Question
I’m dining at a Japanese restaurant for the first time and I would like to try some recommendations from the chef. How do I ask, “Can you recommend a dish?” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
おすすめの料理（りょうり）を教（おし）えてください。
Osusume no ryouri o oshiete kudasai.
Can you recommend a dish?
When dining out in Japan, asking for recommendations can enhance your culinary experience and allow you to try local specialties. The phrase “osusume no ryouri” means “recommended dish,” and “oshiete kudasai” translates to “please tell me.” This expression is a polite way to ask for dish suggestions from the staff. You can use this phrase in various dining settings, whether you’re at a casual eatery or a high-end restaurant.
If you are keen on trying specific types of dishes or avoiding certain ingredients, you can mention these preferences for a more personalized recommendation, like “niku ga dame nan desu ga, osusume wa arimasu ka?” (I can’t eat meat, do you have any recommendations?)
Enjoy your meal and the unique flavors Japan has to offer!
