Question
I’m traveling to Japan soon, and I’m a bit of a foodie. I’d love to try some authentic Japanese dishes while I’m there. How do I ask a local “What do you recommend?” when choosing food in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
おすすめは何（なん）ですか。
Osusume wa nan desuka?
What do you recommend?
This is a very useful phrase when you want to get recommendations from locals, especially at a restaurant. “Osusume” means “recommendation,” and “nan desuka” means “what is?” You can use this phrase to discover local favorites and enjoy a more authentic culinary experience.
When you’re at a restaurant, you can ask the server, “Osusume wa nan desuka?” if you’re unsure what to pick from the menu. It’s a great way to try dishes you may not have considered, and it demonstrates your openness to trying new things. Bon appétit, or as they say in Japan, “Itadakimasu!”
