1.
one soup, three dishes
A traditional Japanese meal format consisting of rice, one soup, and three side dishes, considered the ideal balanced meal.
一汁三菜 represents the ideal Japanese meal structure.
Etymology
- 主食: main staple (rice)
- 汁物: soup (usually 味噌汁)
- 主菜: main dish (fish, meat, tofu)
- 副菜: two side dishes (vegetables, pickles)
Forms
- 一汁一菜: simpler version (one soup, one dish)
- 一汁二菜: one soup, two dishes
Cultural note
This meal format is associated with healthy eating and traditional Japanese food culture. It ensures variety and nutritional balance.