How to Order Food in Japanese Restaurants: A Comprehensive Guide

Japan is renowned for its incredible cuisine, from sushi and ramen to tempura and teppanyaki. However, ordering food in a Japanese restaurant can be daunting for non-Japanese speakers. This guide will walk you through the process, ensuring a smooth and enjoyable dining experience.

1. Entering the Restaurant

Upon entering a Japanese restaurant, you might hear the staff say "Irasshaimase!" (いらっしゃいませ), which means "Welcome!" You are not required to respond but can nod or say "Konnichiwa" (こんにちは) in return.

Table or Counter Seating

• Many restaurants offer both table and counter seating. The staff may ask, "Oseki wa dochira ni shimasu ka?" (お席はどちらにしますか？) meaning "Would you like a table or counter seat?"

• If you have a preference, you can respond with:

  • "Tēburu ga ii desu." (テーブルがいいです。) – "A table is good."

  • "Kauntā de ii desu." (カウンターでいいです。) – "The counter is fine."

2. Receiving the Menu

Menus in Japan can vary from picture menus to kanji-heavy listings. If you need an English menu, ask: "Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka?" (英語のメニューはありますか？) – "Do you have an English menu?"

If not, you can rely on pictures or point to items you recognize.

3. Placing Your Order

Once ready to order, get the server’s attention by saying "Sumimasen!" (すみません！) – "Excuse me!"

Ordering Phrases

• "Kore o kudasai." (これをください。) – "I’ll have this, please." (Pointing at the menu)

• "[Dish name] o onegaishimasu." ([料理名] をお願いします。) – "I’d like [dish name], please."

• "Mō sukoshi matte kudasai." (もう少し待ってください。) – "Please give me a little more time."

If you need to modify an order:

• "Nashi de onegaishimasu." (なしでお願いします。) – "Without [ingredient], please."

• "[Ingredient] wa daijōbu desu ka?" ([材料] は大丈夫ですか？) – "Is [ingredient] okay?"

4. Common Japanese Dishes and How to Order Them

Sushi Restaurants

• "Omakase onegaishimasu." (おまかせお願いします。) – "Chef’s choice, please."

• "Nigiri o futatsu kudasai." (握りを二つください。) – "Two pieces of nigiri, please."

Ramen Shops

• "Shōyu rāmen o kudasai." (醤油ラーメンをください。) – "Shoyu ramen, please."

• "Men wa katame de onegaishimasu." (麺は固めでお願いします。) – "I’d like firm noodles."

Izakayas (Japanese Pubs)

• "Toriaezu, nama biru kudasai." (とりあえず、生ビールください。) – "For now, I’ll have a draft beer."

• "Yakitori wa nan shurui arimasu ka?" (焼き鳥は何種類ありますか？) – "What types of yakitori do you have?"

5. During the Meal

Polite Phrases

• "Itadakimasu!" (いただきます！) – Said before eating, meaning "I humbly receive."

• "Oishii desu!" (美味しいです！) – "It’s delicious!"

• "Gochisōsama deshita." (ごちそうさまでした。) – Said after eating, meaning "Thank you for the meal."

Asking for Water or More Drinks

• "O-mizu o kudasai." (お水をください。) – "Water, please."

• "Mō ippai kudasai." (もう一杯ください。) – "One more, please."

6. Paying the Bill

Asking for the Check

• "O-kaikei onegaishimasu." (お会計お願いします。) – "Check, please."

• "Betsu-betsu de onegaishimasu." (別々でお願いします。) – "We’d like to split the bill."

Payment Methods

Cash is widely accepted, though credit cards are becoming more common. If paying with a card, ask: "Kādo wa tsukaemasu ka?" (カードは使えますか？) – "Can I use a credit card?"

Tipping is not customary in Japan. Instead, show gratitude by saying "Arigatou gozaimashita!" (ありがとうございました！)

7. Final Tips

• Learn basic food-related kanji (e.g., 牛肉 = beef, 鶏 = chicken, 魚 = fish)

• Be mindful of restaurant etiquette, such as not talking loudly

• If eating at a conveyor belt sushi or ramen shop, pay at the machine first

By using these phrases and etiquette tips, you can enjoy a stress-free dining experience in Japan!