Following a near-death experience France's leading chef throws himself into a quest seeking the flavor that has confounded his life since he was defeated by a Japanese chef's bowl of noodles as a young man.

Benjamin's wife died in his arms after a long fight against a disease. He can't take suicide off his mind but a young Japanese woman will help him though his mourning.

Benjamin visits Tokyo to see Miko. At her place, he finds a photo that caught his attention. It was taken at the winery 40 years ago. There are Benjamin, his deceased wife, and Miko's parents in it. Miko starts to tell a story behind it.

Japanese writer Kyoko Murakai comes to in Paris with the purpose of meeting “mythic Parisian women” and uncover the secret of their fulfilling lifestyles, which, she hopes, will serve as an inspiration for the main character of her next novel. This literary and sentimental saga, is also for Kyoko an attempt to emancipate herself from a still misogynistic Japanese society.

Following a near-death experience France's leading chef throws himself into a quest seeking the flavor that has confounded his life since he was defeated by a Japanese chef's bowl of noodles as a young man.