STORY

Nishi-Azabu "Azabu Asai" | A creative Japanese restaurant that makes use of the Japanese spirit and Western learning [A place where you can drink CROWD ROASTER coffee]

CROWD ROASTER coffee, made from carefully selected beans roasted by leading roasters in the Japanese coffee scene, is used in discerning restaurants and cafes.



This time we will introduce "Azabu Asai", a creative Japanese restaurant celebrating its 12th year in Nishi-Azabu, Tokyo, an area crowded with famous restaurants. Owner chef Taichi Asai, who is from Kyoto, creates innovative creative dishes based on Kyoto cuisine but not limited to Japanese cuisine. The dishes, which make use of the spirit of "Japanese spirit, Western learning", are Hikaru of Asai's sense, including their visual beauty.

Asai believes that coffee goes better with his cooking than tea, and while searching for a high-quality coffee suitable for the final course, he came across CROWD ROASTER .
We spoke to Asai about his shop and his passion for coffee.

"I'm originally from Kyoto, and started my training in Kyoto cuisine. I use seasonal ingredients, and my cooking methods are based on Japanese and Kyoto cuisine, but I also add the essence of French and Italian cuisine to it, in order to create a unique Japanese cuisine that combines the essence of 'Japanese spirit and Western learning.'"

The menu changes monthly, with an emphasis on seasonal ingredients.
When asked about seasonal ingredients, we were told that in early autumn, fresh salmon roe and mushrooms are popular, in winter, snow crab such as hairy box crab, and in spring, bamboo shoots from Kyoto and wild vegetables become available.

During the interview, we were shown a visually gorgeous and beautiful appetizer made with fresh salmon roe.

▼Watch the video of the interview here

 
Another popular menu item at Azabu Asai is lobster curry.
"It is served with deep-fried white shrimp on top of a curry sauce made with spiny lobster stock. At first, it was only available at lunch, but we received so many requests from customers that now it is also available as part of our dinner course."


Asai is also fond of the tea ceremony, but he is particularly particular about coffee.

"The impression that customers have of the coffee they drink at the end of their course meal and dessert is extremely important. I really wanted to pay special attention to that aspect."

It was during this time that he tried CROWD ROASTER coffee and was left with a strong impression.

"First of all, it leaves an elegant impression when you drink it. Then there's the fruity aroma and just the right amount of acidity. I thought the balance was just right. The food is based on Japanese flavors, so if the wine was too strong it would stand out, but I thought the delicate balance made it a perfect match for the food."

When CROWD ROASTER coffee was actually served in the store, they received an immediate response from customers.

"I was really surprised myself, but the customers were really paying attention and immediately told me that we had changed the coffee. As I said earlier, everyone was really talking about the elegance, fruity aroma, and just the right amount of acidity."

We have also had requests from customers who want to drink coffee at home, so we now sell coffee beans to take home.

Innovative Japanese cuisine and elegant coffee that doesn't ruin the impression.
Why not try this combination at Azabu Asai?


You can find places where you can drink CROWD ROASTER coffee using the app's "MAP" function.
Click here for "MAP"

If you are a restaurant or retailer who would like to serve CROWD ROASTER coffee in your store, please contact us using the form below.
We will suggest top-class Japanese coffee that will suit your shop.
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<Store details>
Azabu Asai <br />Address: Sawataka Building 1F, 1-9-11 Nishiazabu, Minato-ku, Tokyo
TEL: 03-6432-9345
Business hours: 12:00-15:00 / 17:30-23:00 (close)
Closed: Sunday