Kaiseki-ryori 懐石料理

Kai means one’s bosom, and Seki means a stone, and Kaiseki is derived from a legend about a monk who endured hunger by putting some stones in his bosom. Kaiseki used to be a simple, light meal and it was originally served at a formal tea ceremony party before serving the thick tea. The guests are expected to enjoy and appreciate the simple and refined quality of the foods as well as the simple beauty of the tableware in which the foods are served.