Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi unveils Shimizu, a modern Japanese restaurant, its latest island dining experience.
Renowned for its unrivalled luxury and elegance, Waldorf Astoria Maldives Ithaafushi is announcing Shimizu as the latest addition to its 11 specialty dining venues. Andrei Palm, formerly of Nobu in South Africa, helms the kitchen and showcases his artistry and creativity at this one-of-a-kind restaurant.
Set against the marvellous backdrop of the deep blue Maldivian sea, the striking bamboo structure was designed to mimic an ocean wave, connecting guests with the sea life surrounding it, while the long wooden pathway, like those in traditional Japanese sanctuaries, leads to the entrance, delivering guests to the heart of the restaurant, where the sushi bar and teppanyaki grill sit. The name Shimizu, which means clear water in Japanese, is a nod to the crystal-clear seas of the Maldives.
Chef Andrei has developed the menu as a celebration of flavours, with every dish taking a journey through bitter, sweet, salty, sour and umami. While the umami flavour is expected in Japanese cuisine, it is quite a rarity for all five flavours to be present in Japanese dishes, and is one of the elements that makes the food at Shimizu so unique. Among the delightful dishes are signature sushi rolls topped with Kristal caviar, and the rarest Japanese Miyazaki A4 wagyu beef cooked on the flat top grill.
Shimizu also prides itself on having the first sake sommelier in the Maldives. Abdhulla Saeed is responsible for navigating the extensive sake collection, as well as the collection of Japanese whiskeys. The sommelier is happy to take diners on a journey through Japanese flavours with a flight of sake in the Maldivian breeze.
