years training at Kitcho Head Restaurant in Tokyo, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

worked as a ‘food diplomat’ in France, Ukraine, Bangkok, Hong Kong and Switzerland, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

cooking Japanese food and trying to bring smiles and culture to people through Japanese food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It is located in a secluded alleyway near the Camerian Hospital <\/p>\n\n\n\n

on Sukhumvit Soi 55 (also known as Soi Thong Lo).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is quite close to Phetburi Road.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The Story Behind Kappo Yume’s Name by Chef Hayakawa<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The name of the restaurant is Yume (which meaning Dream), <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and I asked Chef Hayakawa about the idea behind the name.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
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In January 2023, I returned to Japan from Bangkok <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and returned to my parents’ home in Saitama Prefecture after a long absence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It was then that my mother gave my wife Masako a Kimono.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In the box was a piece of Furoshiki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It had been made by my paternal grandmother, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

who was an Omotesenke tea ceremony teacher in Suzuka City, Mie Prefecture, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

to give to her students to celebrate her 77th birthday.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The word “Yume” was written on the furoshiki.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Yume means ‘dream’ in Japanese.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

When I saw the word ‘Yume’, I thought it would be a perfect name for a place <\/p>\n\n\n\n

where I could fulfil my dream of opening a Japanese restaurant, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

which I have wanted to do since my training days, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and where I could meet and befriend various people and make my dream come true.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

I also think it would be a happy place for people <\/p>\n\n\n\n

who come to the restaurant in the future <\/p>\n\n\n\n

to make their dreams come true or to talk about their dreams.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo
When I asked Chef Hayakawa how the restaurant got its name, he wrote it down in his own handwriting.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

While many people use their own name as the name of their restaurant, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chef Hayakawa’s mind is overflowing at Kappo Yume, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

where you will be inspired by the delicious food.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Understanding ‘Kappo’ Style<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Kappo means shred and cook the ingredients which is often <\/p>\n\n\n\n

how Japanese cuisines are prepared. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

It also means the restaurants that prepare their dishes in such a way.  <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The food is prepared in front of your very eyes on the other side of your counter table <\/p>\n\n\n\n

allowing you to see the dishes being prepared and served as they are ready.    <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo
You can see the cooking process right in front of you.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Some of the restaurants have only the counter table <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and some of others have table seats as well <\/p>\n\n\n\n

but seating in total is about 10 if not less in such restaurants. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Depending on the catch of the day and preference and wish of diners, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

the foods are served in an a la carte style.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

This is where the chef shows off his skills and imagination. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Inside Kappo Yume: A Visual Tour of the Restaurant’s Interior<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Passing through the beautiful Noren (curtain), you will see a counter with 10 seats and a kitchen.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The restaurant is functional, simple and clean, as is typical of a Kappo restaurant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The cleanliness of the room, with nothing superfluous, is a beautiful example of Japanese beauty.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

In addition to the counter, there is a private room.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The best thing about the counter is that <\/p>\n\n\n\n

you can watch the chef prepare the dishes right in front of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is a very luxurious time to spend watching the dishes <\/p>\n\n\n\n

you are about to eat being prepared in front of your eyes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

In-Depth Review: Dining Experience at Kappo Yume<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Exploring Chef Hayakawa’s Signature Omakase at Kappo Yume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The menu is omakase only and consists of 12 to 15 dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There are two types of omakase courses: the regular omakase course (4,800 THB++) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and the special omakase course (7,200 THB++).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Alcoholic (1,800 THB++) and non-alcoholic beverage pairings (850 THB++) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

are available to accompany the dishes.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There is also a set of four different sakes to compare (800 THB++).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo
Set of 4 sakes to compare (800 THB++)<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The menu changes every two months, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and Chef Hayakawa uses his creativity to prepare a variety of dishes in front of you, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

depending on the ingredients available that day.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Since this was my first visit, I ordered the standard “Omakase Course” (4,800 THB++).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The menu lists the ingredients, but not the detailed cooking methods or flavors.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo
I am thrilled that the menu does not give details of what dishes are available.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n
\"\"<\/div>
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What kind of food is served?<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\"\"<\/div>
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How does it taste?<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n

\"\"<\/div>
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How nice does it look?<\/p>\n<\/span><\/span><\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>\n\n\n

Even before the food is served, my imagination is running wild.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

It may be difficult to see in the photo, but the quantity of each dish is not large.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Japanese cuisine is a dish that can be enjoyed with the eyes as well, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and the beauty of the dishes is remarkable.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Western cuisine is often round and symmetrical, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

but Japanese cuisine is beautiful because of its asymmetrical irregularity.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Food ingredients change with the seasons, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

but in Japan, the types and colors of tableware also change.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Perhaps it is characteristic of the Japanese to feel the four seasons through their tableware.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The cuisine can be broadly divided into Kanto style, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

centered around Tokyo, and Kansai style, centered around Osaka and Kyoto.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

The cooking methods and Dashi (soup stocks) are different, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

but they are not all Japanese cuisine at the same time.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo<\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

My husband is from Osaka and he raved about how delicious the Kansai-style eel was.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

With Chef Hayakawa in front of us, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

we asked him where the fish came from <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and felt like we were traveling around Japan in our mouths as we thought about the land it came from.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

At the end of the meal, we were given handmade “Nerikiri” by Masako, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

as a souvenir and went home satisfied.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo
Masako makes “Nerikiri” handmade.<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo
Nerikiri, a traditional Japanese sweet treat<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

If I were to say too much, it would take away from the enjoyment of everyone who visits, <\/p>\n\n\n\n

so I urge you to visit Kappo Yume and taste the food with your eyes and taste buds.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Kappo Yume Dress Code: What to Wear for the Best Experience<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There is no dress code.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Feel free to wear whatever you like.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cost of Dining at Kappo Yume: Budgeting for Your Visit<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

There are two kinds of dishes: Omakase Course (4,800 THB++) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

and Special Omakase Course (7,200 THB++).<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is no a la carte menu.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Alcoholic (1,800 THB++) and non-alcoholic beverage pairings (850 THB++) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

are available to accompany your meal.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

<\/div>\n\n\n\n
\"Kappo
I enjoyed Sake set (800 THB++) to compare four different types of sake<\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n
<\/div>\n\n\n\n

There is also a sake set (800 THB++) to compare four different types of sake.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

A variety of wines and sakes are also available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pros and Cons: A Balanced Review of Kappo Yume<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Top Benefits of Dining at Kappo Yume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The food is omakase, so you are excited to see what will be served.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

You can taste the best ingredients of the season with the best professional skills.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

It is beautiful to look at and enjoyable just to look at.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Chef Hayakawa prepares creative dishes right in front of you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

There is a parking lot.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Private rooms are available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Potential Downsides of Dining at Kappo Yume<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

The menu changes every two months, so I can’t visit often.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

The price is too high for frequent visits.<\/p>\n\n\n