Chef Watanabe
Head Chef Kishio Watanabe
Chef Kishio Watanabe is the Head Chef at Jo Japanese Restaurant. Chef Watanabe is a highly esteemed chef with over three decades of experience in the culinary industry. Born and raised in Kyushu, Japan, Chef Watanabe's passion for traditional Japanese cuisine began at a young age. He started his culinary career over 30 years ago in Tokyo, where he trained in some of the city's most renowned dining establishments and honed his skills and techniques.
In 1995, Chef Watanabe moved to Hong Kong before settling in Singapore in 1999, where he opened his own restaurant named Hachi. With a focus on using the freshest local organic produce, meats, and seafood, Chef Watanabe introduced the "Omakase" dining style to Singapore, earning him a reputation as one of the city's top chefs.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chef Watanabe has received numerous accolades for his culinary expertise and contributions to the industry. He was the recipient of the prestigious "Yellow Ribbon" award in Japan and has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, receiving a Bib Gourmand recommendation for his restaurant, Hachi. Chef Watanabe has also been featured in numerous publications, including Singapore's Business Times, where he was recognized as one of the city's top chefs.
Beyond his own restaurant, Chef Watanabe has also made significant contributions to other establishments in Singapore. During his tenure at Chikuyotei Japanese Restaurant, he was responsible for crafting the restaurant's menu and elevating its offerings, contributing to its success.
Chef Watanabe's commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients and dedication to creating an authentic Japanese dining experience has earned him a loyal following of customers and admirers. We are thrilled to have him join our team and look forward to the exceptional culinary experiences that he will create for our guests.
In 1995, Chef Watanabe moved to Hong Kong before settling in Singapore in 1999, where he opened his own restaurant named Hachi. With a focus on using the freshest local organic produce, meats, and seafood, Chef Watanabe introduced the "Omakase" dining style to Singapore, earning him a reputation as one of the city's top chefs.
Throughout his illustrious career, Chef Watanabe has received numerous accolades for his culinary expertise and contributions to the industry. He was the recipient of the prestigious "Yellow Ribbon" award in Japan and has been recognized by the Michelin Guide, receiving a Bib Gourmand recommendation for his restaurant, Hachi. Chef Watanabe has also been featured in numerous publications, including Singapore's Business Times, where he was recognized as one of the city's top chefs.
Beyond his own restaurant, Chef Watanabe has also made significant contributions to other establishments in Singapore. During his tenure at Chikuyotei Japanese Restaurant, he was responsible for crafting the restaurant's menu and elevating its offerings, contributing to its success.
Chef Watanabe's commitment to using only the highest quality ingredients and dedication to creating an authentic Japanese dining experience has earned him a loyal following of customers and admirers. We are thrilled to have him join our team and look forward to the exceptional culinary experiences that he will create for our guests.