Chef Saito's Kaiseki-style rice dish takes on a delicate pink hue from the octopus, resembling cherry blossoms. Its elegant appearance evokes the arrival of spring. 1. Cut the octopus into 5mm slices.

Remove from the cooker and cut the octopus into strips. Marinate it with the garlic ginger mince, lime juice and salt. Deep fry in a wok or karai until it's crispy on the outside.