Useful Phrases at Restaurants (When Ordering in a Restaurant in Japan)

 

Below is an explanation using text and images. There are some points that haven't been explained in the video, so please use the explanation below as reference!

When Wanting to Order

Once you've decided on what you want to order, call the staff over so you can make that order.

 

Sumimasen. Chumon onegai shimasu.

Excuse me. I'd like to order something.

 

Hai.

Okay.

 

"Sumimasen" is used when you want to apologize to, thank, or request something of someone.

The message gets across even if you just say "Chuumon onegaishimasu", but adding "Sumimasen" makes you sound more polite. Also, when you want to make an extra order, you should use "Sumimasen" to call a staff member over.

 

In Japanese, "Hai" is used to positively answer a question (means "yes"). It's also used to let others know that you're actually listening to what they're saying. When you want to give a negative response to a question, say "Iie" (means "no").

When Asking About the Recommended Menu

"Osusume" refers to a product or service that someone is recommending because it's good. In this situation, it refers to delicious or popular dishes that the restaurant highly recommends to all customers.

 

Osusume wa nan desuka?

What do you recommend?

 

Hai. Kochira to kochira ga osusumedesu.

We recommend this dish and that dish.

 

The "Hai" used here shows that the staff member was clearly listening to the customer.

"Kochira" is a polite way to refer to an item that's close to the speaker.

When Ordering

Kore wo hitotsu to kore wo futatsu kudasai.

I'd like one of this and two of that, please.

 

Hai. Kashikomarimashita.

Okay, understood.

 

"Kore" refers to an item that the speaker is holding or an item close to the speaker. In this situation, it refers to the dishes displayed in the menu. Items far away from the speaker are referred to as "Are".

 

Reference)

Phrases to Use When Counting Items

Hitotsu / Futatsu / Mittsu / Yottsu

One / Two / Three / Four

"Kashikomarimashita" is an extremely polite phrase that's used to show that the listener has completely understood the speaker's intent or request. Staff in the service industry (hotels, Japanese inns, restaurants) often use this phrase.

If You Have a Food Allergy or Can't Eat Certain Foods

When ordering, it is important to check if any ingredients that you don't like (or aren't good with) will be in your food. Asking beforehand will definitely put one at ease!

 

Watashiwa pinattsu arerugi desu.

I have a peanut allergy.

 

Hai.

Got it.

 

Watashi wa butaniku ga taberaremasen.

I can't eat pork.

 

Hai.

Noted.

 

Reference)

Ingredient Names

Tamago / Gyunyu /Nyuseihin / Komugi / Ebi / Kani / Soba / Pinattsu

Eggs / Milk / Dairy Products / Wheat / Shrimp / Crab / Buckwheat Noodles / Peanuts

 

Types of Meat

Gyuniku / Butaniku / Toriniku

Beef / Pork / Chicken

If You Want to Order the Same Thing as Someone Else

Don't you sometimes think, "Oh, that person's food looks so good! I want to eat that too!"? During those times, this phrase comes in handy.

 

Are to onajimono wo kudasai.

I want the same thing as them.

 

Kochira no omuretsu desune? Kashikomarimashita.

The omelet, correct? Got it.

 

"Are" refers to something that is quite far away from you and your conversation partner.

Next time you visit a Japanese restaurant, use these phrases and try challenging many different types of food!

(With the Cooperation of) STANDING BAR PARE

This store has a standing bar on the 1st floor, table seats on the 2nd floor, and actual bar seats on the 3rd floor. They have over 100 different types of drinks available, such as cocktails, whiskies, and sake. They have many dishes that go well with alcohol, so this bar is recommended to anyone looking to enjoy a drink at a reasonable price.