Kaiseki: Japanese Haute Cuisine at Your Home Table

Kaiseki: Japanese Haute Cuisine at Your Home Table

Kaiseki is Japan's multi-course dining system where each dish is a small work of art. The principles of kaiseki (seasonality, balance, aesthetics) can be applied to any home dinner.

History of the dish

Kaiseki evolved from the tea ceremony tradition in the 16th century and became the highest form of Japanese gastronomy. Today a kaiseki restaurant can cost hundreds of dollars per evening, but the principles are accessible to anyone.

Key ingredients

For a home kaiseki evening: miso soup (dashi, miso, tofu), sashimi of fresh fish, onigiri, teriyaki-glazed grilled fish, simmered vegetables with den miso sauce, steamed rice.

How to cook at home

The main kaiseki principle at home is beautiful presentation: each dish on its own ware, garnished with a leaf or flower. Small portions, flavours progressing from delicate to rich.