Culinary Adventures: How to Order Food & Drinks in Japanese Restaurants
Easily order food and drinks in Japanese restaurants!
Here is a useful guide on how to order food and drinks in a Japanese restaurant with key phrases and etiquette:
Getting Attention
- To call a waiter/waitress, say: すみません (Sumimasen) — “Excuse me.” This phrase is the most common and polite way to get attention without being intrusive. In busier or louder restaurants, raising your hand slightly while saying すみません helps signal staff more clearly.
- In some casual places, especially izakayas, it’s acceptable to make eye contact and nod when staff look around, but すみません remains the safest and most respectful choice.
Ordering Food and Drinks
- Use the phrase: [Food/Drink name] + を (wo) + [quantity] + お願いします (onegaishimasu) or ください (kudasai) — both mean “please” but differ slightly in formality and nuance. お願いします tends to sound more polite and formal, while ください is straightforward and common in casual settings.
- Example: ラーメンを一つお願いします (Ramen wo hitotsu onegaishimasu) — “One ramen, please.”
- For drinks: ビールをお願いします (Biiru wo onegaishimasu) — “I would like a beer, please.”
- Quantity words: 一つ (hitotsu) for one, 二つ (futatsu) for two, etc., are commonly used when the food/drink portion is countable. For other items like glasses or cups, counters such as 杯 (hai) may be used, as in ビールを三杯ください (Biiru wo sanbai kudasai) — “Three beers, please.”
- At casual places like izakayas, simply saying the quantity + item is common, e.g. 生中一つ (Namachu hitotsu) — “One medium draft beer.”
- When ordering multiple different items, it’s natural to list them one by one, pausing slightly between items. Example:
- ラーメンを一つと餃子を二つお願いします (Ramen wo hitotsu to gyoza wo futatsu onegaishimasu) — “One ramen and two gyoza, please.”
Key Points on Pronunciation and Listening
- Particles like を (wo) can be pronounced simply as “o,” which is natural in everyday speech. Overemphasizing particles may sound unnatural.
- The word お願いします (onegaishimasu) has a subtle pitch accent; practicing with native audio or conversation partners aids natural intonation.
- Listen carefully for staff responses containing the word かしこまりました (Kashikomarimashita) — literally “Understood” — which is a formal acknowledgment that your order is accepted.
Asking Questions
- To ask what something is: それは何ですか？ (Sore wa nan desu ka?) — “What is this?” This is useful when looking at a menu or receiving a dish you’re unfamiliar with.
- To ask for recommendations: オススメは何ですか？ (Osusume wa nan desu ka?) — “What do you recommend?” Staff often appreciate this question as it allows them to guide you toward seasonal or popular dishes.
- When sounding more polite or formal, you can say お勧めの料理は何ですか？ (Osusume no ryouri wa nan desu ka?) — “What dishes do you recommend?”
- For dietary restrictions, you might ask: これは何が入っていますか？ (Kore wa nani ga haitte imasu ka?) — “What is this made of?” which is helpful to avoid allergens.
Other Useful Phrases
- 注文をお願いします (Chuumon o onegai shimasu) — “I’d like to order.” This phrase signals clearly when you want to start your order, especially if staff are not immediately attentive.
- もう一つください (Mou hitotsu kudasai) — “One more, please.” Used to order an additional serving, often for dishes or items served individually.
- おかわりください (Okawari kudasai) — “Another serving, please.” Commonly used for rice, miso soup, or drinks like tea and beer at izakayas. Note: おかわり is often complimentary or low-cost in many Japanese eateries.
- すくなめでお願いします (Sukuname de onegaishimasu) — “Less, please” (often for rice portions). Useful when you want a smaller serving.
- When done ordering: とりあえず、以上です (Toriaezu, ijou desu) — “That’s it for now.” This lets staff know your order is complete, and more items can be added later if desired.
- To request the bill: お勘定お願いします (Okanjou onegaishimasu) — “The bill, please.” This is better than directly asking for “check” as the concept or word is slightly different in Japan.
Cultural Etiquette and Context
- It is common and polite to say いただきます (Itadakimasu) before eating, meaning “I humbly receive.” This reflects gratitude toward those involved in preparing the meal.
- Saying ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) after finishing your meal expresses thanks for the food, showing respect and appreciation.
- In many restaurants, you might find a call button or an ordering tablet on the table to place orders without needing verbal interaction. These devices are especially common in modern sushi or ramen chains.
- Tipping is not customary in Japan; excellent service is standard and included.
- When eating udon, soba, or ramen, slurping is culturally acceptable and even seen as a compliment signaling enjoyment and appreciation. This contrasts with many Western norms and is worth practicing.
Common Mistakes and Tips
- Using the wrong counter word for quantity can confuse native speakers. For example, 一枚 (ichimai) is used for flat items like plates or thin foods (e.g., sushi slices), but 一つ (hitotsu) is more general. Observing staff usage in context helps learn appropriate counters.
- Avoid pointing at menu items while ordering. Instead, say the name clearly or use the phrase これ (kore) meaning “this,” followed by ください (kudasai).
- Overly elaborate or formal phrasing in casual places (e.g., izakayas or street food stalls) can sound stiff. Matching the register is important: be polite but natural.
- Failing to acknowledge the staff’s response or forgetting to say ありがとうございました (Arigatou gozaimashita) upon leaving may be perceived as rude.
- Some restaurants allow shared plates but expect each person to order their own drink. Clarifying with 飲み物は個別に注文しますか？ (Nomimono wa kobetsu ni chuumon shimasu ka?) — “Do we order drinks individually?” can clear up confusion in group settings.
Step-by-Step Ordering Example
- Get attention politely: すみません (Sumimasen).
- Start ordering: 注文をお願いします (Chuumon o onegai shimasu).
- Name dishes and quantities clearly: ラーメンを一つと餃子を二つお願いします (Ramen wo hitotsu to gyoza wo futatsu onegaishimasu).
- Add any special requests: すくなめでお願いします (Sukuname de onegaishimasu) for less rice.
- Confirm order done: とりあえず、以上です (Toriaezu, ijou desu).
- Thank the staff and acknowledge: Wait for かしこまりました (Kashikomarimashita).
- Enjoy meal and finalize with: いただきます (Itadakimasu) before eating, ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita) after finishing.
- Request bill: お勘定お願いします (Okanjou onegaishimasu).
FAQ
Q: Can I use English in tourist areas?
A: Some large cities and tourist-heavy restaurants have English menus and staff who speak basic English, but relying on Japanese phrases increases clarity and cultural respect.
Q: Is it okay to split the bill?
A: Usually yes, especially in casual places, but it’s polite to confirm with staff beforehand. The phrase 割り勘でお願いします (Warikan de onegaishimasu) means “Please split the bill.”
Q: How to express allergies or dislikes?
A: Allergies are often expressed with アレルギーがあります (Arerugii ga arimasu) — “I have allergies.” Specify ingredients if possible, e.g., 卵は入っていますか？ (Tamago wa haitte imasu ka?) — “Does it contain egg?”
These practical expressions and cultural pointers form a strong foundation for ordering confidently and naturally in Japanese restaurants or izakayas. Hearing and practicing real conversation, including through AI tutors, helps learners internalize pronunciation and tone crucial for successful interaction.