Kenji Arai

K·ASEAL

chef-owner, two-Michelin kaiseki (Kyoto), retired

Malaysia

Ran a counter of eight seats for twenty-two years. Now eats his way through Southeast Asia six months a year, looking for cooks who understand restraint.

Instagram ↗

5Signed picks

4Cities

★★★Avg. overall

Average scorecard

Taste★★★

Value★★★

Location★★★

Experience★★★

Overall★★★

Signed by Kenji Arai

Jakarta

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Augustomakase · $$$$
“A chef who knows when to stop. Rare here, rare anywhere.”
★★★

Bali

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Api Jiwafire cooking · $$$
“Everything touches flame, and the restraint is remarkable. A grill master's grill.”
★★★

Singapore

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Burnt Endsbarbecue counter · $$$
“A four-tonne oven and total control. Sit at the counter or don't bother.”
★★★

Kuala Lumpur

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Entierfrench fire · $$$
“Nose-to-tail French over live fire, without a wasted gesture.”
★★★
Yugen — Counteromakase · $$$$
“The most serious sushi counter in the city. Ten seats, no compromises.”
★★★