Chawan-mushi bowl, black crystal pattern

Aesthetics in traditional Japanese cooking have always played a key role, and the choice of dinnerware is just as important as the choice of ingredients.

While many other cuisines prefer a plain white cloth, Japanese chefs use plates, bowls, glasses, serving utensils and chopsticks to enhance and complement the presentation of food. Chawanmushi, literally in Japanese: steamed, is a savory egg custard without milk.

Its cooking requires a certain mastery because the steam must not drip on the flan. This small flan is usually flavored with dashi broth and decorated, depending on the season, with ginkgo nuts, shrimps, crab, lobster...