A Day Making Some of the World’s Most Difficult Soba Noodles | On The Line | Bon Appétit

“Uzuki is so special because our restaurant is making 100% buckwheat noodles every day by hand.” Bon Appétit spends a day on the line with soba master Shuichi Kotani preparing his signature buckwheat noodles at Uzuki in NYC. These noodles are some of the most difficult to make in the world and are a process that demands serious meditation beforehand.
Director: Gunsel Pehlivan
Director of Photography: Kevin Dynia
Editor: Jamie Gordon
Featuring: Shuichi Kotani
Creative Producer: Parisa Kosari
Line Producer: Jen McGinity
Associate Producer: Oadhan Lynch
Production Manager: Janine Dispensa
Production Coordinator: Elizabeth Hymes
Camera Operator: Carlos Araujo
Assistant Camera: Lucas Young
Sound Recordist: Mike Guggino
Production Assistant: Justine Ramirez
Post Production Supervisor: Andrea Farr
Post Production Coordinator: Scout Alter
Supervising Editor: Eduardo Araujo
Assistant Editor: Lauren Worona
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ABOUT BON APPÉTIT
Bon Appétit is a highly opinionated food brand that wants everyone to love cooking and eating as much as we do. We believe in seasonal produce, properly salted pasta water, and developing recipes that anyone can make at home.

[@JaeLee85]

You know this was going to be amazing when he rolled the dough into a dreidel with his eyes closed.

[@Meonen88]

🤣🤣🤣🤣🤣

[@XSpamDragonX]

I honestly think almost anyone could do that if they actually just tried it for 5 minutes.

[@a.leehilliard4716]

No one cares

[@Doobs921]

@@XSpamDragonX yeah not quite, go and attempt to make some soba and come back

[@XSpamDragonX]

@@Doobs921 Are you really this dense? Go grab a ball of dough, close your eyes, and roll it around for a few minutes. That shape is not even remotely challenging to replicate, now the actual forming and cutting of the noodles is a different story, but of course you're to incompetent to understand the differerence apparently.

[@NikaBoyce]

I ADORE how he has created such a light airy comfortable space AND also how he is so intentional about creating meditative time and space for himself and his workflow. Im sure that he has a lot more to share - Thank you for profiling him!

[@jason_22282]

I watched the entire video with amazement, admiration, respect, and appreciation. I’m just flabbergasted at the level of dedication and craftsmanship displayed.

[@GU_WOP_O]

When i watch videos of Japanese chefs they describe themselves as masters but I feel that translation doesn't do their dedication justice

[@gwapovecina8431]

all japanese artisans are alike. . .more dedecated for quality. . .not after quantity. . .

[@TauEnjoyer]

@@gwapovecina8431 this is what used to be the norm before industrialization

[@Zarrakon]

flabergasted westerner. so cringe

[@Zarrakon]

@@gwapovecina8431 brainwashed by capitalism

[@dangoleeeeyoooomannnn6531]

I don’t think I’ve seen another chef that has this much passion and love for his craft it’s so beautiful to watch.

[@Ilikeitlikethis]

The hand-crafting of the noodles, the attention to detail in absolutely everything - amazing dedication.

[@edwardg8588]

You know you have skills when you roll a circular blob into a square one using on a stick without unrolling.

[@timthompsondp]

Yeah that was wild.

[@shellsessions3039]

init

[@lamdao1242]

Agree. Additionally the buck wheat dough has NO GLUTEN to hold the flour together If you want a comparable experience try making a dough with rice four.

[@lericosalvador3772]

Seeing him explain his soba knife and how special it is to him while smiling is so precious

[@benedictcabiling5627]

This might be the best cooking related video i have ever seen…. I was straight mesmerized when he was making the soba noodles

[@coloradodirtbike5930]

Meditation before making food.. this guy isn't playing around

[@amarbinay6654]

Guess when ya live on the other side of the world that makes ya homesick

[@RaphaelAguirre]

On top if the world class skills displayed in this video, the chef is an amazing communicator, he explained every process, making it even more captivating. Ramsey vibes, he would do amazing on tv/flix. Massive admiration and respect! You rock, chef!

[@rebekahj9085]

I'm sure it cost a fortune to eat at his restaurant but it's worth every penny with the amount of time and effort he puts in.

[@johannielsen519]

you can see the menu card in some shots with prices being around 50-80 USD with some dishes even going as low as 30 USD, more then reasonable i would say 😄

[@krotchlickmeugh627]

​@johannielsen519 thats a travesty. He spent a whole day and all of his soul.

[@saikrishnathiwakarrk]

I guess more than money , it doubtful you get a seat in there, must be reserved for weeks or maybe even months

[@skimshady]

bro i promise you hes fine lol. That is a very healthy profit margin especially in japan.@@krotchlickmeugh627

[@amarbinay6654]

It would be half the price back in Japan and exclusive traditional udonsoba

[@swyrlllll]

I was completely transfixed by this video. His descriptions were so lovely. How can you not admire someone who lives his craft?

