What is the difference between Kaiseki and Omakase?

You might have heard of Omakase more often than Kaiseki.

Kaiseki and Omakase are both culinary terms in Japanese cuisine. If you want to learn more about Japanese cuisine, you got to know what is Kaiseki and Omakase.

What is Kaiseki?

Kaiseki is a traditional multi-course Japanese meal, usually served in a specific order, ranging from 5-15 dishes in each meal.

It is regarded as fine dining or haute cuisine in Japan that starts and ends with a series of tea.

The dishes are often prepared using seasonal produce, and the focus is on the presentation and flavor of the ingredients.

What is Omakase?

Omakase, the other hand, involves the chef deciding on the dishes for you based on their expertise, quality ingredients available and perhaps, even your reactions during the meal.

The chef will often use their own techniques and seasonal ingredients to create the meal, and the focus is more on the freshness and quality of ingredients.

An omakase meal can varies from one chef to another based on their philosophy and cooking style.

What’s the difference?

Ultimately, Kaiseki is more focused on tradition and presentation, while Omakase is more focused on the chef’s creativity and quality of ingredients.

Do you prefer kaiseki or omakase? Let us know in the comment below.