1.
kaiseki cuisine, traditional multi-course Japanese meal
An elaborate, multi-course Japanese meal characterized by meticulous preparation, seasonal ingredients, and beautiful presentation. Originally a simple meal served before tea ceremony, but now refers to high-end Japanese cuisine served in a set sequence of courses.
懐石料理を堪能した。
I thoroughly enjoyed a kaiseki meal.
京都で本格的な懐石を味わった。
I savored an authentic kaiseki meal in Kyoto.
この旅館では、季節の食材を使った懐石料理が楽しめる。
At this inn, you can enjoy kaiseki cuisine made with seasonal ingredients.
ETYMOLOGY:
The name 懐石 literally means "bosom stone." Zen monks would place a warm stone (温石) inside their robes against their stomach to stave off hunger during fasting. The simple pre-tea-ceremony meal was named after this practice.
KAISEKI vs. KAISEKI:
- 懐石: originally the simple meal served before 茶道 (tea ceremony)
- 会席: banquet-style Japanese cuisine, served at restaurants and gatherings
Both are read かいせき, and today the distinction has blurred. 懐石料理 and 会席料理 are often used interchangeably in modern Japanese to mean upscale multi-course Japanese dining.
TYPICAL COURSES:
- 先付: appetizer
- 椀物: soup
- 向付: sashimi
- 焼物: grilled dish
- 煮物: simmered dish
- 御飯: rice
- 甘味: dessert