formal multi-course Japanese meal served all at once on legged trays
A highly formal style of Japanese cuisine, historically served at samurai banquets. All dishes are presented simultaneously on a low table with legs (本膳), unlike the sequential course style of kaiseki. Rarely encountered in modern everyday dining; mostly seen in historical or ceremonial contexts.
Honzen-ryōri is a highly formal cuisine served at official samurai banquets.
Nowadays, there are very few opportunities to experience honzen-ryōri.