Nishikidôri Interview : Uniting Culinary Traditions
For the European Sushi Championship 2024, Japanese products expert Nishikidôri joins the event as a partner. Specializing in the selection of quality ingredients directly imported from Japan, Nishikidôri embodies the precision and authenticity that echo the art of Sushi. In this interview, we explore their collaboration with the Championship and how they are helping to promote the excellence of Japanese products at the heart of this European competition.
Can you tell us a little about the history of your company ? What are your values as an importer of Japanese gourmet products ?
Olivier Derenne, CEO and founder of Nishikidôri, has been trading with Japan for nearly 30 years, initially exporting the finest products of French and Mediterranean gastronomy.
This experience allowed him to meet numerous chefs across Japan, renowned and otherwise, gaining unique insights into their kitchens. His exposure to local ingredients led him to discover the incredible richness of Japanese terroirs. In 2008, amazed by this diversity, Olivier decided to import Japan’s finest traditional food products by selecting the best artisans, who respect ancestral methods and preserve the natural qualities of their ingredients. Nishikidôri now offers an extraordinary variety of easy-to-use products, with a focus on authenticity and emotional connection.
Nishikidôri ensures that their e-commerce platform, store, and sales teams offer authentic and natural products, rooted in a centuries-old tradition passed down from generation to generation. Their range, produced with strict adherence to Japanese tradition, can be used to prepare Japanese dishes and also pair well with Western cuisine. The company is dedicated to sharing their culinary passion while ensuring product traceability, freshness, and consumer safety. Some of their exclusive products are unavailable anywhere else in Europe.
Why did you choose to partner with the European Sushi Championship? What attracted you to this event ?
how do you see the evolution of Japanese ingredients in international cuisine, particularly in sushi competitions ? Which key products do you believe are best suited for this type of competition ?
As an importer of Japanese gourmet products, we have witnessed a significant evolution in the use of Japanese ingredients in international cuisine. Chefs around the world are increasingly drawn to the precision and authenticity of Japanese products, incorporating them not only in traditional dishes but also in modern, innovative creations.
In sushi competitions, this trend is evident in the growing demand for high-quality and traceable ingredients. Participants strive to elevate their dishes by using products that honor Japanese culinary traditions while adding a personal touch. Japanese ingredients are no longer seen as just exotic additions, but as essential elements in refined, high-end cuisine.
Among the key products we find most suitable for such competitions, Japanese rice holds a central role. Its texture and quality are critical for achieving perfect Sushi. Rice vinegar adds a unique depth of flavor. Naturally, fish must be of impeccable freshness, and premium nori seaweed is crucial for both presentation and taste.
Finally, traditional seasonings like real wasabi, authentic soy sauces, and premium sake enhance the dishes. These products, crafted using Japan’s ancestral methods, allow chefs to bring out the best in their creations and stand out in competitions where authenticity, quality, and innovation are key. At Nishikidôri, we are committed to providing these exceptional ingredients to support Chefs in their pursuit of excellence.
What types of Japanese products do you offer ?
At Nishikidôri, we offer a wide range of authentic and traditional Japanese products, carefully selected for their quality and adherence to artisanal methods. Our products are sourced from local artisans who respect traditional processes, ensuring perfect traceability and exceptional quality.
Nishikidôri caters to both professionals seeking to enhance their offerings with authentic Japanese products and newcomers eager to explore new flavors. Our selection includes :
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Japanese Fine Grocery : A broad selection of essential ingredients for Japanese cuisine, including rice, soy sauces, vinegars, seaweeds, spices, condiments, and many other culinary treasures.
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Sake and Japanese Alcohols : A refined collection of artisanal sake, as well as drinks like shochu and umeshu.
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Japanese Teas : High-quality teas such as matcha and sencha, sourced from the best terroirs in Japan.
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Tableware : Elegant and functional Japanese tableware, ideal for restaurant professionals.
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Kitchen Utensils : Traditional tools like Japanese knives, mortars, and other utensils for an authentic culinary experience.
Will some of your products be used by the competitors in the contest? If so, which ones and why ?
Yes, some of our products will indeed be used by participants in the European Sushi Championship :
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Soy Nikiri (NISAR13) : This traditional seasoning is often brushed onto Sushi before serving. It provides a subtle soy flavor without overpowering the fresh fish, complementing the delicate tastes of sushi. Essential ingredients for any sushi restaurant include wasabi, fish, rice, vinegar, and soy sauce, particularly Nikiri sauce, which is crucial for nigiri and sashimi.
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Kinshi Nori (NISGO9) : This nori seaweed from Tôshi Island is renowned for its fine flavor and deep taste, resulting from the purity and clarity of the local seawater. These delicate nori sheets enhance sushi creations by adding characteristic texture and flavor, along with a visually appealing finish.
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Kamebishi Soy Sauce Stone (NISSK4) : This three-year-aged soy sauce from Kamebishi is freeze-dried and shaped into cubes, resulting in a crispy texture. This innovative product allows for an elegant way to serve soy sauce, where guests can lightly rub the stone to obtain their desired amount, adding an interactive dimension to the tasting experience.
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Seaweed Salad (NISAP4-S) : Used as a side or garnish, this salad adds freshness and a crunchy texture that perfectly balances sushi, while imparting briny notes. Seaweeds, known for their nutritional benefits, are increasingly sought after for healthy diets.
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Oboro Kombu (NISOKAI14) : A new addition to Nishikidôri, this finely grated kombu is delicately seasoned with vinegar and contains no additives or preservatives. It is often used to gently wrap certain sushi, providing a subtle umami flavor.
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Natto (NISSANK1) : These are small steamed soybeans inoculated with the bacteria Bacillus subtilis natto for fermentation. This traditionally fermented product is used in bold creations. Its unique texture and strong flavor can be challenging for some chefs, but it adds remarkable authenticity to Japanese dishes.
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Maple Leaf (NISMAL-S) : These leaves are primarily used for presentation, adding a natural aesthetic touch that reflects seasonality and harmony with nature—principles that are highly valued in Japanese cuisine.
Do you have any upcoming projects or innovations that might interest high-end Japanese cuisine or similar events ?
At Nishikidôri, we have several projects and innovations in the pipeline aimed at enriching high-end Japanese cuisine and strengthening our commitment to chefs and culinary enthusiasts. One of our flagship initiatives is the organization of masterclasses dedicated to Japanese culinary techniques. We are also preparing recipes in our professional kitchen, where our chef creates and explains how to use our products.
These masterclasses will be led by renowned Japanese Chefs and will focus on deepening the understanding of the authentic ingredients we offer, while sharing ancestral skills with both professional chefs and passionate amateurs. We aim to create a space for exchange and learning, where chefs can refine their mastery of Japanese products while discovering new techniques and innovations in haute gastronomy.
Additionally, we are working on establishing exclusive collaborations with Japanese artisans to develop customized products that meet the specific needs of high-end Chefs. These unique products will highlight the excellence of Japanese terroirs while offering new creative perspectives for menus.
You will also find us at numerous trade shows throughout the year.
