What is a menu haiku?
Ever feel inspired by a restaurant menu? One fun, creative way to engage with food culture is by writing a menu haiku.
A menu haiku is a three-line poem inspired by the items listed on a restaurant’s menu. You can use the names of dishes, descriptions of ingredients, or even the overall vibe of the menu to spark your creativity. It’s a fun way to play with language and food!
This guide will show you how to create your own menu haikus using various menu examples as inspiration. Let’s get started!
Understanding the menu landscape
Most restaurant menus are arranged by category. Here are some of the most common categories you’re likely to see.
Common menu categories
- Appetizers/Starters: Smaller dishes you eat to start your meal. Examples: Edamame (GF, VN), Vegetable Spring Roll, Pork Dumpling Gyoza.
- Entrees/Main Courses: The centerpiece of the meal, often more filling than the other courses. Examples: Chicken Teriyaki, Sushi Entree, Miso-Glazed Sea Bass (GF).
- Sides: Dishes that complement the main course. Examples: Rice, vegetables.
- Desserts: Sweet dishes to wrap up the meal. Examples: Japanese Cheesecake, Mochi Sampler (GF), Yuzu White Chocolate Doughnuts.
- Beverages: Alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks. Examples: Cocktails, Sake, Wine, Beer, Mocktails.
Key menu elements
The best menus feature a few key elements that help you decide what you want to eat.
- Dish names: These names are often descriptive and meant to stir your appetite.
- Descriptions: These give you details about the ingredients and how the dish is prepared.
- Dietary information: Many menus will include codes like Gluten-Free (GF), Vegetarian (V), Vegan (VN), or Gluten-Free Option (GFO).
Haiku Structure and Principles
Traditional haiku poems have a very specific structure: three lines with five syllables in the first line, seven in the second, and five in the third (5-7-5).
Good haiku uses vivid imagery and sensory details to conjure a feeling or scene in the reader’s mind. Think about how the dish looks, smells, sounds, and tastes.
When writing haiku for a menu, you don’t have to stick to the 5-7-5 structure perfectly. It’s more important to capture the essence of the dish. Feel free to adapt the structure to what works best.
Some ways to generate ideas include:
- Brainstorming and free writing
- Listing relevant words and images
Crafting Menu Haiku: Examples and Techniques
Let’s look at some examples of how you might use haiku to describe menu items.
Example 1: Sushi Menu
Menu Item: Spicy Tuna Roll
Haiku:
Fiery tuna bite,
Cool rice and seaweed embrace,
Ocean’s gentle kiss.
Breakdown:
- Line 1: Captures the spiciness.
- Line 2: Describes the texture and basic components.
- Line 3: Evokes the origin of the ingredients.
Example 2: Ramen Menu
Menu Item: Spicy Miso Chicken Ramen
Haiku:
Broth of miso heat,
Chicken dances in the bowl,
Noodles slurp with joy.
Breakdown:
- Line 1: Highlights the flavor profile.
- Line 2: Focuses on a key ingredient.
- Line 3: Describes the experience of eating ramen.
Example 3: Dessert Menu
Menu Item: Japanese Cheesecake
Haiku:
Silken, airy sweet,
Citrus whispers on the tongue,
A cloud melts away.
Breakdown:
- Line 1: Describes the texture.
- Line 2: Highlights a subtle flavor note.
- Line 3: Evokes the lightness of the dessert.
Tips for Creating Your Own Menu Haiku:
- Choose a dish that inspires you.
- Identify the key flavors, textures, and ingredients.
- Use strong verbs and vivid adjectives.
- Don’t be afraid to experiment with different structures.
- Read your haiku aloud to check for rhythm and flow.
Expanding the Haiku: Beyond the Dish
When writing a menu haiku, think about more than just the food itself. Consider these questions:
- What’s the restaurant like? Is it loud and busy or quiet and romantic?
- What’s the experience of eating the food? How does it make you feel?
- What’s the restaurant’s theme or culture? Is it a traditional Italian place or a modern fusion spot?
Here’s an example:
Restaurant Theme: Modern Japanese
Menu Item: Dragon Roll
Haiku:
Scales of avocado,
Eel and crab in fiery dance,
Tokyo nights ignite.
Frequently Asked Questions
What style of menu is this menu only offers a multicourse meal for one set price and there are no other options?
Sounds like you’re describing a prix fixe menu, sometimes also referred to as a “fixed price” or “tasting menu.” This style offers a pre-determined selection of dishes, typically several courses, for a single, all-inclusive price. There’s usually little to no customization available; you’re essentially trusting the chef to curate your dining experience.
What does “in out” mean on a sushi menu?
The term “in out,” when you see it on a sushi menu, is shorthand for inside-out roll. This refers to a maki (rolled sushi) where the rice is on the outside of the roll, rather than the nori (seaweed). The nori is still present, but it’s wrapped around the fillings inside the rice. California rolls are a popular example of an inside-out roll. It’s a common and delicious variation on traditional sushi!
To Conclude
Menu haiku is a fun, accessible, and creative way to connect with food and culture. It’s a way to find beauty and humor in the everyday.
Next time you’re at a restaurant, resist the urge to doomscroll on your phone while you wait for your food. Instead, take a poetic look at the menu. What haiku can you find hiding in plain sight?
Share your menu haiku creations with friends and family. Turn it into a game. See who can find the most evocative or hilarious haiku on the menu. You might be surprised at what you discover.