ITAMAE: Osaka, where tradition is essential

29/04/2025

Tradition is essential. ITAMAE – The 7 Samurai of Japanese Cuisine takes us, in its fourth chapter, to Osaka: a world of elegant, minimalistic geometries and culinary creations that reflect the rituals and customs of an ancient culture.

Located in the heart of Milan, Osaka is a traditional Japanese restaurant that has been operating since 1999. It offers authentic Japanese cuisine, featuring high-quality sushi and sashimi while also exploring lesser-known, more elaborate dishes – ranging from ramen to premium cuts of meat and specialties cooked on the Nabu tabletop grill, all contributing to a rich and extensive menu.

The hands and heart behind this culinary vision belong to Chef Takimoto Takaaki. With a long career in one of the best restaurants in the city of Osaka, this sushi master pays great attention to the selection of fresh ingredients and to respecting the strict rules of tradition.

For ITAMAE, Chef Takaaki presents his version of Buta no Kakuni, a traditional Japanese dish made with pork belly, slowly braised to become juicy and full of flavor. The Mochi Karasumi recipe features a glutinous rice “cake” served in broth, combining three different rice preparations in a single dish. Finally, with a colorful Sushi Cake, Chef Takaaki amazes us by decorating a rice base with shellfish, fish and vegetables.

All three recipes highlight the excellence of New Kenji Premium Sushi Rice, the 100% Italian sushi rice produced by Mundi Riso and developed with the support of Japanese chefs to meet the precise standards required by authentic Japanese cuisine.

Discover the interview with Osaka restaurant manager and explore the video recipes prepared by the ITAMAE on New Kenji YouTube channel: click here.