Read menus with less guesswork

Restaurant menu words: fast Japanese for eating better.

These menu words show up again and again in Japan. Learn them once and menus become much less mysterious.

Core menu words

おすすめ

osusume

recommended

Example: おすすめ
Osusume

When to use it: On menus and specials boards.

本日のおすすめ

ほんじつのおすすめ

honjitsu no osusume

today’s recommendation

Example: 本日のおすすめ
Honjitsu no osusume

When to use it: On daily specials signs.

定食

ていしょく

teishoku

set meal

Example: 定食
Teishoku

When to use it: On lunch and dinner menus.

辛い

からい

karai

spicy

Example: 辛いですか。
Karai desu ka.

When to use it: For flavor and spice level.

冷たい

つめたい

tsumetai

cold

Example: 冷たいお茶
Tsumetai ocha

When to use it: For drinks and some dishes.

温かい

あたたかい

atatakai

warm / hot

Example: 温かいお茶
Atatakai ocha

When to use it: For drinks and hot meals.