Question
I’m visiting Japan for the first time, and I’ve booked a room at a traditional ryokan. I’ve heard so much about their famous kaiseki meals and want to savor them. However, I’m a vegetarian. How can I ask, “Do you have vegetarian options for kaiseki meals?” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
懐石料理（かいせきりょうり）にベジタリアン用（よう）のオプションはありますか。
Kaiseki ryoori ni bejitarian yoo no opushon wa arimasu ka?
Do you have vegetarian options for kaiseki meals?
This is a handy expression if you’re hoping to enjoy traditional Japanese cuisine while adhering to a vegetarian diet. Kaiseki ryoori is a multi-course Japanese meal that is both an art form and a gourmet delight, often featuring seasonal ingredients.
– “ベジタリアン用（よう）” means “for vegetarians.”
– “オプション” means “option.”
– “ありますか” means “do you have” or “is there?”
So, you just need to remember this phrase if you’re looking for a vegetarian option not just for kaiseki but for any meal in Japan.
