Japanese Food Etiquette
Most japanese people will forgive you for not understanding their customs and beliefs but by following common etiquette you demonstrate good manners and respect.
Japanese food etiquette. When eating from shared dishes as it is commonly done at some restaurants such as izakaya it is polite to use the opposite end of your chopsticks or dedicated serving chopsticks for moving food. By taking steps above and beyond what is expected both the host and the guest are able to have a memorable experience. Imagine yourself walking into a japanese restaurant perhaps with a few japanese friends or colleagues. Which means cheers in japanese.
While elsewhere in the world we re accustomed to asking for variations and custom orders in a restaurant in japan it s ill mannered to ask for alternatives and regarded as an insult to the chef. While we just want you to enjoy your meal and get a taste of authentic japanese cuisine at nomiya these traditional japanese eating etiquette rules might come in handy if you re. While every place is different the following points will help make dining out in japan a smooth and enjoyable experience. Planning to visit japan or simply dining with japanese friends.
Japan has a large selection of restaurants of an almost endless variety. It is a true form of the omotenashi mentality shared in japanese culture. Meals either formal or informal are no exception. Here are our tips on mannerisms and etiquette to follow when eating japanese cuisine in japan.
Japanese table etiquette is originally based on the guests showing appreciation for the efforts taken by the hosts. Topics for include among others mealtimes and typical food national drinks toasts table manners tipping etiquette business lunch etiquette host etiquette guest etiquette regional differences dining etiquette in the home and dining etiquette at a restaurant. The menu is handed to you all in japanese. Whether eating with new japanese friends dining in a japanese restaurant or attending a business lunch with a japanese client following a few simple etiquette rules can make you shine.
It begins before you ve even completed your order. Unlike western etiquette you can lift other small plates or bowls from the table to pick food off it in most cases with your chopsticks. Japanese culture has such a rich traditional history that there s proper etiquette for nearly every occasion. But large plates sashimi plates plates with grilled fish tempura plates etc should not be lifted.
Avoid an awkward experience and enjoy your meal by first reviewing this basic guide to japanese dining etiquette. Japanese dining etiquette for drinking. Blowing your nose at the table burping and audible munching are considered bad manners in japan.