Question
I’m planning to visit Japan for the first time and would like to explore the local cuisine. How do I ask a restaurant server, “What do you recommend?” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
おすすめは何ですか。
Osusume wa nan desuka?
What do you recommend?
When dining in a new country, it’s always a good idea to try the local specialties. By using the expression “おすすめ” (osusume), you can ask for recommendations from the restaurant staff. “Osusume” means “recommendation,” and “wa nan desuka” is a phrase used to inquire “what is?” So together it means, “What do you recommend?”
If you’re interested in trying a specific type of dish, you can simply specify it in your question. For example, “魚料理のおすすめは何ですか” (Sakana ryouri no osusume wa nan desuka?) means “What do you recommend from the fish dishes?” Enjoy your culinary adventure in Japan!
