御膳

1. Origins, structure, and basic meaning

• Structure: 御膳 is read as ごぜん and is a noun for a set meal arranged with several dishes or a meal served to a person of high rank.
• Basic usage: A set featuring seasonal dishes appears in 季節の料理を取りそろえた御膳, while a lord's meal appears in 殿の御膳.

2. Common pitfalls and similar expressions

• Modern meal sets and period settings
  • At an inn or restaurant it can mean a multi-dish set meal, while in a period setting it can respectfully name a meal for someone of high rank.
• Difference from 定食
  • 定食 is an everyday fixed-menu meal, while 御膳 can emphasize a formally arranged tray or set of dishes.