Refers to the central dish or course in a traditional multi-course Japanese meal, especially in formal settings.
Grilled fish and simmered dishes were served as the main course.
high-grade full-course Japanese meal (abbr. of 本膳料理)
Abbreviation of 本膳料理, a formal style of Japanese cuisine where all dishes are served at once on a legged table. Rare in modern usage outside historical or culinary contexts.
See also: 本膳料理
Honzen was once served at formal samurai banquets.
formal multi-course Japanese meal served all at once on legged trays
Compound of 本 (main, formal) and 膳 (tray, meal). The term originally referred to the main tray in a formal multi-tray meal setting.