Chef Taro Takayama’s passion for Japanese cuisine carved out for him a career in the culinary industry that started with three-star Michelin restaurants in Osaka such as Kashiwaya in Senriyama and Koryu in Kitashinchi.

It did not take long for Chef Taro to rise through the ranks and by 2013, a mere eight years since he began developing his new-found craft, he was appointed Master Chef at the residence of the Japanese Ambassador to Singapore. It was a coveted assignment Chef Taro counts to be amongst the highlights of his career thus far, at one time even single-handedly planning and cooking a banquet dinner for about 500 guests during one of the many high-profile events held at theAmbassador’s residence in the course of his tenure. He has also served up his creations to celebritiesand dignitaries, including Japan’s Crowne Prince Naruhito, Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, and DeputyPrime Minister and Minister of Finance Taro Aso.

Chef Taro developed a deep appreciation for Singapore’s cultural diversity and local cuisine.Wanting to stay on after completing a fruitful stint with the embassy, Chef Taro went on to joinMandarin Orchard Singapore’s roster of celebrated chefs. With his passion for showcasing theauthentic flavours and meticulous simplicity of Japanese food, he helped bring the iconic hotel’sJapanese culinary offerings to a whole new level.

Chef Taro is certified as a puffer fish processing specialist, a strictly controlled qualification that is only awarded to chefs after three or more years of rigorous training.

He now helms the kitchen at the recently unveiled Takayama at OUE Downtown Gallery, offering diners a multi-course menu that celebrates seasonal ingredients at the peak of their flavours. Chef Taro and his team curate every dish to exquisite perfection right before diners’ eyes. At the heart of dining at Takayama is the spirit of omotenashi, or wholehearted Japanese hospitality, personally delivered in the elegant ambience of this new and exciting kappo-style restaurant cocooned in midst of the Central Business District.