We speak to another star of CNN’s Culinary Journeys and a stalwart of Tokyo’s stellar gourmet scene. Chef Shinobu Namae has cooked alongside both Michel Bras and Heston Blumenthal and now helms the twice Michelin-starred L’Effervescence – where French fare meets Japanese ingredients. The restaurant has a reputation for incredible desserts, but many flock for the 11-course tasting menu that changes regularly according to season. There’s even plenty of playful twists, like a deep-fried apple pie that riffs on a McDonald’s treat – as well as some homages to Heston’s Fat Fuck restaurant.

If it's possible to summarise your cuisine, how do you explain it?
Modern European cuisine in technique, with Japanese tastes & flavours from ingredients.

How was your experience filming CNN’s ‘Culinary Journeys’?
I know many beautiful aspects of Japanese food culture and hospitality, and I realised that it’s a never ending journey to discover Japan all over again in many ways. It was very hard for me to choose just a few aspects.

The word "imperfection" seems to be at the front of your vocabulary – what's the concept behind that?
All human beings are imperfect. And food is all around humanity. That’s what I say.

What else composes your culinary philosophy?
To be sincere to everything around you. Love who you are and what you are doing (=cooking).

Does the "celebrity"; element of being a chef detract from your work, or do you enjoy that aspect also?
I don’t mind if you call me celebrity or not. I am who I am, nothing more, nothing less.

What's your favourite memory from working with Heston Blumenthal?
I remember that Heston was always trying to make chefs giggle when we were in the kitchen. And also he answered any kind of question, providing wise answers every time.

What's the first rule a new chef should learn to break?
I would say chef should learn to break the rule which says “tradition should stay the same”.

Do you have any culinary destinations left on your bucket list?
Many. I’m interested in Ethiopian food culture. Gursha is the one I would love to experience.