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Oct 28, 2026
From Takumi to Gonta, a New Chapter for Japanese Food in Prague
Prague Morning
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For those craving a taste of Japan without leaving Prague, Takumi offers a chance to explore Japanese cuisine in the heart of the city.
Located behind Quadrio, near the moving head sculpture of Franz Kafka, the restaurant recently celebrated its first anniversary this September.
We spoke with co-owner Euntaek Kim about the restaurant’s history, his journey to Prague, and his latest project, Gonta, a Japanese tonkatsu restaurant.
From Korea to Prague
The Takumi franchise was founded in Düsseldorf, Germany, in 2007 by Haruhiko Saeki and Kenjiro Komatsubara. Kim and his business partner, Viet Hung Phung, later partnered with the founders to bring Takumi Ramen to Prague, opening their first branch on Senovážné náměstí in 2019.
Kim’s connection to the restaurant business began long before that. Before he moved to Prague, his uncle owned several Hanil restaurants in Vienna and planned to expand into the Czech market. This led Kim’s family to move to Prague in 2000, when he was just 12 years old.
Later, Kim and his sister took over the Hanil restaurant their parents had run. He eventually sold it to a Korean chef he had worked with for several years.
Over time, Prague became much more than a place to do business.
“Prague has become like my second home. After having lived here for almost 26 years, I feel connected to its culture as well as my own Korean culture. In business settings and everyday life, I always try to find a balance between both,” Kim says.
His decision to open a Japanese restaurant was driven by what he saw as a gap in Prague’s dining scene.
“I felt like something was missing in Prague. Previously, Asian cuisine was close to nonexistent here. I wanted to make a change,” he explains.
Since moving to Prague, Kim has noticed growing interest in Asian food and culture among local residents, reflecting the city’s changing culinary landscape.
Introducing Gonta, a Japanese Tonkatsu Restaurant
Kim’s latest project, Gonta, brings another Japanese specialty to Prague. Located at Jungmannova 750/34, near Můstek metro station, the restaurant focuses on tonkatsu, a Japanese dish made with breaded, deep-fried pork cutlets, typically served with rice and a tangy sauce.
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“When people think about Japanese cuisine, most people tend to think of sushi or ramen. Tonkatsu is a delicious dish that has not yet reached Prague. I craved it a lot,” Kim says, explaining what inspired him to launch Gonta.
The restaurant is scheduled to open in October 2026, adding another option to Prague’s growing selection of Japanese dining spots.
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