Ginza Natsuno Chopsticks Case Study: Namban Ginentei

Introducing Namban Ginentei

Namban Ginentei is a renowned yoshoku (Japanese-style Western cuisine) restaurant in the heart of Ginza, Tokyo. Established in 1972, it has become a beloved institution, particularly among writers, for its classic charm and culinary excellence. The restaurant specializes in traditional dishes like beef stew, fried shrimp, and beef cutlets, offering a relaxed yet refined dining experience perfect for both solo diners and groups.

Over the years, Namban Ginentei has refined its flavors, blending history with a commitment to preserving the authentic taste of Western cuisine.

I had the pleasure of interviewing Service Manager Ms. Kyoko Innami and Head Chef Ms. Nodoka Ozawa to learn more about their experience. They've been using Ginza Natsuno chopsticks for about 10 years, further adding to the establishment’s dedication to quality and tradition.

Ginza Natsuno: Thank you for taking the time to speak with me today. When did you start using chopsticks at your restaurant?

Ms.Innami: We've been using chopsticks from Ginza Natsuno for ten years, we've actually been providing our customers with chopsticks for about 50 years. The unique feature of our menu is that most of the dishes can be eaten with chopsticks.

Ginza Natsuno: The food at Namban Ginentei is truly delicious. Even dishes like stew can be easily broken apart with the tips of chopsticks. From appetizers to mains, everything is really suited to being eaten with chopsticks. The roast beef we had today was also perfect—rolled up with chopsticks into a delicious, bite-sized portion.

Ms. Innami: For us, it's traditional to serve dishes in a style similar to kaiseki (a traditional Japanese multi-course meal). Every table is set with chopsticks, a knife, and a fork. Our customers often say, "Oh, you have chopsticks!" and really appreciate it. I think it's important for our customers to feel the reassurance of being able to eat with chopsticks. Many customers even say after the meal, "I didn't even use the fork and knife!"

Ginza Natsuno: That is incredibly satisfying for us as a chopstick supplier. How are the Ginza Natsuno chopsticks working out for you?

Ms. Innami: The chopsticks' simple design and slim tips have been very popular with our customers. They find them easy to use.
What I really appreciate is that if the chopsticks get worn out, they can be repainted with lacquer and repaired, which is wonderful.

Ms. Ozawa: The sentiment of taking good care of things and using them for a long time really aligns with our philosophy in preparing our dishes at Ginentei. The chopsticks fit perfectly alongside the knife and fork, giving a sleek, elegant impression. We want customers to feel at ease and enjoy their meals without feeling awkward, so a design that's too out of the ordinary might be difficult.

Ginza Natsuno: Thank you. When I made the suggestion, I kept in mind that the chopsticks should be easy to use and have a simple design that would complement the fork and knife. I've noticed you've had a lot of international guests lately. Do they tend to use chopsticks?

Ms. Innami: Absolutely! In fact, many prefer using chopsticks over a fork and a knife. Even though we serve Western food, we still present rice on a flat plate, and our international guests handle it just fine with chopsticks. While we give them the option of rice or bread, most of our foreign customers end up eating their rice with chopsticks. (laughs)

Ginza Natsuno: That's an interesting observation! They don't choose the bread, huh? (laughs) But, since they've come to experience Japanese Western food, I'd love for them to eat rice with chopsticks! Rice pairs much better with Japanese-style Western food than bread.

Ms. Ozawa: That's true! You always choose rice over bread when you order. (laughs)

Ginza Natsuno: Do you have any requests or thoughts about the chopsticks?

Ms. Innami: Yes, I do! I'd love to offer regular customers interested in chopsticks the chance to try a new pair by saying, "How about these chopsticks today?" It would be fun to let them experience something a little different, so I'd be happy to have you introduce some chopsticks that might be unusual but would still enhance the enjoyment of Western food.

Ginza Natsuno: Understood! I'm really pleased that you mentioned how "chopsticks reassure customers." That was truly wonderful to hear. This has been a fantastic interview. Thank you so much for your time today.

Visit Namban Ginentei

Namban Ginentei, a traditional Western restaurant beloved by writers and literary figures, was founded in 1972. Over time, it has become a cherished establishment in the heart of Ginza, renowned for its exquisite cuisine and nostalgic ambiance.

The restaurant is known for its expert blend of classic European dishes with unique Japanese influences. With a rich history and a loyal following, Namban Ginentei has earned its reputation as a true gem in Ginza, attracting both locals and visitors seeking a refined dining experience.

It continues to serve timeless flavors with sophistication, making it a must-visit for those who appreciate fine dining in Tokyo.

Editor's Note

We are truly honored that Namban Ginentei has been serving our Ginza Natsuno chopsticks alongside their exquisite dishes for over a decade. It brings us great joy to see our chopsticks enhance the experience of enjoying Western cuisine. We hope that more people can discover the unique pleasure of savoring these flavors with chopsticks.

Minemura
International Ecommerce Manager, Ginza Natsuno