Kaiseki

Kaiseki is a traditional Japanese cuisine usually refers to a formal multi-course dinner. The word Kaiseki in Kanji means hot stone in kimono fold and it came from the story that Zen priests would ward off hunger pangs by keeping hot stones(seki) in the front fold(kai)of their kimono. Kaiseki used to be served during traditional tea ceremonies and called cha-kaiseki.

Originally, kaiseki comprised of a bowl of miso soup and 3 side dishes and it has since evolved to consist of anywhere from 6 to 15 different kind of dishes including appetizer, sashimi, a simmered dish, a grilled dish and a steamed course. Kaiseki is often serve in ryokan and commonly found in Kyoto. Prices tend to vary according to places and more expensive in formal restaurants. We were lucky to try mini-kaiseki in the town of Nara. Very reasonably price...

Sample menu from Edogawa

Tatami mats around the restaurant

Edogawa's speciality-Eel

Another choice-Unagi don

Rustic entrance of Edogawa

Edogawa

Address: Chuin-cho, Nara-shi (same row as Gangoji Temple)

Direction: JR Nara Station or Kintetsu Nara Station