Tabemashoo: Word Condiments for your Japanese Restaurant Trip

Eating is such a fun and social experience in Japan. Making it even more lively is knowing a few verbal condiments to accompany your meal. After two years in Japan, I’ve compiled a few words that will go well with your nihon ryoori (Japanese food). Itadaikmas!

Baikingu: Buffet.

Betsu bara: Second stomach.

Buku buku: Getting fat/large.

Dore ga ichiban oishi? Which is the tastiest?

Gari gari: Chewing loudly.

Hara Hachibun Me: Eating until 80% full, a common practice in Japan.

Hitokuchi choo dai? Can I try one bite?

Kashikiri: To rent out the whole restaurant.

Koshitsu: Private room at a restaurant.

Masta: The owner of a bar or restaurant. From the English word “master”!

Mochi mochi: Soft and chewy.

Mochiyor parti: Pot luck.

Mogu mogu: An eating sound.

Mori mori: To eat heartily.

Neko jita: To dislike hot foods or drinks. (Literally: Cat tongue)

Okotoba amaitei: Thanks for offering, I’ll indulge.

Onaka ippai, mune ippai: Stomach happy, heart happy.

Osusume wa? What do you recommend on the menu?