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Japanese restaurant menu: sushi and izakaya choices

A sushi menu is organized around fish and piece counts; an izakaya menu often mixes small plates, skewers and cooked dishes. Decide whether you want a rice-based meal or several plates to share before ordering.[1]

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Typical menu

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Examples vary by restaurant. Confirm ingredients, portions and dietary needs with staff.

Sushi and cold dishes

  • Nigiri — A hand-pressed mound of vinegared rice with fish or another topping, often served two pieces per order; most toppings are raw, but eel, egg and some shrimp are cooked, so ask which.
  • Maki — Rice and filling rolled in nori and cut into pieces, often six or eight; thin rolls are a light snack, while large specialty rolls can be a meal.
  • Sashimi — Sliced raw fish or seafood served without rice, often with wasabi, soy sauce and shredded radish; sashimi platters are a common izakaya order to share[1].
  • Edamame — Boiled green soybeans in the pod[1], usually lightly salted; squeeze out the beans and leave the pods. A quick, mild starter while you choose.

Izakaya and hot dishes

  • Yakitori — Bite-sized chicken grilled on skewers (thigh, breast, skin or tsukune meatball), seasoned with salt (shio) or a sweet soy glaze (tare); usually a few skewers per person.
  • Gyoza — Pan-fried dumplings with a crisp base and soft top, typically pork and cabbage; dipped in soy sauce with vinegar and chili oil, often five or six per plate.
  • Tempura — Seafood and vegetables in a very light, crisp batter, served with a dipping sauce or salt; best eaten right away while still crisp.
  • Karaage — Japanese fried chicken[1], usually marinated in soy, ginger and garlic: juicy inside with a crunchy coating, a popular cooked dish to share, often with lemon or mayonnaise.

How to order on your first visit

For two at an izakaya, start with three different small plates and add rice or noodles if needed. At a sushi bar, check pieces per order and choose raw or cooked deliberately; ask staff about preparation and any starter charge.

Different menu styles

Ramen shops may offer one bowl per person; izakaya encourage ordering by rounds. A sushi set and sashimi set are different meals because the latter may not include rice.

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What to order

  • Nigiri sushi omakase — the chef’s selection, eaten soon after each piece is set down
  • Tonkotsu or shoyu ramen — pork-bone or soy-based broth with fresh noodles
  • Tempura moriawase — assorted seafood and vegetables in a light, crisp batter
  • Yakitori — charcoal-grilled chicken skewers, salted or glazed with tare
  • Unagi don — grilled eel lacquered with sweet soy over rice

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Frequently asked questions

What is the difference between sushi and sashimi?

Sushi is vinegared rice paired with toppings — raw fish is common but not required. Sashimi is sliced raw fish or seafood served alone, without rice.

Is Japanese food all raw fish?

No. Most of the cuisine is cooked: ramen, tempura, yakitori, sukiyaki, curry rice, and grilled fish are as central as sushi.

What should I order at a Japanese restaurant for the first time?

A set meal (teishoku), usually a main with rice, miso soup and pickles, is an easy first order for one person. At an izakaya, order several dishes for the table instead, because the food there is meant to be shared[1].

What background helps when reading a Japanese menu?

Washoku is a Japanese food tradition recognized by UNESCO in 2013. For ordering, distinguish sushi and sashimi from noodle shops, izakaya plates and multi-course dining; the format determines portions and how you build a meal.[2][1]

Related guides

Sources

  1. Japan National Tourism Organization. Izakaya Dining Guide. Accessed
  2. UNESCO. Washoku, traditional dietary cultures of the Japanese, notably for the celebration of New Year. Accessed
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