The Concept of Ichiju Sansai: The Japanese Way to a Balanced Meal

What “Ichiju Sansai” Means

Ichiju Sansai (literally “one soup, three dishes”) is a traditional Japanese meal style that includes one bowl of soup and three side dishes. It’s considered a key guideline for eating a well-balanced meal and has deep roots in Japanese culture. Whether it’s a weekday dinner or a special occasion, this simple yet nutritious way of eating is still valued in many Japanese homes.

The Importance of Rice and Miso Soup

In Japanese food culture, rice is absolutely essential — it’s the staple of almost every meal. Miso soup is also enjoyed daily for its comforting flavor and health benefits. Since miso is a fermented food, it helps improve digestion and warms the body. Together, rice and miso soup make up the heart of a healthy Japanese diet.

Keeping Meals Balanced

The “three dishes” part usually means preparing three different side dishes — for example, one with vegetables, one with protein, and one with grains or something light. This helps ensure a variety of nutrients and prevents your meals from becoming unbalanced. Following this principle every day is a simple way to keep your body healthy and your meals satisfying.

Do people always eat like this in Japan?

No. With everything, including our diet becoming globalized, many Japanese eat dishes from outside of Japan. Some days we have pasta, or maybe a quick Chinese stir-fry. It’s not true that every family cooks the full setup of rice, soup, and three dishes (ichijū sansai) every single night. When my mother was tired, we would eat a simple meal or just get takeout; this is definitely more common nowadays. Still, I always keep the idea of ichijū sansai in mind. It serves as a simple guide for balance whenever I need a healthy meal to re-energize myself.

In Conclusion

Ichiju Sansai is an excellent method for creating balanced, nourishing meals. By keeping this traditional style in mind, you can make your everyday eating habits richer and healthier. After all, enjoying your meals is one of the best ways to take care of yourself — so why not bring a bit of this wonderful Japanese tradition to your table?