The Master

Steven-san

Founder

In 2016, Steven-san was tasked to bring in and set up an authentic Japanese Yakitori franchise in Malaysia. He worked and trained in a Michelin Bib Gourmand rated restaurant in Tokyo, learning how to run a truly authentic Yakitori restaurant. Along with this, Steven-san decided to pursue a Saké sommelier certification, with the goal of spreading the nuances of authentic Saké and Yakitori. 

Back in Malaysia, Steven-san realised that most Malaysians have no knowledge or experience with the authentic artistry of enjoying and pairing Saké, which is why he decided to start Roku Nana in 2019 with the goal of sharing the Saké culture and spreading this appreciation throughout Malaysia.

Steven-san believes that the best teachers are lifelong students, pursuing a higher level of Saké certification in 2020 as an Advanced Saké Sommelier, and in 2023 became Malaysia’s first Saké Ninja with the UK based Saké Sommelier Association (SSA).

When guests return again and again to keep learning and exploring, this is what keeps Roku Nana going, and this is what gives Steven-san fulfilment.

Ask The Founder

  • I have been working with authentic Japanese restaurants for over 7 years, primarily with Yakitori. I think it’s important to share your knowledge and passion when it comes to cuisine, because it is more than just taste, it’s a culture and an experience.

  • One of our missions is to find the perfect Saké for every guest, and the way to do that is by having a large variety of Saké available to test. While it is not as profitable to stock Saké in small batches, it is also what makes Roku Nana stand out as Malaysia’s largest variety of Saké.

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Gino-san | Scent-sei