kaiseki

American  

[kahy-sek-ee] / ˈkaɪ sɛk i /

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.

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Etymology

Origin of kaiseki

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 • Jun. 5, 2024

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 • Dec. 22, 2022

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 • Oct. 23, 2022

Finally, in “The Female Chef Making Japan’s Most Elaborate Cuisine Her Own,” Helen Rosner examines how a table at Niki Nakayama’s kaiseki restaurant became one of the most coveted reservations in Los Angeles.

From The New Yorker • Oct. 27, 2019

The middle of the restaurant is dressed to go for multicourse kaiseki dinners.

From Washington Post