1.
wandane; main ingredient of a clear soup
The central, showcased ingredient placed in a lacquered soup bowl for 吸い物 (clear soup) — typically fish, shrimp, tofu, or another item chosen to be the visual and flavor centerpiece of the dish.
椀種 (bowl + ingredient/seed) is the featured main ingredient of a 吸い物 (clear soup), around which the broth, garnish, and seasoning are built.
A clear soup is structured in three parts:
- 椀種: the main ingredient (fish, shrimp, tofu, etc.)
- 椀妻: the vegetable or secondary garnish
- 吸い口: the aromatic top garnish, such as 木の芽
Choosing and preparing the 椀種 well is considered a mark of skill in formal Japanese cooking, especially 懐石料理.