With over 16 years of culinary experience under his hat, chef Thiago spent 2 years living in Japan, where he developed a passion for the food and culture of his ancestors.
Back in Brazil, Thiago developed his skills in many traditional Brazilian restaurants and also in Japanese restaurants, where he became a skilled chef with a rich experience in the culinary field in the best Brazilian and Japanese restaurants. And with Maria's management background and experience, her outgoing personality and love for people, a dream came true!
In October 2018 our journey continued when we moved from Brazil to New Zealand! We fell in love with the community and people of Cromwell and realized this would be the perfect place to make our 'Matsui Sushi' dream come true.
Here we bring love and care to our goal of providing fresh, quality food inspired by our cultures. It's Japanese food… but with a Brazilian influence.
We hope you love it as much as we do!
So where does the name 'Matsui Sushi' come from, you ask?
Matsui is Thiago's surname, an old name found mostly in west-central Japan, meaning "pine pit". It refers to a place where new life can blossom in unexpected places.
Thiago's grandparents, a third-generation sensei, emigrated to Brazil in 1940. They flourished there, as did the pine trees of their namesake, just as we hope to flourish here in New Zealand.
To develop the brand, we partnered the expertise of designer and friend Anderson Sunakozawa, who brought to our brand the value of the essence of cordel literature, famous in the northeast of Brazil and Maria's birthplace. And by mixing the semiotics of Japanese and Brazilian art, the brand took shape through this symbol that carries the essence of Matsui Sushi's values.
Hello! We are Maria and Thiago, the face and soul of Matsui Sushi.
HelLo Friends!
HASHTAG #MATSUISUSHINZ to show up on our INSTAGRAM
LOCATION & HOURS
📍 21 McNulty Road - Cromwell 9310 | New Zealand
📅 TUESDAY TO FRIDAY ⏰ 10:00am > 02:00pm
📅 SATURDAY TO MONDAY ⏰ CLOSED
Contact
21 McNulty Road - Cromwell 9310, New Zealand
+64 27 250 0521
@matsui.sushi.nz