Fujiya 1935
Modernization of Japan’s already excellent cuisine often manifests itself in the globalization of ingredients and techniques. Chef Tetsuya Fujiwara is a prime example of the new wave of innovation coming to Japan and its traditional cuisine. Born and raised in Osaka, Chef Fujiwara went to Italy for further culinary training. Following his time there, he also spend the latest techniques in Spain. Chef Fujiwara then returned to Osaka in 2003 when he opened Fujiya 1935.
You can definitely find Chef Fujiwara’s time in Italiy and Spain in the food at Fujiya 1935. While Japanese-leaning in his food, he also incorporates influences from these other cuisines and Europe to make Fujiya 1935’s menu unlike most others I have experienced in Japan. Judy and I were lucky in that we scored a semi-private table off to the side of the main dining room. This cozy little table would be the stage for the following course that we enjoyed on our visit on September 6, 2017:
“Pumpkin” - From Hyogo, rosemary gelato
Tomato bread with air bubbles
“Hamo” - Pike conger with water eggplant
“Ayu” - From Shimane Takatsugawa, confit roquette sauce
“Edamame” - Cowpea brown edamame, peanuts, black rice
“Fig” - From Wakayama, rhubarb
“Sanma” - Pacific saury from Hokkaido, green ginko nut, fennel, linguine
“Unagi” - Wild eel from Lake Biwa, yellow paprika sauce
“Wasabi” pasta
“Tajima Beef” - Aged 8 weeks, taro, mangaji, chili pepper, persimmon
Green tea from Nara Tsukigase, jelly
“Warm Grapes” - Cold grapes, blueberry
“Bramley Apple” - Almond sauce, puff pastry
Honey Cake
Fujiya 1935 was a nice change of pace from the more traditional kaiseki focus of many of Japan’s higher end restaurants. Although not a kaiseki restaurant, I could definitely feel influences from kaiseki at different points of the meal, such as the use of very seasonal ingredients like ayu. Service was impeccable throughout dinner. At one point, our server noticed that my wife might be cold, so he brought her some warm water and some blankets that they had on hand. Overall a great experience in Osaka and one that I would recommend.
Fujiya 1935
2 Chome-4-14 Yariyamachi, Chuo Ward
Osaka, Japan
+81 6-6941-2483
www.fujiya1935.com
