Ordering food

❃ Ordering food

すみません、注文をお願いします。 [ Sumimasen, chuumon o onegaishimasu. ]: Excuse me, we're ready to order.
おすすめは何ですか。 [ Osusume wa nan desu ka. ]: What do you recommend?
これをお願いします。 [ Kore o onegaishimasu. ]: I'll have this.
これと同じものをください。 [ Kore to onaji mono o kudasai. ]: The same as this, please.
これはどんな料理ですか。 [ Kore wa donna ryouri desu ka. ]: What kind of dish is this?
定食をお願いします。 [ Teishoku o onegaishimasu. ]: A set meal, please.
ご飯は付いていますか。 [ Gohan wa tsuite imasu ka. ]: Does it come with rice?
ご飯は少なめでお願いします。 [ Gohan wa sukuname de onegaishimasu. ]: A small portion of rice, please.
ご飯のおかわりをお願いします。 [ Gohan no okawari o onegaishimasu. ]: A refill of rice, please.
お水をもらえますか。 [ Omizu o moraemasu ka. ]: Can I get some water?
お箸をお願いします。 [ Ohashi o onegaishimasu. ]: Chopsticks, please.
フォークとスプーンはありますか。 [ Fooku to supuun wa arimasu ka. ]: Do you have a fork and spoon?
取り皿を二枚ください。 [ Torizara o nimai kudasai. ]: Two small plates for sharing, please.
注文したものがまだ来ません。 [ Chuumon shita mono ga mada kimasen. ]: My order hasn't arrived yet.
これは注文していません。 [ Kore wa chuumon shite imasen. ]: I didn't order this.
とても美味しいです。 [ Totemo oishii desu. ]: It is very delicious.
シェアしましょう。 [ Shea shimashou. ]: Let's share.
下げてもいいですか。（店員） [ Sagete mo ii desu ka. (Ten'in) ]: May I clear the plates? (Staff)
はい、下げてください。 [ Hai, sagete kudasai. ]: Yes, please clear them.
注文は以上です。 [ Chuumon wa ijou desu. ]: That's all for the order.

Cultural notes

Once seated in a Japanese restaurant, the ordering process involves specific cultural behaviors that might surprise Western tourists. Unlike in many Western countries where you wait patiently for the server to approach your table, in Japan, you must actively call them over. You do this by raising your hand slightly and calling out "Sumimasen!" (すみません - Excuse me!) in a clear, confident voice. Many family restaurants and izakayas even feature an electronic call button on the table for this exact purpose. When you receive the menu, you might look for a set meal, known as a "Teishoku" (定食), which usually includes rice, miso soup, pickles, and a main dish, offering excellent value and balanced nutrition. If you cannot read the Japanese menu, you can simply point to a picture and say "Kore o onegaishimasu" (これをお願いします - I will have this, please). Immediately upon sitting, you will be served complimentary ice water or tea, along with a wet towel called an "Oshibori" (おしぼり) to clean your hands before eating. It is important to note that this towel is strictly for your hands; wiping your face or neck with it is considered bad manners in public. When your food arrives, you might be asked if you want a refill of rice, known as "Okawari" (おかわり), which is often free in Teishoku sets. Finally, when you have finished, the staff might ask "Sagete mo ii desu ka?" (下げてもいいですか - May I clear your plates?), to which you can politely reply "Hai, sagete kudasai" (はい、下げてください - Yes, please clear them).

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