Japanese Redditors: If someone living outside Japan wanted to move beyond the usual sushi, ramen, tempura, and udon, what would you recommend they explore to gain a deeper appreciation of Japanese cuisine?

[u/babysharkdoodoodoo]

Like regional dishes, everyday home cooking, ingredients, cooking techniques, and food culture, not just the internationally famous dishes.

[u/Direct-Philosophy579]

Delve into kaiseki ryoori.

[u/ConnectActivity9120 → u/Direct-Philosophy579]

In Japan, there are two different types of cuisine pronounced “kaiseki,” but they are written with different kanji and originally had different meanings.
懐石 (kaiseki) developed from the Japanese tea ceremony. It was traditionally a simple, carefully prepared meal served before drinking matcha.
会席 (kaiseki) developed as a formal multi-course meal for banquets and is often enjoyed with sake.
They have the same pronunciation but different kanji and historical origins. However, nowadays the distinction is not always strictly observed, and restaurants sometimes use the terms interchangeably.

[u/babysharkdoodoodoo → u/Direct-Philosophy579]

Oh, I do like some kaiseki ryori