Teishoku, a staple of Japanese cuisine, refers to a set meal that typically includes a combination of dishes such as soup (usually miso soup), a main dish (fish or meat), rice, and pickles. It’s distinct from course menus like French or Chinese cuisine. Teishoku offerings vary widely, often featuring regional specialties and restaurant-specific creations. Pickles, commonly salty rather than vinegary, add a delightful twist to the meal, with different varieties found throughout the countryside.
Japanese Style Teishoku
Sashimi Teishoku (刺身定食)
Sliced raw fish with miso soup, rice, and pickles.
Yakizakana Teishoku (焼魚定食)
Grilled fish with miso soup, rice, and pickles.
Donburi Teishoku (丼定食)
A bowl of rice topped with tempura (deep-fried chicken, pork, vegetables, or seafood), served with miso soup and pickles.
Gyudon Teishoku (牛丼定食)
Thinly sliced beef cooked in sweet soy sauce over rice, accompanied by miso soup and pickles.
Butadon Teishoku (豚丼定食)
Soy-sauce-flavored cooked pork over rice, served with miso soup and pickles; famous in Obihiro.
Western Style Teishoku
Hamburg Steak Teishoku (ハンバーグ定食)
Hamburg steak with salad, soup, and rice or bread.
Yakiniku Teishoku (焼き肉定食)
Grilled beef, chicken, or pork with salad, soup, and rice or bread.
Other Varieties
- Ramen and Rice: Ramen noodles served with rice.
- Sushi and Soba: Sushi paired with buckwheat noodles.
- Tempura and Soba: Tempura served with buckwheat noodles.
- Yakitori Teishoku: Grilled chicken skewers with miso soup and rice.
Teishoku meals are widely enjoyed across Japan and are commonly found at traditional eateries called “Shokudo” (食堂). These restaurants, easily recognized by their name, serve meals reminiscent of home-cooked dishes, cherished for their comforting flavors and local appeal.
For more on Japanese cuisine, see “Donburi: Japanese All-in-One Dish”.
