Teishoku
ๅฎ้ฃ
Discover the essence of Japanese home cooking with teishoku: complete and balanced meals combining ancient tradition with modern nutrition. A main dish, rice, miso soup and side dishes for a perfectly harmonious meal.
Traditional Teishoku
Teishoku follows the "ichijuu sansai" philosophy (one soup, three dishes) which guarantees a nutritionally balanced meal. It's the embodiment of Japanese culinary wisdom.
Each element has its function: rice provides energy, the main dish provides protein, miso soup provides probiotics, and side dishes provide vitamins and minerals.
The Philosophy of Teishoku
Ichijuu Sansai Philosophy
"One soup, three dishes" - fundamental principle of Japanese dietary balance
Teishoku follows this ancient rule that ensures a nutritionally complete and visually harmonious meal.
Nutritional Balance
Perfect combination of proteins, carbohydrates, vegetables and probiotics
Each component has its role: rice for energy, fish/meat for protein, vegetables for vitamins.
Home Cooking
Represents the essence of traditional Japanese home cooking
What a Japanese mother would prepare for her family: simple, nutritious and comforting.
Accessibility
Complete and balanced meal at affordable prices for everyone
Democratizes good traditional Japanese nutrition, accessible to workers and families.
Seasonality
Use of seasonal ingredients for freshness and flavor
Menus change with seasons, reflecting Japanese philosophy of respecting nature.
Harmonious Presentation
Aesthetic arrangement that also feeds the eyes
The art of Japanese presentation: colors, shapes and textures in harmony on the tray.
Components of a Teishoku
Main Dish
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Grilled fish, meat or tofu prepared according to daily recipes
Quality proteins, traditional cooking methods
Grilled mackerel, Chicken karaage, Tofu hambagu, Teriyaki beef
Primary source of protein
White Rice
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Perfectly cooked Japanese rice, nutritional foundation of the meal
Glossy grains, slightly sticky texture
Gohan rice, Short-grain rice, Sometimes multigrain rice
Energy base, often unlimited
Miso Soup
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Broth made with miso paste with tofu, wakame seaweed and vegetables
Umami flavor, comforting, nutritious
Spinach miso, Tofu miso, Mushroom miso
Provides probiotics and minerals
Pickled Vegetables
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Tsukemono - fermented or pickled vegetables for digestion
Tangy, crunchy, aids digestion
Pickled cabbage, Daikon radish, Cucumber with miso
Facilitates digestion, vitamins
Side Dishes
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Various small side dishes that change with the season
Varied, colorful, nutritional balance
Kinpira gobo, Hijiki, Tamagoyaki, Potato salad
Completes nutritional balance
Major Teishoku Chains
Ootoya
ๅคงๆธๅฑ
Refined family-friendly
Premium teishoku chain offering traditional complete meals with fresh ingredients and carefully prepared cuisine.
Specialties:
Saba Teishoku, Karaage Teishoku, Tofu Hamburger, Seasonal Vegetables
Unique Features:
Fresh vegetables, Visible kitchen, Elegant presentation
Yayoiken
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Casual family-friendly
Popular teishoku chain offering hearty and affordable meals in a casual atmosphere.
Specialties:
Chicken Nanban, Karaage Teishoku, Gyoza Teishoku, Seasonal Menu
Unique Features:
Unlimited rice, Affordable prices, Generous portions
Miyamoto Munashi
ๅฎฎๆฌใใชใ
Casual working-class
Budget teishoku chain from Osaka, famous for generous portions at affordable prices.
Specialties:
Budget Teishoku, Katsu Teishoku, Ginger Pork, Rice Bowl Sets
Unique Features:
Very low prices, XXL portions, Fast service
How to Order Teishoku
1. Choose the Set
- โข Look at the teishoku menu
- โข Choose the main dish
- โข Note included side dishes
2. Rice Options
- โข Standard white rice
- โข Sometimes multigrain rice
- โข Often unlimited (okawari)
3. Beverages
- โข Green tea often free
- โข Cold water available
- โข Additional drinks for extra cost
4. Service
- โข Wait to be seated
- โข Everything arrives together
- โข Eat in any order you prefer
Useful Phrases
Teishoku wo kudasai ๅฎ้ฃใใใ ใใ
A teishoku, please
Gohan okawari dekimasu ka? ใ้ฃฏใใใใใงใใพใใ๏ผ
Can I have a second serving of rice?
Osusume wa nan desu ka? ใใใใใฏไฝใงใใ๏ผ
What do you recommend?
Gochisousama deshita ใใกใใใใพใงใใ
Thank you for the meal (at the end)
Tips for Enjoying Teishoku
Eating Order
Start with miso soup to prepare your stomach, then alternate between the main dish and rice. Pickles cleanse the palate.
Perfect Balance
Teishoku is designed to be nutritionally complete. Eat all components to benefit from this balance.
Excellent Value
A teishoku offers a complete meal for less than ordering several dishes separately. Perfect for a balanced lunch.
Vegetarian Options
Ootoya offers excellent vegetarian options. Yayoiken and other chains have tofu-based alternatives.
Photo Menus
Teishoku chains generally have menus with photos, making ordering easy even without speaking Japanese.
Ideal Hours
Avoid lunch rush hour (12-1pm) for more peace. Teishoku are also perfect for a light dinner.