Japanese Cuisine: Kaiseki-Ryori

There are several types of Japanese cuisine. Kaiseki-Ryori is one of them. It originally was a simple course meal served at traditional Japanese tea ceremonies. However, today, it is a formal course meal based on the three principles of using seasonal ingredients, making full use of the respective tastes of the ingredients themselves, and preparing each dish with a hospitable heart.

Moreover, it is also based on the dietary rule of Ichiju-Sansai which consists of one soup (Ichiju) and three side dishes (Sansai) such as Namasu (raw fish marinated in vinegar), Nimono (simmered dish), and Yakimono (grilled dish). Kyo-Ryori was born in Kyoto, a city that served as the capital of Japan for a long time. There are roughly four types of cuisine in Kyoto: Daikyo-Ryori (cuisine of the nobility), Honzen-Ryori (food of the Samurai), Shojin-Ryori (vegetarian cuisine of the Buddhist monks), and Kaiseki-Ryori (served during tea ceremonies).

Because Kyoto is surrounded by mountains and far from the sea, local ingredients from the nearby areas are used. The vegetables of Kyoto are known as "Kyo-yasai" such as Kamo-Nasu (type of eggplant) and Shogoin-Daikon (type of Japanese radish). Daikyo-Ryori, Honzen-Ryori, Shojin-Ryori, and Kaiseki-Ryori using Kyoto's local food products are collectively called Kyo-Ryori in general. Both Kaiseki-Ryori and Kyo-Ryori can be enjoyed at restaurants called Kappo and Ryotei.

Kappo refers to the entire genre of Japanese cuisine utilizing a variety of cooking methods. Kappo's "Ka" means to cut ingredients with a knife while "Po" indicates the act of heating them by grilling, simmering, or deep-frying. High-class Japanese restaurants are called Ryotei. In a typical Ryotei, you will find a Japanese garden while the interior is decorated with art works. The dishes used to serve the food are also traditional, valuable pieces.

Therefore, you are introduced to the culture of Japan through every little detail. Many of the Ryotei do not accept first-timers as they require their regular guests to accompany you on your very first visit. In Japan today, various types of cuisine from around the world are enjoyed.

Sosaku-Ryori is a term that describes the type of cuisine fusing cooking methods and ingredients of Italian, French, or Chinese cuisine with Japanese cuisine. Kani Doraku is a crab restaurant whose main branch is located in Osaka. Here, you can enjoy a variety of crab dishes such as "Kani-Suki" and "Kani-Shabu". You can spot this restaurant right away since it has a giant crab billboard at its entrance.