Nadaman chef Kajita pairs traditional cuisine with quirky fashion palette

Japanese chef Kenji Kajita from Nadaman in the Rihga Royal Hotel in Osaka, holds the title of 'Samurai' chef, an accolade bestowed on the restaurant chain's top chefs for their long service and excellent cuisine.

But when Life! meets the 54-year-old Osaka-born chef at Nadaman's branch in Shangri-La Hotel, it is his quirky fashion sense that stands out. His multi-coloured tie matches the numbers on his watch and his cuffslinks are little bulldogs.

He says in Japanese via a translator: "When I dress well, it shows in my food, which sticks to basic tradition but is nicely decorated and colourful. Just like if you know someone is an artist, you know that they have a good sense for presenting their dishes."

So whet your palate with Kajita's prettily-plated seven-course menu ($200), which is available for both lunch and dinner till Sunday.