[@imanalien1305]

In a second language too, yet so clear and lovely!

[@happywilliam1]

My favorite episode so far, amazing craftmanship!

[@mk-2727]

I love how he does everything with ease. He's a born natural talent and Japan should be proud how he teaches us about the culture.

[@MyFirstYoutubeHandle]

Grinding your own buckwheat? Respect. We need more of this.

[@brandofhero]

I could honestly just sit at his shop and just watch. It’s so mesmerizing.

[@pfv1247]

I've watched a lot of restaurants on youtube, and this is the first and only restaurant that I want to eat at.

[@felipemorales4901]

This is one of the greatest videos I’ve ever seen.

[@MP-js5ro]

I have always been mesmerized and intrigued by the reverence, respect, and dedication in the Japanese culture. Westerners have so much to still learn about what truly matters

[@thojmuas5744]

Dude doesn’t stop, just keeps going! Even during his down time, he’s making pottery. Props!

[@friesewiese]

if the chef doesn't meditate before preparing food with his eyes closed I don't want it anymore after seeing this

[@mamarana524]

I had dinner here once this. The food is truly delicious. The duck broth so rich. It's definitely a little pricey, but if you can afford it. It's worth it. And the owner is there doing pottery by the front door and is very nice gentleman

[@rayh.3478]

his motions, his movements... its more artistic than being a chef! i can just watch him making doughs all day

[@0ogie]

Japanese chefs never cease to amaze me...always keeping to tradition, always so intricate and delicate. Quality over quantity. An ingredient never wasted.

[@rodriguezivan71]

Bro gave himself a cooking buff before making the noodles

[@unruly_ronin]

Soba Master means business

[@adriankristiansen9224]

This is maybe the best food related video I have seen. I got really emotional and moved by Chef, he is a true master. He has a great and almost spiritual energy to him. My goal in life is to have the same passion and discipline.

[@nigelsimon8865]

It's so beautiful to see someone enjoying and respecting their craft.

[@willcookmakeup]

Omg his so skilled he can't see anything and literally didn't get flour anywhere. Everything stayed in the bowl perfectly

[@ricardomartinez6055]

The fact he was able to describe how the dough should feel like (ear 19:15) is so crazy to me. He has to have such a deep passion for food that he literally feels it in something seeming so minuscule as rubbing his ear.

[@johnd0e25]

Amazing dedication to the craft, this is on a level of its own.

[@acenessa]

The Japanese really have mastered how to be spiritual in everything they do. The respect shown to the process of making food is amazing.. Arigato 🙏🏼

[@rj5649]

It’s really beautiful, isn’t it? I’m thankful we have the internet to be able to get a glimpse into others’ cultures and lives!

[@its_clean]

Japanese culture is indeed heavily focused on nature and natural spirituality, but let's be sure not to overly romanticize or orientalize all of Japan. Shuichi Kotani's spiritual devotion to craft is famously unique and reflects a very particular school of soba-making, not a universal practice among all Japanese crafts. Few other top Japanese chefs follow anything close to this guy's meditative process, despite also having achieved technical perfection and singular success.

[@Shinkajo]

Yeah but most Japanese chefs don't meditate before cooking or make their own pottery lol.

[@joshevans3452]

@its_clean Fully agree. Most cooks/chefs consider themselves as craftsmen. I equate cooking with woodworking. There is artistry involved, but the ultimate purpose is to use basic, repetitive skills to crate something that is functional first. While some people can find spirituality and meaning in those skills, it is not a prerequisite to performing at the highest level.

[@peteryeung111]

This is the best I seen. His skill, energy and passion is incredible. Let’s hope there is enough interest and talent to carry on this craft. This is truly a master level Japanese chef.

[@Despite37]

bro is not messing around about his noodles.

[@Bohmerification]

That was a beautiful process to witness

[@AudioTruyenLangQue]

I just love how they explain everything to us so we can understand them , and they make it fun so we don't get bored or distracted ( which happens to me very often) plus they are having fun to which is amazing. So thank you! You're amazing guys!

[@boltonky]

Legend, watching people like this makes you appreciate what he is making and the effort they put in. If only we all had that ability the world would be a crazy place

[@zoltanhorvath1391]

I could watch him all day. Please make more episode!

[@cavanchan88]

i love how he puts so much passion into everything he does. and his focus isn't just about feeding ppl but also about the nourishment of the body

[@jaguarblack5051]

This Chef is different than other Chefs in Japan because he narrates the entire video in English himself.

[@pinkmonkeybird2644]

That’s because a his restaurant is in NYC. He speaks English if he wants to speak with customers and for navigating life in the city. Agree that he’s one of the most centered and interesting chefs who have appeared on the channel though.

[@111bella]

truly beautiful seeing someone do what they love 🥲

[@irfilo]

I'm sure this tastes amazing but even enjoyed his rituals even more. Much respect for his process. Must go here.

