Chawan-mushi bowl, Tokusa pattern, 145 ml

Aesthetics have always played an essential role in traditional Japanese cuisine, and tableware choice is just as important as ingredients choice.

While many other cuisines prefer a plain white canvas, Japanese chefs use plates, bowls, glasses, serving utensils, and chopsticks to enhance and complement the presentation of food.

Chawanmushi, literally “steamed in a bowl” in Japanese, is a savory egg custard made without milk. Cooking it requires a certain amount of skill, as the steam must not drip onto the custard. Chawanmushi is eaten with a specially designed spoon.

Its smooth, curved shape makes it comfortable to hold and easy to use, without damaging the silky texture of the dish. This small flan is usually flavored with dashi broth and garnished with seasonal ingredients such as ginkgo nuts, shrimp, crab, or lobster.