Kaiseki
(懐石, Stones in the Bosom, Multi-Course Japanese Dinner)
Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course dinner that can consist from 6 to 15 different types of food, such as mukouzuke (sashimi), suimono (soup), kuchitori (a small side dish), shiizakana (appetizers and sake), yakimono (grilled fish), and kounomono (pickles), among others.
Kaiseki restaurants commonly offer a private room, which often comes with a beautiful view of Japanese gardens. The dishes are usually small and characterized by their presentation on a plate, making kaiseki similar to the Western haute cuisine.
The word kaiseki means hot stone in a kimono fold, referring to a popular belief that Zen priests would place hot stones wrapped in towels close to their stomach in order to cure the hunger pains during their daily prayers. In the beginning, kaiseki was a vegetarian dish served during tea ceremonies, since it was believed that the tea would taste better if the guests were not hungry.
Today, kaiseki is not only vegetarian, as it might include meat and fish dishes as well, with special emphasis placed on the freshness of the ingredients. With a huge variety of flavorful, artistically arranged dishes, it is no wonder that a kaiseki dinner may cost up to $500, excluding drinks.
Pairing tips
Matcha
Matcha is a Chinese green tea variety that is unique for its harvesting, processing, and preparation methods. Three or four weeks before the harvest, the bush ... Read more
WHERE TO EAT The best Kaiseki in the world (according to food experts)
"Seasonal tidbits, beautifully arranged to highlight the artistry of the kitchen. There was not a single note or flavor out of place."
"Overall this was a meal that clearly had a lot of thought put into it, seasonal ingredients of high quality and good technical execution applied."
"International influences can be found as light touches on traditional Japanese cuisine in Hasegawa’s eight-course menu. The offering changes with the seasons, but what’s consistent is the quality and creativity."
"The meal at Nihonryori RyuGin at Roppongi Tokyo is probably my best in 2012, okay, make that best meal ever."
"It’s kaiseki cuisine at its finest, elegant and sophisticated enough to eat in a kimono on a tatami mat, but just willd enough to leave your head spinning."
"If you want to indulge in traditional kaiseki dining then Kitcho is the restaurant that sets the standard that others should aim towards."
"Dishes that are deceptively simple and undeniably beautiful."
"Overall this was a very good kaiseki experience, certainly on a par with many of the other highly rated kaiseki restaurants in Kyoto."
"In a gorgeous wooden building dating to 1875, Innsyoutei has long been a favourite spot for fancy kaiseki-style meals while visiting Ueno-kōen. Without a booking (essential for dinner) you'll have a long wait, but it's worth it."
