words by AYA SOFIA OPPENBERG

Amidst the laid-back, bohemian charm of De Pijp, Sazanka awaits—a teppanyaki restaurant for those who crave a high-energy, immersive dining experience. On the ground floor of Hotel Okura, a culinary journey will take you to a  place where Japanese tradition meets modern gastronomy in the form of chef-front cooking.

Stepping inside, you're immediately enveloped by an intriguing blend of aromas—perfectly seared Wagyu, fresh Hamachi, and seasonal vegetables sizzling on the teppan. Each scent teases the senses, hinting at a meal that will linger in your memory long after the last bite. Chef de Cuisine Kazuki Onodera brings precision and artistry to every plate, crafting dishes that balance tradition with innovation. Under the guidance of Executive Chef Masanori Tomikawa, Sazanka stays true to the essence of Japanese cuisine, delivering flavors that are as refined as they are authentic.

But Sazanka isn’t just about the food, it’s about the experience. It’s a celebration of Omotenashi, the deep-rooted Japanese philosophy of hospitality, where every detail is designed to make you feel at home. The rhythmic clatter of knives, the swift, deliberate movements of the chefs, the way each course unfolds like a performance—it all comes together to create something more than a meal. A combination of entertainment and flavour, of rich meats and fresh seafood, this is Teppanyaki at its best.