Japanese Bowls Are So Elegant They Make Food Taste 10 Times Better! (The Beginner’s Guide to Japanese Tableware)

Introduction

If the Japanese are famous for their iconic food options, they truly take things up a notch by serving their traditional dishes on exquisite tableware that elevates the entire dining experience. If you're, like many, fascinated by Japanese cuisine and eager to have an elegant and authentic Japanese dining experience, then owning a set of genuine Japanese tableware is your crucial first step!

So, read on to learn all about the essential Japanese tableware, from the various types and uses to the different shapes and sizes, and most importantly, how to have authentic Japanese tableware delivered straight from Japan to your front door!

Rice Bowls (Gohan Chawan, お茶碗)

At the heart of Japanese tableware lies the rice bowl, a crucial vessel for serving Japan's beloved staple — rice. These gohan chawan, which are usually small and shallow with wide openings, are available in various materials such as ceramic, porcelain, and lacquerware, making them perfect for serving rice.

It's no surprise that Japan is passionate about its rice bowls and doesn't shy away from making rice-eating a fashionable event — it's totally normal for every family member to have their own unique rice bowl, varying in size, material, and pattern. For example, the mother may eat in a classy porcelain rice bowl featuring cherry blossoms, the father in a large ceramic one, all while the kids are enjoying rice in adorable character-printed rice bowls!

Noodle Bowls (Ramen or Udon Chawan, 麺鉢)

Calling all members of the noodle-slurping club! Noodle bowls are bigger and deeper compared to other types of traditional bowls, giving those mouthwatering noodles like ramen or udon the space they deserve. 

They come with wide openings that are practically a red carpet for your slurping skills, ensuring you savor every noodle and drop of broth. The best part? they come in all sorts of materials, from the classic ceramic and porcelain to the modern-day plastic, ensuring your noodle game is always on point!

Miso Soup Bowls (Misoshiru Wan, 味噌汁碗)

Just as the name implies, miso soup bowls are your go-to for serving up that iconic, flavor-packed Japanese miso soup. These little bowls typically feature that classic cylindrical shape and they come complete with a snug-fitting lid to ensure that your miso soup stays wonderfully hot. And what's more, they're often crafted from the trusty materials of ceramic or porcelain, perfectly made to handle the heat of serving those steamy liquids!

• Great news! Miso soup bowls can handle any hot soup – be it miso or other types of heart-warming soups. So, soup away!

Medium Plate (Chu-zara, 中皿)

Chu-zara plates are the ultimate dining all-stars, perfect for individual servings or passing around bites with other diners. These plates often come in various materials like ceramic, porcelain, or lacquerware, depending on how fancy the meal is and the restaurant's vibe. From appetizers and salads to bite-sized sashimi, sushi, and grilled goodies, Chu-zara have got you covered!

Small Plate (Ko-zara, 小皿)

Ko-zara are all about taking your dining experience up a notch. They're specially designed for presenting appetizers, condiments, sashimi, and other bite-sized delights. Whether you're enjoying delicate sashimi, treating yourself to tasty snacks, or rounding off your meal with sweet desserts, ko-zara are your go-to for making any of these foods visually stunning and elevating the overall meal's aesthetics!

Tiny Plate (Mame-zara, 豆皿)

Mame-zara are like the pocket-sized superheroes of Japanese cuisine, dedicated to showcasing condiments, garnishes, and little bites of goodness. These plates come in all types of shapes and materials, adding an artistic flair and a dash of variety to your dining experience. They're your go-to for serving up condiments like soy sauce and wasabi, showing off creative garnishes, and offering delightful tastings of various dishes!

• Kawaii fact: The name "mame" itself means "bean," and it perfectly captures mame-zara’s cute, petite size!

Matcha Bowls (Chawan, 茶碗)

Matcha bowls are your secret vessel for making and drinking Japan's beloved powdered green tea delight — matcha! These bowls are usually wide and deep, exuding a charming, rustic, handcrafted vibe that captures the essence of Japan’s tradition. 

Typically made from trusty ceramic and adorned with one-of-a-kind glazes and designs, matcha bowls are the darlings of both Japanese and foreign matcha enthusiasts, thanks to their elegant yet oh-so-practical style!

Transform Your Dining Room with Japan's Best Tableware!

Because genuine Japanese tableware is primarily made in Japan, and not everyone can just hop on a plane to snag these authentic treasures, the massive e-commerce platform ZenPlus simplifies the process with just a few clicks. It allows non-Japanese residents to choose from a staggering selection of over 5 million rare Japanese items listed by more than 3,000 retail shops in Japan and have them delivered right to their doorstep, making it as easy as a breeze for you to bring a piece of Japan to your comfy home.

No more waiting around! Head straight to ZenPlus, type in your desired tableware in the search bar, dive into a treasure trove of authentic options, hit that order button, and relax knowing that this renowned platform, with nearly a decade of industry success, will ensure your genuine treasures make the journey from Japan to your dining room, setting the stage for the most sophisticated Japanese dining experience!

About The Writer

Meet Mariam - a freelance writer whose heart beats for the captivating world of Japanese culture. She's fascinated by the breathtaking cherry blossom trees, the irresistible traditional dishes and snacks, the timeless fashion, the adorable natural makeup, and of course, the world-famous anime, just to name a few of her passions. Now, with boundless creativity and determination, she aims to deliver the most valuable content for readers to offer them a glimpse into her passions in life.