Japanese cuisine increasingly popular in US

SILICON VALLEY - Japanese food is finding favour with people all over the US, from its cities to the countryside. It is also occasionally being tweaked to suit local palates.

The cuisine has attracted much attention in recent years among Americans. A movie featuring Sukiyabashi Jiro, a three Michelin star sushi restaurant in the subway of Tokyo's upscale Ginza shopping area, brought Japan's food culture much fanfare. Even a guidebook for those with reservations at the restaurant was published.

While some US culinary schools offer Japanese cuisine, many instructors have never trained in Japan.

Paul Qui opened his upmarket restaurant, Qui, in Austin, Texas, in 2013. The establishment incorporates Japanese cuisine inspired by his visit to Sukiyabashi Jiro three years ago.

Qui won the James Beard Award, the most prestigious US restaurant prize. "In such a small space, an intimate relationship is formed with the customer who sits immediately in front. Just three people make all the sushi. I loved whole experience," Qui said about his experience at Sukiyabashi Jiro.

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