The Japanese community is, without a doubt, among the ones that travel most to Barcelona to get to know first hand the architecture of one of the most admired master in the world: Antoni Gaudí. His extraordinary constructions built in the Catalan capital receive hundreds of Japanese visitors every day, all of them eager to learn the secrets and the ins and outs of such emblematic locations as la Pedrera, la Sagrada Família, la Casa Vicens or the Park Güell, among others.
We recently received the visit of a young Japanese couple that enjoyed the exclusive accommodation of our apartments in our modernist-style building, located just a few meters from the Sagrada Família. One night they surprised us with an unusual request: they wanted to visit a Japanese restaurant to learn how their country’s culinary culture was represented in a city like Barcelona. Not wanting to let them down, we recommended they have dinner at Can Kenji, a cozy little restaurant inspired by traditional Japanese taverns—izakayas. Eating in an izakaya is as simple as ordering a few different dishes to be shared among diners—a tradition that in Spain we know as tapas. At Can Kenji, they’re undoubtedly true senseis of Japanese-signature tapas.
The maker and alma mater of this establishment is none other than Kenji Ueno, a Tokyo native settled in Barcelona since 2003. He was attracted by the Catalan city’s culinary icons and delved into the world of creative signature-cuisine under the guidance of Satoru Miiyano’s.
In 2010 he opened his restaurant, Can Kenji, with a menu where tradition merges with creativity, creating the perfect fusion between local and seasonal ingredients, and the culinary know-how of his ancestors. This Japanese cook re-interprets authentic traditional recipes and vanguard Mediterranean cuisine better than anyone.
His dishes are a true delight to the senses; cuisine that demands to be looked at, savored and enjoyed in a relaxed environment where time seems to stop.
P.S. Our Japanese friends staying at the Eric Vökel Industria Suites returned to their apartment satisfied and excited by their experience at this unique restaurant.
Mission accomplished!
Photos by: Monica Cortés
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