[@mosesjeromelazaro2841]

it's the journey that's the golden secret here. everything requires skill. it's an artform and takes years to master, probably. there's something satisfying watching him do all this. i dont know why haha

[@madred1842]

If only I had a fraction of this man’s dedication. This is what passion looks like

[@LouisRMichael]

Utterly incredible. A living legend.

[@karengarrison4237]

A genius. I have never seen such expertise and respect for food.

[@fredstah714]

Japanese culture will always be known for their precise, precision and perfection.

[@dannyluelee]

This guy is a true master at his craft. The techniques that are so easy for him have been honed for a very long time.

[@Kiritopa_Hokena]

Unreall why Japanese cooking is literally art 🙌🏽

[@timthompsondp]

Pure craft. What a fascinating, dedicated, and meticulous human being.

[@littleredsubmarine]

Beautiful intention in to his food. I am sure it is lovely.

[@stianaslaksen5799]

He is so dedicated to his craft! Would love to eat there.

[@adelheidsnel5171]

Stunning. The sacredness of food🙏❤️

[@joruckus]

Amazing! More of these kind of videos, please.

[@Yoshi31235]

It's always amazing to watch pasionate people with such profound knowledge of their craft

[@wanderlustrer]

" Dancing with the buckwheat " 💚

[@andrewalexander6041]

This was incredible to watch. It was weird being so amazed and calmed at the same time. Crazy skills shaping that dough...❤

[@pookienumnums]

Awesome. I feel honored to have an inside look into Chef's daily life, a living showcase to his passion and dedication to his craft(s).

[@tribbybueno]

rubbed the freshly sharpened knife across his fingernail to check for burrs... what a badass dude.

[@Nelly.K]

WOW this is amazing! Such huge respect!

[@naonao77090]

Dedication to the deliberate perfection of everything you do. I love that culture

[@krazyklinzy]

I watched the entire video in amazement. What a treat for this glimpse into chef's art. His passion for food shines

[@newbro]

This is not food, this is arts.

[@AnnapolisGirly]

I’m feeling so chill watching this. Drinking my green tea and craving these noodles.

[@michaeljordan215]

If you find something that consistently keeps you healthy then you stick with it. You definetly convinced me to try it out. Props on using organic.

[@tysobol]

This is an incredible story, and shot beautifully. I need to schedule more mediation time into my day to day

[@worldwidewashington]

That was absolutely amazing I'm in awe

[@Ludawig]

Awesome process and delicious looking food. Would love to try when I'm in NYC

[@JaiOnline]

Watched this guy making soba noodles 5 years ago on Tasty, and now im watching him do it again on BA. I love all his explanations and habits.

[@jordanwhite8015]

I love this guy. The restaurant has been added to the list

[@maddycosio7418]

What a huge dedication to this lovely passion, I'm sure the food tastes AMAZING

[@39madman]

First chef that doesn’t chase the crew out

[@syahrillaa250]

bro is a chef,artist,teacher and soba

[@goalixia]

Best one so far! Immaculate talent

[@Ignaciodev]

This is amazing, looked the chef and his dedication

[@jesseferdinandpasco1661]

This is the kind of crazy you want to be around with. Amazing!

[@roflstormvanilla921]

ok but this guy is insane(or most sane). making is own clay bolw, hardest noodle in the world, A5 restaurent and dishes.

[@geoffreychan8967]

It's such a deep level of artistry and dedication. Just wow.

[@chefboylee]

absolute master of the craft. respect

[@saikrishnathiwakarrk]

Great video watching an artist in everything he does and always want's to improve. Thanks for this one bon appetite.

[@unruly_ronin]

It's spectacular watching the Soba Master in action. How insightful

[@feliiiik]

absolutely amazing

[@charlescdt6509]

The Bruce Lee of noodles. This was beyond awesome.

[@fyahstatah6298]

Such a great technique, kudos to this chef

[@jeanneamato8278]

Watching this was like a meditation in itself. This is a keeper.

[@goalixia]

Absolutely amazing!!

[@ahteooo]

Amazing chef. The process is outstanding.

[@CODEDSTUDIO]

this is priceless, so much attention put into it

[@tmurchjr]

An amazing and mesmerizing process.

[@JD_Awesome]

He is so focused in his art . ❤

[@jerichocruzado]

of course the noodles and technique are epic. drip on another level with that jacket tho

[@lysmalls658]

This is so amazing he had me mesmerized the whole video

[@erikjuarezdk2367]

The definition of a true Master

[@floydmagtulis629]

This is an art of cooking!!! fantastic 😊

[@Yalinli77]

Amazing chef ! i know exactly what he means, in deed mediation zone, helps you feel and see 3D ... perfectly described, sure he is a master ! deep respect

[@cheebas.kitchen]

this is just so beautiful to watch

[@MattTreg]

What a legend

[@SSN70]

Pure art ! ❤

[@deploynz]

Inspiring chef..the food looks amazing

[@aishafaisal2249]

What an amazing chef who loves his craft

[@gambittandreas6756]

I like Japanese artisticway of doing things, mo much passion and dedication