Where Italian Meets Japanese: An Interview With Chef Yuki Kobayashi- San
I was strolling alongside the shop houses at Katong one day - and I came across this cosy little Italian restaurant, Trattoria L’Operetta! Tucked at one of the shophouses at 244 Tanjong Katong Road - what captured my attention from the distance was the fish-tank-like glass panel. While waiting for my friend, out of curiosity - I peeped through for a good 3 minutes to witness the pizza-making process. Like anyone’s first impression, I thought the head chef of an Italian restaurant would naturally be helmed by an Italian! But it’s not in this case - it was by a Japanese! I know right?!
I then found out later - this restaurant that runs under the L’ OPERETTA Group - managed by a Japanese, and they have three outlets under the group - a Pizza Joint Pizzeria L’Operetta, An italian bar located in the CBD - Corner Bar L’Operetta, and a small Japanese eatery which serves don beside Corner Bar - Echizen!
I was intrigued by the fact that it’s actually run and helmed by a Japanese. I casually asked the staff if the head chef would be interested in a short interview/chat, just to find out more about him and what’s behind this homely Italian joint! (The nosy and curious genes in me - I had to heh) He’s not really well versed in english - but with the help of my Japanese colleague to facilitate this short chat/interview - he was elated and excited to share with me about his life, inspirations and dreams. Read on to find out more!
*Answers are edited and translated by the interviewer
What attracted me — The glass panel where we could peep through the pizza kitchen to witness the pizza-making process!
Chef Koba San - The Head Chef of Trattoria L’Operetta!
What i noticed when i stepped in - a certificate where they use certain Japanese ingredients for their dishes!
“Pleasure to meet you! Tell me more about yourself and where do you live now!”
I’m Yuki Kobayashi! 47 this year I am from Fukui Prefecture, located in the middle of japan, next to Kyoto! Since 24, I started working as a hotel cuisine as chef in Fukui and I have over 20 years of experience - mainly doing chinese, italian and japanese cuisine. But i enjoy cooking Italian cuisine the most.
It’s only been my second year here in Trattoria L’Operetta and I relocated to Singapore to work here! I live in Tanjong Pagar.
“What made you to work in Singapore!”
The restaurant needed an Italian chef - and my strength was in Italian Cuisine. Before I got this job, there’s former Japanese chef here. He told me about the fun, life and benefits in Singapore! I was a bit scared (and apprehensive at first) because I’m really bad in english and i was worried about the communication - but he assured me that this restaurant is managed by Japanese - so there won’t be any concern! There’s also many good comments and advice from the former chef, then i decided to take a leap of faith and here i am! I also picked up a bit of English here, which i’m happy and glad!
“Interesting! Have you visited Singapore before this - and how do you find Singapore so far?”
Nope I haven’t - I never really travel out of Japan before working here, the furthest I’ve been to is Shanghai. When I was 20/21, I had the experience to work in shanghai as advisor but he has never been to Singapore.
I love Singapore! I have never spoken to ANY foreigners in Japan, but after coming here, I found many opportunities to talk to all kinds of race - because of the variety of different races here and i love that everyone is very open and friendly.
He also shared that even though he can’t converse much in english, he enjoys being here.
“What’s your passion behind being a Chef?”
I love to cook and create food that will bring smiles to people face!
"Name me a Singaporean Dish that you’ve tried and love”
Singaporeans love spicy food but I can’t really take spicy….hehe. I enjoy Bak Kut Teh though!
“Tell me about Trattoria Concept that you want to share to our readers!”
We are a small and casual Italian restaurant - great for families, homely. I want customers to feel a taste of home, family-friendly, kids can run around, homely feeling, cosy atmosphere - so it’s like returning to their home! Our pizzas are made freshly on the spot and in baked in the oven for 2-3 minutes, we also have a variety of pizzas here. All our customers are like family, friendly, nice and caring!
“I noticed that you guys are certified for the Japanese Food and Ingredient Supplies, are your dishes fusion?”
Mainly Italian! We don’t do fusion but we do use a few ingredients from Japan Eg: Soya Sauce (some are imported some seafood are from japan) - which explains the certificate. But overall, we still use mainly Italian ingredients.
Interior of this Cosy little italian restaurant that has a touch from the 90s
“Name some specialities from Trattoria L’Operetta that you’ll definitely recommend to first-timers!”
TRUFFLE PIZZA. Must try - by our wood fire pizza, so delicious and we have many customers coming back for more. For pastas, if you are adventurous enough you should try our Basil Pasta, I got this traditional recipe from the former chef and I love to enhance and keep this recipe. You should try our gnocchi too, freshly made in-house! For appetizers, try our antipasto Misto (5 different kind of Appetizers) good for 2 pax!
“Thank you so much for your time! I’d definitely come down and dine with my friends! Anything else you’ll like to add on?”
Come down and try our italian food, understand and enjoy the taste. Some Singaporeans don’t really enjoy/understand italian food, do come down and try our food and pizzas, we will change your mind!
He kindly made a fresh margarita pizza for us, ready in less than 5 minutes! I’m impressed.
Psst… They are running a giveaway for this amazing Margarita Neapolitan Pizza on their page @trattoriaoperetta! Get your taste of this deli wood-fired pizza - no regrets, so good! Good luck!
They do really affordable pizza promotions too, check out their page and show some love (click below)!
Find a touch of Japanese in Italian
Restaurants Under The L’ Operetta Group:
Address: 244 Tanjong Katong Rd, Singapore 437032
Tel No: 9780 3706
Address: 12 Gopeng Street #01-78 to 81 Icon Village (2.31 km)
078877 Singapore, Singapore
Tel No: 6222 9487
Address: 7 Boon Tat Street 069614 Singapore, Singapore
Tel No: 9127 4611
Address: 11 Boon Tat
Tel No: 9127 4611
