The Intricacies of Kaiseki

Jeff Okada Ramsey breaks down the elaborate process behind the cultural phenomenon that is kaiseki

- Katelyn Tan

When I think of the philosophy of kaiseki, I think of hospitality, surprise and a special gesture of warmth,” smiles Jeff Okada Ramsey. I have just asked him to tell me about kaiseki, as we sit at the bar of his newly opened restaurant, Kintsugi, at The Gardens Mall. Other than the fact it is a style of dining comprised of a selection of courses, my knowledge of kaiseki is admittedly lacking.

“Kaiseki began purely as a Japanese tea ceremony. Once, someone decided to bring a snack as a gift. The next time, the other person brought a snack, and the tradition grew from there.” Today, kaiseki is considered an elaborate cultural phenomenon, which travellers flock to Japan to experience.

With Kyoto as the cultural capital of Japan, kaiseki is often associated with the city’s cuisine. “The Japanese have a culture of taking personal pride in their work,” Ramsey continues. “Kyoto has the most elaborate restaurant experiences. It is not uncommon for some restaurants to have been operating for seven generations. Kaiseki experiences often occur within a tea house; it is a formal meal one dresses up for.”