The Buddha asked this question to those who came to him with concerns. The troubles people face vary depending on what they consume, highlighting the importance of mindful eating. Today, we live in an era where material is abundant, ironically finding truly nourishing food has become a challenge. It is time to reflect on how what we eat impacts our body and mind.
 
Temple cuisine is the food prepared and consumed by Buddhist monks as part of their spiritual practice. It is not merely about vegetarianism but also about cultivating a clear and healthy mind. Temple food nourishes the body while maintaining balance in energy, serving as a vital element in the journey to wisdom. Beyond religious practices, the philosophy behind temple food is something we can all embrace in our daily lives.
 
One of the key aspects of temple cuisine is using ingredients from the nature, and the exclusion of five pungent vegetables: green onions, garlic, wild chives, leeks, and asafetida. This results in food that is clean, simple, and deeply connected to nature.
 
April Omakase Menu
Vegan Temple-Inspired Tea and Foods
 
Korean Mugwort Tea w/ Salad with Local Fruits and Pine nuts.
White Tea (Chinese premium sliver needle tea, 景谷白毫銀針) w/Lotus Root Pancakes, Eggplant and Cucumber Appetizer.
Local Herbal Teas from the Appalachian Mountains w/Mt.Odae Wild Herb Rice Bowl
Korean Lotus Leaf Tea w/ Tteok, Rice Cake
 
May this selection of pure food and tea offer a moment of cleansing and reflection. Through KIWA’s April Omakase, we hope to share the deeper meaning behind food and its connection to well-being