Chef Mitsuharu Tsumura, the mastermind behind Maido, was named “The King of Nikkei”
Fun fact: Did you know Maido was ranked in 2023 as the #6 best restaurant in the world?
In the heart of Lima, a restaurant named Maido, which translates to “welcome” in Japanese, stands as a testament to the innovative spirit of one of Peru’s top chefs. Mitsuharu Tsumura, better known as Micha has earned the title of the king of Nikkei cuisine, blending the rich cultures of Peru and Japan to create art with food. Micha’s approach to cuisine is deeply rooted in a fusion of techniques, flavors, and cultures, celebrating the diversity that defines Peruvian culinary tradition.
Micha was born in Lima, but his origins are from Osaka, Japan. While most would describe his restaurant as Nikkei (a fusion of Japanese and Peruvian cuisines), in a one-on-one interview, he said…
“People who know me say, Micha, now you’re doing something that cannot be compared to anything in the world” ~ Micha
A Fusion of Flavors
At Maido, Nikkei cuisine takes center stage, inspired by classical Japanese cooking techniques and the bountiful ingredients of Peru. Over the years, Micha has evolved his cuisine into something uniquely his own, transcending traditional categories to craft a world-renowned dining experience. Micha has been named a top chef globally and ranked number one in Latin America.
A Foodie’s Paradise: Exploring Peruvian-Japanese Cuisine
Lima’s culinary landscape is a haven for food enthusiasts, with Nikkei cuisine drawing crowds to Maido long before its doors open each day. For those unable to secure a reservation, Micha offers a taste of his creativity through a line of sauces and salsas available locally, allowing food lovers to bring a piece of Maido into their homes.
“Our tasting menu is inspired by the Amazon rainforest, specifically in an area called Tarapoto, which is a city in San Martin region” ~ Micha
The Source of Inspiration – Peru’s Diverse Geography
Micha draws inspiration from Peru’s varied geography, from the coastal regions to the Amazon rainforest. His latest menu is inspired largely by the Amazon, specifically the Tarapoto region in San Martin, known as the high Amazon jungle. This rich biodiversity provides a canvas for Micha to imagine new flavor combinations, continually seeking to evolve and improve upon traditional dishes.
Fun Fact: Tarapota is approximately 356 meters (1,168 ft) above sea level, an area known as the high jungle, also called the cloud forest
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