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Kaiseki Imperial - Style Cuisine

Origins and History

Kaiseki cuisine goes hand in hand with the preparation of green tea in the traditional tea ceremony. The term kaiseki comes from a practice of hunger evasion used by Buddhist monks. They used to wrap hot stones in material and put them inside their robes to vanquish hunger pangs whilst they were learning and meditating. The tea ceremony was also considered very important and the purpose of kaiseki was to prevent the mind from straying to the bodily needs by providing a light, minimalist accompaniment to the tea drinking.

Although closely linked to Buddhism, Kaiseki also reflects the Japanese Shinto belief that seasonal foods and the four seasons are the cornerstones of life. Kaiseki and the tea ceremony began as a ceremony for the nobility because it employed expensive and extravagant tea houses and utensils. However, both changed to accommodate a cultural change in the belief that attention to detail and hospitality were very important social demeanors that should be respected by all. The tradition of kaiseki changed from a minimalist meal to a meal of many courses where seasonal foods are served. Today kaiseki is considered an art form where textures and colors hold seasonal importance. The Japanese eat kaiseki on special occasions.

The Kaiseki food rituals

Courses are served in order of the preparation technique used; these include pickled, raw, grilled and fried foods. It is a meal designed, both in its exquisite presentation and its ingredients, to have a sense of movement like that of a piece of music or a play. Each dish represents a different movement or act and is a complete dining experience.

At a basic tea ceremony the kaiseki eaten would include a soup and three vegetable dishes. Try a cup of clear soup called hashiarai, which means washing chopsticks. Kaiseki restaurants are very formal and swanky places and therefore also very expensive. You can expect to pay around $100 - $150 per person, and like most haute-cuisine you'll probably need a proper meal afterwards to satiate your hunger!

By Faye Welborn