Are you intrigued by the idea of serving a traditional Japanese meal in the comfort of your own home? Imagine recreating the dining experience you had during your memorable ryokan stay. In this comprehensive guide, I will show you everything you need to know about Japanese tableware and how to set up a Japanese-style meal.
The Must-Have Japanese Tableware
1. Rice Bowl (Ochawan or Chawan) お茶碗
The rice bowl is a highly personal element in Japanese tableware. Each family member may have their own rice bowl with different sizes and materials. The concept of customization adds a sense of fun and intimacy to the dining experience. You can even change up the bowls based on the seasons.
2. Soup Bowl (Shiruwan or Owan) 汁椀・お椀
The soup bowl is typically made of wood and is used to serve hot soup. Unlike rice bowls, the same type of soup bowl is used by everyone in the family. On special occasions, a lacquered bowl with beautiful designs may be used.
3. Medium Plate (Chu-zara) 中皿
The medium plate is primarily used to serve the main dish. It can also be used as an individual plate when serving from big serving plates and bowls in the middle of the table. Having variations of designs, shapes, and materials for different seasons and table settings is helpful.
4. Small Plate (Ko-zara) 小皿
Small plates are perfect for side dishes, desserts, snacks, or as an extra plate to share. They can also be used as an accent for the table setting. Get creative and collect different colors and shapes to spice up your dining experience.
5. Tiny Plate (Mame-zara) 豆皿
The tiny plate, also known as Mame-zara, is used for soy sauce, condiments, or garnish for dishes like Cold Soba. Its small size makes it perfect for bite-sized dishes or as a chopstick rest.
6. Small Bowl (Kobachi) 小鉢
The small bowl, or Kobachi, is typically used to hold vinegared salad, dressed dishes, simmered dishes, or special delicacies. It can also be used as an individual dish for hot pot. Kobachi bowls come in different sizes to cater to different serving sizes.
How to Set up the Table for Japanese-style Dining
Before setting up the table, it's important to understand the elements of a Japanese meal. Known as Ichiju Sansai, a typical Japanese meal at home consists of rice, several side dishes, and soup. The location of each dish is set in a specific way: Steamed rice on the left front, soup on the right front, the main dish behind the soup, side dish 1 behind the steamed rice, and side dish 2 and pickles in the middle space.
Chopsticks & Chopstick Rest
Chopsticks and chopstick rests are essential items when serving a meal in a Japanese table setting. Chopstick rests serve a hygiene purpose by keeping the used chopsticks from touching the table. They also add a nice accent to the dining experience. There are countless designs for chopsticks and chopstick rests, making it a fun and collectible item.
Bonus: Nice-to-Have Tableware
While not essential, there are additional tableware items that are great to have if you frequently cook Japanese dishes. Rice/Noodle Bowls, Ramen Bowls, Soba Dipping Dishes, Steamed Cups, and Teacups can enhance your dining experience and allow you to enjoy various Japanese cuisines.
Additional Tips & Resources
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Mix & Match: You don't have to strictly stick to Japanese-designed tableware. Some western-style plates and bowls can complement the table setting. Consider white or earth tones when choosing colors and look for handmade ceramic bowls and plates made by local artisans for a unique touch.
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Think Harmony: In addition to colors, shapes, and textures, the Japanese dining aesthetic values harmony. Create a balance in your tableware selection to guide your artistic arrangement and create a visually pleasing dining experience.
Where to Find Japanese Tableware
If you're looking to purchase Japanese tableware, there are several options available. Daiso and Muji are major international Japanese stores that offer a wide selection of kitchen and dining items at affordable prices. Online shops like MTC Kitchen, MIYA Japanese Tableware and Gifts, and Etsy also provide Japanese-designed bowls and plates. If you're in Japan, department stores and Tokyu Hands are great places to find Japanese ceramics and kitchen items.
With this ultimate guide to Japanese tableware, you now have all the knowledge and inspiration you need to create an authentic Japanese dining experience in your own home. Don't forget to share your creations on Instagram using #justonecookbook. Enjoy!