You’re sitting in a cozy ramen shop in Tokyo. Steam rises from a bowl of delicious miso ramen at the next table. You pick up the menu… and freeze. Everything’s in Japanese. The waiter is patiently smiling. What do you do?

Don’t worry — TLS (The Language Skool) has your back! Whether you’re visiting Japan or just love Japanese cuisine, we’ll show you how to read a Japanese menu and order food like a local. It’s not just about eating—it’s about experiencing culture through language. 

1. Learn the Menu Essentials (It's Not as Hard as It Looks!)

Menus in Japan are usually written in three scripts:

• Kanji (used for ingredients like meat, fish, vegetables)

• Hiragana (for native Japanese words)

• Katakana (for foreign/loanwords like “cheeseburger” or “coffee”)

Here’s a quick cheat sheet:

Want more food vocabulary? TLS can help you learn essential Japanese phrases for travelers in our customized language programs.

2. Recognize Common Dishes

Here are popular dishes you’ll often see on menus in Japan:

• ラーメン (Rāmen) – Noodles in broth with toppings like egg, pork, seaweed

• 寿司 (Sushi) – Rice with raw or cooked fish

• 天ぷら (Tempura) – Lightly battered and fried seafood or vegetables

• お好み焼き (Okonomiyaki) – Savory pancake with cabbage, meat, and sauce

• うどん (Udon) – Thick noodles served hot or cold

If you’re learning Japanese with TLS, we include real-life food scenarios in our lessons, so you’re prepared for every slurp and bite!

3. Ordering Like a Pro: Key Japanese Phrases

Let’s level up your food game with these simple but effective Japanese phrases:

• Sumimasen (すみません) – Excuse me (to call the server)

• Kore o kudasai (これをください) – I’ll have this, please

• Oishii! (おいしい！) – Delicious!

• Mizu o onegaishimasu (水をお願いします) – Water, please

• Okaikei onegaishimasu (お会計お願いします) – Check, please

TLS Tip: Practice these phrases before your trip or dinner outing. Our conversational Japanese classes are all about real-world speaking confidence.

4. Decode the Menu Photos and Prices

Japanese menus often come with mouthwatering pictures — a blessing if you don’t read much Japanese yet. Just point and say “Kore o kudasai!” And don’t worry about tipping — it’s not customary in Japan, and the prices already include tax.

Also, be mindful of these symbols:

• 大 (dai) – Large size

• 小 (shō) – Small size

• セット (setto) – Combo meal

Menus at chain restaurants sometimes offer English versions, but in smaller spots, your language skills will shine.

5. Cultural Etiquette: Don’t Just Eat, Immerse

Ordering food in Japan isn’t just about the meal — it’s an opportunity to experience Japanese politeness and precision. Smile, be polite, and always say “Arigatou gozaimasu” (Thank you) when leaving.

With TLS, we go beyond grammar. We bring cultural immersion into every lesson—so you’re not just learning Japanese, you’re living it.

Final Slurp 

Reading a Japanese menu and ordering food doesn’t have to be intimidating. With a few key phrases, a bit of food vocab, and some TLS-style language fun, you’ll be confidently navigating any izakaya or sushi bar like a true local.

Hungry for more? Join our Japanese for Travel course or sign up for a free demo session at The Language Skool today.

Because at TLS, language is more than words — it’s an adventure.