Kaiseki

Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese dinner. The term also refers to the collection of skills and techniques that allow the preparation of such meals, and is analogous to Western haute cuisine.

Origins[edit | edit source]

Kaiseki has its origins in the Japanese tea ceremony, but has now evolved into an elaborate dining style showcasing the artistry and culinary skill of the chef. The term "kaiseki" can be written in two ways, each with a different meaning: the first, written as "会席", refers to a banquet meal with sake, while the second, written as "懐石", refers to the simple meal served in the tea ceremony.

Structure[edit | edit source]

A traditional kaiseki meal includes an appetizer, a sashimi course, a simmered dish, a grilled dish, and a steamed course. The meal concludes with a shokuji set, which includes a small serving of rice, miso soup, and pickles. The dishes are served in a specific order, each designed to highlight the natural flavors of the ingredients.

Ingredients and Preparation[edit | edit source]

The ingredients used in kaiseki cuisine are often seasonal, with an emphasis on locally sourced products. The preparation methods are designed to enhance the taste and appearance of each ingredient. The dishes are carefully presented, often using real leaves and flowers, and each dish is served on individual plates.

Cultural Significance[edit | edit source]

Kaiseki is more than just a meal; it is a form of art that reflects the Japanese culture and tradition. It embodies the Japanese aesthetic principles of wabi (transient and stark beauty), sabi (the beauty of natural aging), and yūgen (subtle and profound grace).

Search WikiMD

Ad.Tired of being Overweight? Try W8MD's physician weight loss program.
Semaglutide (Ozempic / Wegovy and Tirzepatide (Mounjaro / Zepbound) available.
Advertise on WikiMD

WikiMD's Wellness Encyclopedia

Let Food Be Thy Medicine
Medicine Thy Food - Hippocrates

Translate this page: - East Asian 中文, 日本, 한국어, South Asian हिन्दी, தமிழ், తెలుగు, Urdu, ಕನ್ನಡ, Southeast Asian Indonesian, Vietnamese, Thai, မြန်မာဘာသာ, বাংলা
European español, Deutsch, français, Greek, português do Brasil, polski, română, русский, Nederlands, norsk, svenska, suomi, Italian
Middle Eastern & African عربى, Turkish, Persian, Hebrew, Afrikaans, isiZulu, Kiswahili,
Other Bulgarian, Hungarian, Czech, Swedish, മലയാളം, मराठी, ਪੰਜਾਬੀ, ગુજરાતી, Portuguese, Ukrainian

Medical Disclaimer: WikiMD is not a substitute for professional medical advice. The information on WikiMD is provided as an information resource only, may be incorrect, outdated or misleading, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. Please consult your health care provider before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition. WikiMD expressly disclaims responsibility, and shall have no liability, for any damages, loss, injury, or liability whatsoever suffered as a result of your reliance on the information contained in this site. By visiting this site you agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, which may from time to time be changed or supplemented by WikiMD. If you do not agree to the foregoing terms and conditions, you should not enter or use this site. See full disclaimer.
Credits:Most images are courtesy of Wikimedia commons, and templates, categories Wikipedia, licensed under CC BY SA or similar.