Chef Endo Yasuhiro

Born and raised amidst the vibrant streets of Tokyo, Japan, Chef Endo's journey is a symphony of passion, resilience, and culinary mastery. From a young age, his heart beat to the rhythm of Blues music, finding solace and inspiration in the soulful melodies of Steavy Ray Vaughn. But dreams are often bridges to new beginnings, and Endo's dream of becoming a professional musician led him across oceans to the United States.

Working tirelessly as a truck driver at the iconic Tsukiji Fish Market, Endo saved every yen to fuel his aspirations. At 25, with determination as his compass, he embarked on a transformative journey to Tennessee, chasing the echoes of his musical dreams. Yet fate had its own composition in store.

In the heart of Tennessee, Endo found himself drawn to the delicate artistry of sushi at Sushi Nabe, a humble local restaurant. Here, amidst the precision of knife strokes and the harmony of flavors, his destiny unfolded. Realizing his calling lay in the culinary world, Endo immersed himself in the mastery of sushi.

Venturing to Seattle, he honed his skills under the tutelage of Chef Kashiba at Shiro’s Sushi, delving deeper into the nuances of this revered Japanese cuisine. Serendipity struck when he crossed paths with Chef Nakazawa, a luminary in the realm of sushi, at Sushi Nakazawa in New York. Their shared passion ignited a bond that propelled Endo to New York, where he refined his craft and embraced the art of omakase sushi.

Yet, there lingered a longing, a missing piece of his culinary puzzle – the essence of Japan itself. Returning to his roots, Endo embarked on a pilgrimage through Japan's culinary landscape, apprenticing at esteemed establishments like "Kiyoyasu-tei" and "Midori Sushi." Three years of immersive learning deepened his understanding of Kaiseki and sushi, enriching his repertoire with time-honored techniques.

Back in the States, Endo's path converged with destiny once more in the vibrant city of Austin, Texas. A chance encounter with Taiki Wakayama, the visionary behind Sazan Ramen, paved the way for a new chapter. Fuelled by their shared commitment to elevating Japanese cuisine, Endo's vision crystallized into reality – "Endo" was born.

At "Endo," the essence of Chef Endo's journey finds expression in every meticulously crafted dish. With reverence for tradition and a commitment to excellence, Endo curates an omakase experience that celebrates simplicity and the purity of ingredients. From age-old techniques like zuke and salt water curing to his own culinary innovations, each bite is a testament to his unwavering dedication.

As the curtains rise on this new chapter, "Endo" emerges as a testament to Chef Endo's odyssey – a culinary symphony that harmonizes tradition with innovation, passion with precision, and music with gastronomy.