Meet The Chef: Akira Back
We sat down with Michelin-starred Celebrity Chef Akira Back of Akira Back Tenerife at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in the Canary Islands. Seoul native and former professional snowboarder turned Michelin-star winner — Akira Back brings his restaurant to Tenerife, serving modern Japanese cuisine inspired by a sense of adventure and boundless creativity.
Image: Akira Back at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife, Spain
Tell us about what your morning routine looks like, and how you like to end your day?
I love to wake up and stretch by doing yoga. It is a great way to both physically and mentally start your day.
Image: Akira Back at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife, Spain
Do you have any awards or achievements are you most proud of?
I am very proud and honored to be a Michelin-star award-winning chef for a restaurant of mine in my home country of Korea.
Image: Akira Back at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife, Spain
What do you typically cook at home for yourself or your family?
I love cooking pasta with my family since it is my daughter's fav. She loves every kind of pasta as well as all the different sauces we create together too.
What’s a food trend that you’re loving right now and why?
Korean food is trending right now, as well as Korean culture in music and fashion with K-pop.
Image: Akira Back at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife, Spain
What’s that strangest food combination you’ve ever tried? And, did you like it?
I don't think any combination of foods is strange since everything can be someone's unique creation and something new. Personally, I like spicy food so I have had some interesting combinations of peppers from different regions of the world within soups that are not traditionally combined.
Image: Akira Back at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife, Spain
What’s your Instagram?
It’s @akirabacktenerife.
What cocktail or beverage do you enjoy most?
I really enjoy red wine with my meal. It is tasty but also relaxing and a good addition to dinner.
Image: Akira Back at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife, Spain
Have you ever cooked for a celebrity? Do you have a story to tell?
One of the most famous people which I have cooked for was the Dalai Lama. Being with him and in his presence was a feeling that is surreal and hard to describe. It was a very special moment and I was actually able to cook for his Holiness two separate times, which was a blessing.
Image: Akira Back at The Ritz-Carlton, Abama in Tenerife, Spain
Note: This information was accurate when this article was published, but can change without notice. Be sure to confirm all details directly with the companies in question before planning your trip.
