Chef Yumi Teraguchi

Personal Chef in Koloa

I am a Kauaʻi-based private chef, blending Japanese techniques with the abundance of local island ingredients.

My culinary journey began in Kamakura, Japan, where I learned to cook from my mother at a young age, working with fresh fish, vegetables, and tofu sourced directly from local producers. This early experience shaped my deep respect for ingredients and my intuitive approach to cooking.

For over 25 years, I have studied and practiced Eastern food philosophies, including Ayurveda and Macrobiotics, which continue to influence my approach to creating balanced, nourishing meals.

As a Kumu Hula (teacher of traditional Hawaiian hula), my work is deeply rooted in respect for the land, which naturally extends into the way I source and prepare food.

Since moving to Kauaʻi, I have built my work around local sourcing and thoughtful preparation. In 2016, I launched my personal chef business after leading a large-scale community cooking experience supporting the arrival of the Hōkūleʻa, where we prepared meals for over 200 people in a remote setting.

Today, I create private dining experiences that are clean, flavorful, and deeply connected to the land—whether through an intimate plated dinner or a relaxed family-style gathering.

For me, cooking is...

Cooking is a way to nourish both body and connection, using fresh, local ingredients prepared with care and intention.

I learned to cook at...

A very young age from my mother in Kamakura, Japan, working with fresh, seasonal ingredients sourced directly from local producers.

A cooking secret...

Careful sourcing, balanced flavors, and a deep respect for each ingredient, allowing its natural character to shine.

My menus

Thai dinner ~ no MSG no SUGAR

STARTER

Choose 1 dish

Green papaya salad

Chopped Thai salad with garlic sesame dressing

Thai crunch salad with peanut dressing

FIRST COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Shrimp summer rolls with sweet peanut sauce

Thai Tofu salad rolls with spicy garlicky creamy sauce

Thai basil chicken lettuce wrap

MAIN COURSE

Choose 1 dish

Thai chicken curry with golden coconut rice

Thai shrimp curry with golden coconut rice

Thai tofu curry with golden coconut rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Tapioca coconuts with local fruits

Grilled banana with coconut caramel sauce

Thai coconut custard desert

Island Comfort Buffet – A Relaxed Family Gathering on Kauaʻi

STARTER

All inclusive

Green Papaya & Local Greens Salad（no tomato）

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Vegan Mushroom Penne

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Pan-Seared Island Fish with Lemon & Ginger

Garlic–Shoyu Chicken Thigh

Sweet Miso Roasted Tofu & Seasonal Island Vegetables

Golden Coconut Rice

DESSERT

All inclusive

Coconut–banana mousse with seasonal fruits

Island Gathering – A 70th Birthday Celebration on Kauaʻi

STARTER

All inclusive

ʻUlu & Kalo Chips, ʻUlu Lemon–Garlic Dip, Smoked Fish, Local Pickled Mango

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Green Papaya Salad with Lime–Shoyu Dressing, Toasted Macadamia Nuts & Local Microgreens

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Kalua pig with cabbage

Garlic–Shoyu Chicken Thigh

Golden Turmeric Coconut Rice

DESSERT

All inclusive

Coconut–banana mousse with seasonal fruits

Buffet-Style Celebration Dinner

STARTER

All inclusive

Charcuterie & Light Grazing Board ~ Kauaʻi goat cheese, smoked fish, ʻulu & kalo chips, cherry tomatoes & red radish, local vegetable sticks, ʻulu lemon–garlic dip (sesame-free), pickled mango & cucumber

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Green Papaya Salad ~ Lime–Shoyu dressing, toasted macadamia nuts

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Kalua pig with cabbage

Garlic–Shoyu Chicken Thigh

Sweet miso roasted tofu (vegetarian)

Golden coconut rice

DESSERT

All inclusive

Coconut–banana mousse with seasonal fruits

Island Golden Sunset Dinner

STARTER

All inclusive

Local Greens & Garden Salad Citrus–Shoyu Dressing, Toasted Macadamia Nuts

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Sautéed Island Vegetables

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Garlic–Shoyu Chicken Thigh

Golden Coconut Rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Coconut–Banana Mousse with Lilikoi Syrup and Seasonal Fruits

Island–Japanese Anniversary Dinner

STARTER

All inclusive

ʻUlu (breadfruit) Cakes with Shoyu–Ginger Aioli

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Local Greens & Green Papaya Salad with Lime–Shoyu Dressing and Toasted Macadamia

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Sake–Ginger Marinated Local Catch

’Olena(Turmeric) Coconut Rice

Sautéed Island Vegetables

Fresh Lime

DESSERT

All inclusive

Coconut–Banana Mousse with Lilikoi Syrup and Seasonal Fruits

Canoe Plants & Island Harvest Dinner

STARTER

All inclusive

ʻUlu/breadfruits Croquettes with Shoyu–Ginger Aioli

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Ahi & Beet Poke

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Local Island Fish marinated with ginger, sake, shio-koji and green onion

Golden ʻOlena/turmeric Coconut Rice

Green Papaya & Carrot Salad with Toasted Macadamia Nuts

Fresh Lime

DESSERT

All inclusive

Traditional Hawaiian Butter Mochi

Island Spring Celebration Dinner

STARTER

All inclusive

ʻUala (Purple Okinawan Sweet Potato) Salad Light island-style

FIRST COURSE

All inclusive

Green Papaya & Carrot Slaw Lime–shoyu dressing, toasted sesame

MAIN COURSE

All inclusive

Shoyu–Garlic Chicken Thighs

Garlic–Teriyaki Chinese Broccoli

Turmeric Coconut Rice

DESSERT

Choose 1 dish

Traditional Hawaiian Butter Mochi

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Chef Yumi's reviews

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14 services

Yumi is a masterful chef who also has a real understanding of Kaua’i and its history and culture. The meal she prepared was sourced locally and some of it she gathered herself. She brings everything needed for the meal (just need pans, cutting board and mixing bowls). Watching Yumi work is a masterclass in efficiency and precision. There are many delightful touches from her homemade lilikoi syrup to the roasted seeds she prepares for the salad and so on.,