kaiseki

[ kahy-sek-ee ]

noun

1. a traditional type of Japanese cuisine in which a succession of very small, exquisite dishes are served:

   He is a master of kaiseki, which is as artistic as it is delicious.

Word History and Origins

Origin of kaiseki¹

First recorded in 1915–20; Japanese: literally “meeting place,” equivalent to kai “meeting, gathering” + seki “a place, seat”

Example Sentences

Highlighting the Zensai course of a traditional Japanese kaiseki meal, Savannah's "celebration of the sea" was so visually arresting.

From Salon

In Kyoto, a group of world-renowned Japanese “Kaiseki” cuisine chefs, will develop menus that primarily use Fukushima fish starting early next year.

From Seattle Times

Saito’s father was a sushi chef in his hometown of Yaizu, Japan; he worked at the family restaurant after school, later heading to Tokyo for a decade to learn kaiseki and more.

From Seattle Times

The conceptual approach to ingredients was partially born in kaiseki, too: Kyoto’s kaiseki menus have always changed to reflect the seasons.

From New York Times

The ubiquitous modern tasting menu has its roots in kaiseki, a carefully orchestrated progression of small plates that grew from a Buddhist tea ceremony into a luxurious cuisine in Kyoto.

From New York Times