Taipei Restaurant Week: Sushi Nakazawa, Hidden Japanese Gem in Xinyi

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Taipei Restaurant Week: Experience Sushi Nakazawa, a Hidden Japanese Gem

Updated on: 31 Dec 2025 15:44

With a deep reverence for tradition, Chef Nakazawa brings the essence of Japanese culinary heritage from Japan to Taiwan.

At Sushi Nakazawa in Taipei, every piece of sushi tells a story. It's a tale of Creation, Spirit, and Artistry—the three pillars of Chef Yuta Nakazawa's philosophy. This is not just a meal; it’s a quiet conversation between the chef and his ingredients, a delicate dance that honours timeless Japanese traditions while embracing a modern sensibility.

Chef Nakazawa - Sushi Nakazawa in Taipei

Chef Nakazawa’s journey began in Choshi, a coastal town in Chiba famous for its fishing heritage. Surrounded by the sea and raised in a family of chefs, he honed his skills early, becoming the head chef of his family’s restaurant at just 21.

His discipline was further refined in Tokyo, where he mastered the art of Edomae sushi and sashimi in exclusive, members-only establishments. This deep-rooted precision and respect for his craft are what define his distinctive approach.

Now, in Taipei, Chef Nakazawa has opened his first independent restaurant, bringing his unique style to the city's discerning diners. He believes that "sushi does not require complicated theories. The fish must be fresh, the hands precise, and the heart sincere." This simple yet profound belief is evident in every dish he serves.

A highlight of the menu is his hometown specialty, Yamaya-yaki—a rustic dish of minced fish blended with miso and grilled atop shiso leaves. Guests can also savor his signature sushi crafted with premium ingredients flown directly from Japan, including rich chutoro, delicate white shrimp from Toyama, and exquisite Japanese mackerel.

We tried a specially curated set menu, designed daily with seasonal ingredients for Taipei Restaurant week which started with a Chanwanmushi, Squid Nigiri, Toyama White Shrimp Nigiri, Vinegared Mackerel Nigiri, Lean Tuna Nigiri, Medium Fatty Tuna Nigiri, Anago (Sea Eel) Nigiri, a hot dish, Minced Tuna and Salmon Roe Hand Roll, Tamago Yaki and a delicious Panna Cotta.Do check with the team for their recommended sake pairing as an add-on.