155: Local flavors, global impact: Noma returns to Japan

Rene Redzepi’s groundbreaking restaurant Noma is known as one of the world’s best, so it came as a huge shock last year when he announced he would be shutting it down in 2024 — at least in its current form. The Danish chef and a team of over 100 have currently descended on Kyoto to create a culinary experience that has become one of the hottest tickets on the planet. Japan Times food critic Robbie Swinnerton joins us this week to discuss Noma, the Kyoto pop-up and where fine dining goes from here.

Hosted by Jason Jenkins and produced by Dave Cortez.

On this episode:

Jason Jenkins: Articles | Twitter | Instagram

Robbie Swinnerton: Articles | Twitter | Instagram

Read more/Hear more:

• At Noma Kyoto, chef Rene Redzepi plants ‘seeds’ for the future • (Robbie Swinnerton, The Japan Times)

• Noma sets sights on Kyoto, and diners bite in droves • (Robbie Swinnerton, The Japan Times)

• Noma, rated the world’s best restaurant, is closing its doors • (Julia Moskin, The New York Times)

• Redzepi: 'I think the restaurant staff in Japan are some of the best on Earth' • (Robbie Swinnerton, The Japan Times)

• Thomas Frebel — a top chef in a city of stars • (Oscar Boyd, Deep Dive from The Japan Times)

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Photo: A colorful noren (traditional Japanese fabric curtain) hangs above the entrance to Noma Kyoto, separating it from the Ace Hotel. | PHOTO BY KOTARO TANAKA