In many casual restaurants across Japan, especially ramen shops and beef bowl chains, you order by purchasing a meal ticket from a vending machine before you sit down. These machines typically accept cash, and you often need to insert the money before selecting a dish. Some machines don’t accept large bills, so if you need change, you can say “Ryōgae onegaishimasu,” which means “Can you break this bill?” The layout is often simple, with buttons labeled with dish names, prices, and sometimes photos. Newer machines may feature touchscreens with multiple languages. The top-left button often indicates the shop’s recommended item, marked with words like “osusume” or “ninki.”
Once you have your meal ticket, the process depends on the shop. In some places, you hand the ticket to the staff right away. In others, you wait for your number to be called. After you eat, it’s polite to return your tray or place your dishes neatly on the counter if it’s a self-service restaurant. Following what others around you do is usually the best approach.
At ramen shops, staff may ask you how you want your noodles. A common question is “Kata-sa wa dō shimasu ka?” meaning “How firm would you like your noodles?” If you want them normal, you can say “Futsuu de onegaishimasu.” Other options include “katame” for firm noodles and “yawarakame” for soft. This sentence pattern is useful for other preferences too, such as the richness of soup or amount of oil.
The same format can be used to make more detailed requests. For example, you can say “Koime de onegaishimasu” for rich flavor, or “Usume de onegaishimasu” for lighter broth. If you want more or less of something, use “ōme” or “sukuname.” You can also tell the staff whether you want to split the bill or pay together with “Betsu-betsu de onegaishimasu” or “Issho de onegaishimasu.”
If you have allergies or food restrictions, you can say “〇〇 arerugī desu” or “〇〇 taberaremasen” to explain what you cannot eat. When you finish your meal, it’s common to say “Gochisōsama deshita” as a polite expression of thanks. Other useful phrases include “Oishikatta desu” to say it was delicious, or “Reshīto o kudasai” when asking for a receipt.
Japanese restaurants often provide small but important items on the table. For example, an oshibori is a wet towel offered before meals. Shichimi togarashi is a spicy pepper blend used in noodle dishes. Gari is pickled ginger found at sushi restaurants. You may also see chopstick rests, soy sauce varieties, and toothpicks. Understanding these items enhances your dining experience and helps you fit in with local customs.
When you encounter a dish or item you don’t recognize, you can ask “Kore wa nan desu ka?” meaning “What is this?” This question is especially helpful at sushi restaurants or when exploring new foods. You can also use the related pattern “Kono 〇〇 wa nan desu ka?” when pointing to a specific food item like fish, vegetables, or drinks.
At kaitenzushi, or conveyor belt sushi restaurants, not all plates spin anymore. Many places now offer touchscreen menus for direct ordering, and your sushi may be delivered via a special lane. This change improves hygiene and reduces food waste. When ordering sushi, you can also ask for condiments or specific preparations, such as “Wasabi nuki de onegaishimasu” to request no wasabi.
