"The Journey of"
THE JOURNEY OF RIAH OSORIO, INTERNATIONAL CHEF AT SAZANKA
At Hotel Okura Amsterdam, the success of our restaurants is built on the people who work here. On the service and kitchen teams who bring passion, craftsmanship, and curiosity every day. One of them is international chef Riah Osorio at Sazanka. Her story shows what makes the teppanyaki kitchen so special and why it is an inspiring place for chefs from all over the world to grow their careers.
When asked what sets Sazanka apart from other restaurants, Riah immediately pointed to the Japanese mindset in the kitchen. “Here, you see that everyone really gives it their all. I’ve never been in a kitchen where everyone is on the same level — performing together, with the same dedication and commitment.”
That team spirit goes beyond cooking techniques alone. Communication is an important part of success at Sazanka, and although some things are sometimes explained in Japanese, she emphasizes that she always feels included and never left out.
For her, the most exciting aspect of the job is the interaction with guests. “Every table is different. Even during one shift you can have two completely different experiences. That keeps the work exciting and versatile.” This dynamic connection between chef and guest is characteristic of the teppanyaki kitchen and rarely found in other Japanese restaurants.
Cooking on the teppan itself has also proven a challenge. With previous grilling experience, Riah could immediately apply some skills, but techniques like flipping vegetables were new and sometimes tricky. Fortunately, the guidance of Certified Master Chef de Cuisine Kazuki Onodera made a big difference. “The atmosphere is very supportive. You always feel encouraged to grow.”
For chefs seeking a place where tradition and innovation come together, and where every dinner is a live cooking experience, Sazanka offers a unique opportunity. Whether you’re interested in entry-level chef positions in Amsterdam, aspiring to become an executive chef, or considering a move to another restaurant within Hotel Okura Amsterdam, we welcome international talent to join our team.
