Shota Nakajima finds excitement in the kitchen every day, interview

While the title might have eluded him, the reigning fan favorite Top Chef, Shota Nakajima, connected with viewers in a way that has left a lasting impression beyond the final episode. Whether it is people watching his social channels or enjoying a meal at his Seattle restaurant Taku, Shota has found new ways to let his confidence in the kitchen shine.

Although Top Chef propelled Shota into the current food television conversation, it wasn’t his first time in a culinary competition. But, like many opportunities, this one seemed to hit at just the right time. As the world seemed to come to a halt, the ability to step away from it all afforded Shota the chance to have some perspective.

When asked, Shota shared how this opportunity was a time where he “figure out what he wanted to do.” Even though he had pushed forward for a long time, Top Chef was his time to “reset.”

Even though the Top Chef bubble allowed all the chefs to form a very close bond, the reality is that the long competition was that hard reset that he needed. It was a time for him to focus on the food that he likes to cook, why he chooses to cook and how those ideas can bring that enticing food to the plate.

Shota said “I tell everyone that works for me, make sure you’re excited. And, if you’re not, that’s when you got to talk to me because you got to be excited every day.” In many ways, that idea being excited to get in the kitchen is a feeling that anyone can adapt. It isn’t just the professional chef that needs that sentiment.

As seen in the past several months, Shota has taken to social media to motivate home cooks through his various videos and demonstrations. Even if the home cook might not make that cheese extravaganza from the Top Chef Tillamook Cheese challenge, it can be motivating to push the boundaries a little, find a new flavor or just explore what can come out of the home kitchen.

For Shota, that excitement and inspiration can be found from all over. Whether at a restaurant, an ingredient or from other chefs, there is a willingness to appreciate the moment. But, another factor weighs into that thought process.

What one word describes Shota Nakajima now?

One of the biggest takeaways from the Top Chef experience was that he seemed to gain a confidence. Even throughout the culinary competition, viewers could see that sentiment grow. More importantly, it carried over after packing his knives.

Shota said, “my longtime employee kind of came up and he was like you’re more confident.” Whether he is “an easier boss to work for” or something else, Shota appreciates that he’s “doing the right thing” and “there‘s a lot of support” behind him.

In some ways, that confidence allows Shota to be influenced by others as well. While he does not necessarily stray too far from his culinary point of view, he uses Taku and some of his pop-up dinners as a way to push that combination of confidence and creativity.

For Shota, those dinners are a way for him to interact with other chefs and push the boundaries a little. While that concept has been part of his business plan for years, the reality is that each of those experience adds to that cooking excitement. As something that he “loves to do,” it seems like these special events are here to stay.

Looking ahead, Shota has a lot on his plate. In addition to his Seattle restaurant, Shota will return to Top Chef in the upcoming Top Chef Family Style. As one of the experts, he will be sharing his guidance to the culinary competition. If you have been longing to hear his signature laugh, be sure to watch Top Chef Family Style on Peacock staring on September 9.

And, what’ the one thing that Shota thinks that every home cook should have in their kitchen. He said to invest in a good, thick pan. It will help to hold the heat. Controlling the heat is paramount to being able to cook well.

What was your favorite dish that Shota Nakajima made in Top Chef? Do you think that he should be in the running for the next Top Chef All-Stars competition?