The shores of a Thai island paradise may not be the most obvious place to go for exquisite, authentic Japanese cuisine, but Amanpuri is full of surprises – much as it has been since it opened as the flagship Aman resort 35 years ago. Emerging from a three-month intermission in which a number of spaces underwent a reinvigorating revamp, from the Holistic Wellness Centre to the sumptuous Pavilions, Amanpuri recently revealed a new look and updated concept for its signature Japanese restaurant, Nama.

Excellent service

The Ambience

Relocated from its former beachfront setting, Nama's new, elevated position atop the resort's sweeping staircase affords diners panoramic views over the Andaman Sea. The split-level restaurant, conceived by visionary Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, incorporates warm wooden accents in an airy design featuring izakaya-style seating, an intimate omakase counter and a sake bar serving up the most exclusive tipples Japan has to offer.

Sushi Platter

The Cuisine

When it comes to the culinary concept at Nama, everything revolves around balance: between simplicity and complexity, local produce and specialty ingredients, modern flavours and Japan's ancient gastronomic heritage.

The age-old culinary art of washoku, a UNESCO-recognised tradition that literally translates to 'raw', forms the heart of the restaurant menu, with expert chefs who have trained for years deftly preparing sushi and sashimi with the care and precision of a sculptor giving shape to his masterpiece. In addition to commanding complex techniques, washoku relies on the chef's keen understanding of every ingredient, as well as their ability to enhance the flavour of each individual component while pulling the dish together in delicious harmony.

Further harmony is achieved in the restaurant's approach to sourcing ingredients, which prioritises fresh Phuket produce together with Japanese delicacies from the markets of Kyoto and Osaka, like chargrilled Wagyu beef, for an enticing and endearing balance of the local and the authentic.

Tai Usuzukuri

The Experience

Epicures looking to try their hand at Japan’s time-honoured culinary arts can roll up their sleeves and join a sushi-making masterclass, also newly announced as part of the reopening. Follow along as a seasoned sushi master leads you step by step through the process of preparing perfectly crafted sushi, from choosing the best ingredients to slicing the fish like a sushi sensei and then hand-rolling it all together, before indulging in your creations as a well-deserved lunch.

Nama is open to both Amanpuri guests and non-guests year-round for lunch and dinner.

Sake