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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!
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