Multi-Course Japanese Kaiseki Meal at Traditional Onsen

Summary

Shinichi from TabiEats takes viewers on a culinary journey through a traditional Japanese ryokan experience in Beppu, known for its hot springs. He showcases the elegant multi-course dinner, including sashimi, sukiyaki, and various appetizers, all crafted with local ingredients. The video highlights detailed descriptions of each dish's flavors and textures, from tender yellowtail to creamy panna cotta with yuzu puree. Shinichi also shares a beautifully prepared breakfast, emphasizing the freshness and care behind the meal. Overall, the video offers a delightful insight into the rich food culture of Beppu.

Takeaways

• 🍣 Shinichi and Satoshi are enjoying a traditional Japanese meal at Terrace Middleborough, a ryokan in Beppu, Japan.
• 🍶 Instead of beer, they try a local wheat sake, known for its smooth texture and 25% alcohol content.
• 🍤 The meal starts with appetizers such as blue eggplant and shrimp with yuzu sauce, offering a mix of sweet and citrus flavors.
• 🐟 A sashimi course follows, including tuna, red snapper, yellowtail, and squid, with tips on how to properly enjoy it without overpowering the fish with soy sauce.
• 🍲 The salmon course is served with a creamy spinach sauce and salmon roe, resembling mashed potatoes in texture.
• 🍜 They try a local chicken dish mixed with grains and topped with a tangy lemon sauce.
• 🥩 The highlight is the sukiyaki, made with Wagyu beef and served with an onsen egg instead of the traditional raw egg, which adds a unique hot spring touch.
• 🍚 Traditional Japanese breakfast is also served, including miso soup with slimy seaweed, tamagoyaki, grilled fish, and pickled vegetables.
• 🍮 Dessert includes panna cotta topped with yuzu puree and a sweet potato chip, providing a creamy and citrusy end to the meal.
• 🏨 Shinichi recommends the ryokan in Beppu, praising the attention to detail and high quality of every dish.

Q & A

What is the main highlight of staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan according to the script?

The main highlight of staying at a traditional Japanese ryokan is the food, which usually includes dinner and breakfast as part of the accommodations.

Where is the ryokan Terrace Midobaru located, and what is the area famous for?

The ryokan Terrace Midobaru is located in Beppu, which is famous for its hot springs.

What was the first course served for dinner, and how was it described?

The first course served was appetizers and a sashimi plate. The appetizers included dishes like simmered yellowtail and shrimp with yuzu sauce, and the sashimi plate had various types of fresh fish.

What is the significance of ‘onsen tamago’ in the sukiyaki course?

Onsen tamago, which is a half-boiled egg cooked in hot spring water, is a special twist to the sukiyaki dish. It is used instead of raw egg, traditionally served with sukiyaki.

What were the standout textures and flavors in the salmon course?

The salmon course featured a creamy and buttery spinach sauce, with salmon roe on top providing a fun, popping texture.

What made the panna cotta dessert unique?

The panna cotta was topped with an intense yuzu puree, adding a sharp citrusy flavor, along with a sweet potato chip for added texture.

What was the host’s reaction to the breakfast served at the ryokan?

The host was amazed by how beautiful and well-prepared the breakfast looked, noting the variety and visual appeal of the dishes.

What ingredient is believed to be particularly healthy in the miso soup served at breakfast?

The slimy seaweed in the miso soup is believed to be particularly healthy, as in Japan, slimy foods like natto or seaweed are considered good for the body.

What is ‘men taiko,’ and how was it served during breakfast?

Men taiko is fish eggs, and it was served with rice during breakfast, providing a salty and slightly spicy flavor that pairs well with rice.

What did the yogurt dessert feature, and how did it taste?

The yogurt dessert featured kumquat, which had a mix of bitter and sweet flavors, offering a refreshing and tangy end to the meal.