What does Japan taste like? The most honest answer is “it depends,” as the country’s culinary traditions reflect regional ingredients, seasonal customs, and the people who have devoted their craft to them. All these elements, however, come together at SHIDŌ, where diners can discover different facets of its cuisine.
SHIDŌ itself means “starting in motion,” and it’s a name that embodies the restaurant’s commitment to exploring the possibilities of Japanese dining. Executive Chef Daisuke Nishimura, whose career has taken him through Hong Kong, Bali, and Thailand, brings his experience and curiosity to the kitchen through the concept Japan in Motion.
How SHIDŌ Brings Japanese Traditions and Hospitality to Manila
Each dining space has its own character, so visitors can enjoy the country’s food traditions in different ways under one roof. The experience begins with the quality of what goes into each dish and the care taken in its preparation. Japan’s traditional calendar recognizes seventy-two micro-seasons, each of which marks a subtle change in the natural world. Chef Nishimura shares this respect for nature’s rhythms through an evolving menu that introduces diners to different specialties, flavors, and preparations.
At the sushi counter, fresh seafood sourced from Tokyo’s Toyosu Market arrives twice a week. The Robatayaki grill brings out the natural flavors of Shingendori chicken from Nagano Prefecture through the steady heat of binchotan charcoal. Meanwhile, the teppanyaki station introduces Satsuma beef from Kagoshima alongside local, sustainably sourced seafood and Nishimura’s signature dipping sauces. There are also contemporary interpretations of traditional dishes, such as the signature Ika and Ebi Mocchiri Shumai, a delicate mochi-style dumpling with squid and shrimp.
As for the drinks, the bar continues this exploration of regional specialties. Its premium first-flush matcha, grown near Mount Fuji, comes from the year’s first harvest, while the sake selection introduces visitors to Japan’s diverse regions and their respective brewing traditions.
One of the joys of dining at SHIDŌ is the opportunity to get closer to the craft behind each dish. The restaurant draws on the philosophy of Kappo cuisine, which values precise techniques, the changing seasons, and the personal connection between chef and guest. Diners can speak directly with the chef about the dishes, their components, and the methods behind their preparation.
There are also different ways to enjoy this hospitality. The main dining hall welcomes family meals and celebrations, while curated lunch menus and private dining rooms accommodate business lunches and more intimate gatherings.
There’s More to Come at SHIDŌ
SHIDŌ has more planned for the months ahead, including guest chef collaborations, seasonal showcases, and future residencies. These initiatives will introduce other perspectives and create opportunities for guests to engage with Japanese culture through food and conversation. For Manila’s diners, SHIDŌ promises an appreciation of Japanese cuisine that becomes richer with every visit.
SHIDŌ is located at Makati Shangri-La, Manila. For reservations and inquiries, contact [email protected] or +63 2 8813 8888.
Photos courtesy of SHIDŌ
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