A couple of nights ago I ate a spectacular dinner, one of the best meals of my life. It wasn't at a Michelin starred or chef hatted restaurant nor was it trendy, faddish, fusion or any other food buzz word. It was honest, fresh, simple yet elegant and a vegetarian's dream; it was Shojin Ryori (devotion cuisine) at a temple in the mountains.
I spent a night at Shojoshin-in, a temple run by warm and accommodating monks in Koyasan. It was an unforgettable experience and I am so very glad to have had a glimpse into Shingon Buddhism. And to have eaten this stellar meal...
I spent a night at Shojoshin-in, a temple run by warm and accommodating monks in Koyasan. It was an unforgettable experience and I am so very glad to have had a glimpse into Shingon Buddhism. And to have eaten this stellar meal...
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| Kasu (?) soup |
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| Ginger soup; with snow peas, shitake & a glutinous rice cake. Oyshii! |
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| Black beans marinated in delicousness |
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| the creamiest, silkiest tofu. EVER. (with wasabi and shoyu) |
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| Tempura |
