Question
I’m traveling to Japan for the first time and will be staying in a Ryokan (a traditional Japanese inn). I’m aware that meals served are beautifully arranged and usually offer many small dishes. How do I compliment the meal by saying “The meal is delicious” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
食事（しょくじ）は美味（おい）しいです。
Shokuji wa oishii desu.
The meal is delicious.
Complimenting the meal after enjoying the hospitality of a Ryokan is a gesture that showcases your appreciation for the effort put into preparing and presenting the food.
Shokuji means “meal,” and oishii means “delicious.” You can use this phrase in any context where you want to express that the food is delicious, whether you’re at a ryokan, a restaurant, or even a friend’s house.
If you wish to give further compliments, you can say, 本当に (ほんとうに) 美味しいです (Hontō ni oishii desu), which means “It’s truly delicious.” Showing your appreciation with these phrases can help enhance your cultural experience in Japan.
