仕出し

• Reading: しだし
• Romaji: shidashi
• Kanji breakdown: 仕 (shi) — to do, to serve; 出し (dashi) — bringing forth, sending out
• Pronunciation: /ɕi.da.ɕi/

Meaning

Catered food; food prepared by an outside caterer and delivered. A traditional Japanese catering service.

A noun referring to food prepared at a professional kitchen and delivered to homes, offices, or event venues — distinct from restaurant dining. 仕出し屋 (a catering shop) or 仕出し料理 is a traditional service, often used for funerals, formal meetings, and celebrations. The food typically comes in lacquered or wooden boxes, reflecting careful presentation.

Examples

1. 法事の席には仕出し料理を注文し、参列者に振る舞った。 For the memorial service, we ordered catered food and served it to those in attendance.
2. 会議用に仕出し弁当を手配するのが幹事の仕事だ。 Arranging catered bento boxes for meetings is one of the organiser's duties.
3. 地元の仕出し屋が作る幕の内弁当は、昔ながらの味がする。 The makunouchi bento made by the local caterer has an old-fashioned, homely flavour.

Usage Guide

Context: food, ceremonies, business meetings, catering

Tone: neutral

Origin & History

From 仕出す (shidasu, to provide/bring forth). Originally implied producing and sending out food on behalf of a household or institution.

Cultural Context

Era: Edo–Modern

Generation: Adults

Social background: Universal