Cultural · Dining

I gratefully receive this. (said before eating)

Thank you for the wonderful meal. It was absolutely delicious.

Excuse me, could you show me how to hold chopsticks correctly?

May I have seconds please? It's absolutely delicious.

Please, allow me to pour for you.

Let's split the bill today. / Let's go Dutch.

Please avoid sticking chopsticks upright in food, or passing food from chopstick to chopstick.

In Japan, slurping noodles is not considered bad manners.

Popular restaurants often have long queues, but it's worth the wait.

It's perfectly fine to eat sushi with your hands.

First, let me gather everyone's orders. Shall we start with drinks?

Do not hesitate to take any plate that catches your eye. Please help yourself while it comes around.

This one's done! Here you go, help yourself!

May I have the bill, please?

Well then, cheers!

Is there anything you dislike eating?

Would you like a second helping?

I've had more than enough. It was absolutely delicious.

What kind of sushi is this?

Slurping ramen is perfectly normal here — it actually signals you're enjoying it.

Is it possible to take this to go?

Well then, let us eat. (ritual phrase said before meals)

This is absolutely delicious. You must have put so much care into making it.

Thank you for the feast. It was absolutely delicious.

Passing food from chopstick to chopstick is a funeral custom, so it's taboo during regular meals.

Cheers! It's good to keep your glass a little lower than the other person's.

In Japan, the custom is not to pour your own drink but to have others pour for you.

Let's all say 'itadakimasu' together before we start eating. Please join in.

Excuse me! May I place an order?

Japanese shops often serve you green tea, don't they. That's the spirit of omotenashi — genuine hospitality.

Kaiseki cuisine follows a sequence starting from appetizers, then clear soup, sashimi, and grilled dishes.

Let's split the bill today. Or actually, this time it's my treat.

Then let's make a toast! Thanks for all your hard work today!

Excuse me, two draft beers and one edamame please.

I will now receive and enjoy the tea. Thank you so much.

Excuse me, I am unable to eat pork — is it included in this dish?

This is truly delicious. I haven't had a meal this wonderful in a very long time. Thank you.

This is my first visit here — could you tell me what the seasonal recommendations are?

Are you going for rich, heavy broth or light, clear broth? Do you prefer thick or thin noodles?