Sozai 素材 and sozai 惣菜
Sozai, which is also in the name of our sister company, Sozai cooking school, has two meanings.
素材 (pronounced sozai) means ingredient(s), and 惣菜 (pronounced sor-zai) describes pre-prepared and packed main and side dishes that can be reheated and enjoyed at home. Similar to what may be referred to as ‘deli’ in some cultures. In Japan, ‘sor-zai’ are sold at supermarkets, delicatessens, department stores, and packed lunch shops. They are perfect for picnics, taking to a party, or adding to a home cooked meal.
So Restaurant’s Sozai Delivery is of the latter ‘Sor-zai‘, which is typically eaten accompanied with rice and miso soup, or with sake or wine.
Sor-zais are very popular in Japan. Oftentimes when we are busy running around, we would pop into the local store and pick up some simmered pumpkin カボチャの煮物, grilled mackerel サバの塩焼き, and other dishes that would take at least 30 minutes to prepare from scratch, not to mention the pots, pans and grilling ovens that will need a good scrubbing after being used.
Vacuum sealed for extra freshness
We hope to bring this convenient selection to our British audience. Our Sozai Deli selection comes securely vacuum sealed for extra freshness.
One So Restaurant ‘Sozai Deli Selection’ can make a dinner for 2 people, when served with rice and miso soup*. Some packages can also be frozen to be enjoyed at a later date. How convenient is that!
How to Re-heat
We recommend dipping in boiling water and turning off the heat and leaving for 2-3 minutes for best results. You can also microwave or warm in the oven depending on the sozai.
Some are best enjoyed room temperature or chilled, we will include instructions with each delivery.
Here are some pictures from our happy customers 😃
* Rice and miso soup are not included in Sozai Deli Selection.
