A polite or honorific term for a meal or a set meal; used in formal or respectful contexts.
お年寄りには毎食、温かい御膳を用意している。
We prepare a warm meal for the elderly at every mealtime.
料亭で御膳が運ばれてきて、みんなでいただいた。
A meal set was brought at the ryotei, and we all ate together.
母は来客のために御膳を整え始めた。
My mother began preparing the meal for the guests.
Specifically, a meal for the emperor or a noble — a historical or ceremonial usage referring to a high-status person's meal.
宮中では御膳の作法が昔から厳しく守られている。
At court, the etiquette for the imperial meal has long been strictly observed.
古文書には、天皇の御膳を仕える者の記録が残っている。
Old documents record the people who served the emperor's meals.
Used as a prefix to mark food or drink as high-quality or premium (e.g., 御膳そば for a premium soba dish).
この店の御膳天ぷら定食は評判が良い。
This restaurant's premium tempura set meal is well regarded.
御膳そばを一つお願いします。
I'd like one order of the premium soba, please.