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For the Nanban chicken dish, the host prepares a broth flavored with spices like black pepper, clove, ginger, and garlic, notably incorporating gardenia for color. This step exemplifies the multicultural blend present in the cuisine—melding Japanese traditions with the newfound Portuguese influences.
The Role of Food in Samurai Culture
Understanding the significance of food in samurai culture is crucial. Meals for the samurai often included rice, soup, fish, and pickled vegetables. But when hosting the shogun, the stakes were much higher, requiring a grand display of culinary prowess along with considerable expense.