【Reading】むこうづけ

【English Name】Mukōzuke

Mukozuke is the dish corresponding to the first of the three side dishes in the "one soup, three sides" of a kaiseki meal, which is served first. On the oshiki (serving tray), whereas the rice bowl is placed at the near left and the soup bowl at the near right, the mukozuke is positioned on the far side of the tray—that is, the "other side" (muko-gawa). This very placement is thought to be the origin of the name.

The contents are typically sashimi (otsukuri) or namasu (vinegared dish), with dishes such as ohitashi, vinegared dishes, and dressed dishes also served. Ceramic plates or small bowls are customarily used as vessels, contrasting in material with the lacquerware rice and soup bowls.

In kaiseki etiquette, the proper order is to first partake of the rice and soup, and to touch chopsticks to the mukozuke only after sake is served. It is said that in the process of the "one soup, three sides" format taking shape in the Edo period, the three-side structure of mukozuke, nimono-wan (simmered-dish bowl), and yakimono (grilled dish) became established.

Incidentally, "mukozuke" is not limited to the name of a dish; it can also refer to the small plate or bowl used for serving, and is widely known by names such as "mukozuke-zara," "mukozuke-bachi," and "muko-zara." In a sushi shop's course as well, the mukozuke format is sometimes adopted when serving sashimi or vinegared dishes in small bowls.