Our chef cooked for Princess Takamado in Tokyo.
The reception was held at the Belgian Embassy in Tokyo in January 2026, in an elegant setting that blended European simplicity with Japanese refinement. Diplomats, institutional representatives, guests of honor, and Japanese dignitaries gathered to celebrate more than a century and a half of friendship between the two nations.
Among the more than 250 distinguished guests was Her Imperial Highness Princess Takamado, a prominent member of the Japanese Imperial Family.
Cooking for Princess Takamado is a rare privilege. Renowned for her commitment to culture and her international outlook, she embodies the connection between Japanese tradition and engagement with the world.
Our chef approached this event with deep humility and immense respect for Japanese culinary culture, renowned for its precision, delicacy, and absolute standards.
The challenge: to surprise Japan… in Japan
Serving a Japanese dish to a Japanese audience is a daring endeavor.
Yet that is precisely the challenge our chef chose to take on.
He presented his take on chawanmushi, that delicate steamed egg custard traditionally served hot in a cup.
A Belgian-style take on chawanmushi!
Without compromising the spirit of the dish, he preserved its silky texture and subtle balance while infusing it with a Belgian touch:
- Chawanmushi with mussels, warm cucumber, lemon caviar, and Belgian caviar.
The result?
A chawanmushi that surprised, moved, and won over the Japanese audience.
The feedback was unanimously enthusiastic: finesse, elegance, and precision. Some guests even confided that they had rediscovered a classic from their own culinary heritage.
160 Years of Friendship Celebrated Through Gastronomy
Since 1866, Belgium and Japan have maintained rich and enduring diplomatic relations. This symbolic 160th anniversary is not just a historic milestone—it is a celebration of cultural, economic, and human exchanges.
And what could be more universal than gastronomy to embody this dialogue?
An unforgettable experience
Representing Belgium in Tokyo, cooking for Princess Takamado, and winning over a discerning Japanese audience will remain a highlight in our chef’s career.
https://belgiumjapan160.jp/en/events/belgium-japan-official-opening-event
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