Southeast Asia food uses many different types of spices which are quite new to me, like the curry leaves which I saw at the Kreta Ayer wet market in Chinatown. With such spices used in cooking, this usually imparts a strong aroma to Southeast Asian food, which appeals to the senses. – Joel Robuchon

The simpler the food, the harder it is to prepare it well. You want to truly taste what it is youre eating. So that goes back to the trend of fine ingredients. Its very Japanese: Preparing good ingredients very simply, without distractions from the flavor of the ingredient itself. – Joel Robuchon