Question
I’m traveling to Japan and want to experience local cuisine. I’ve read about different types of Japanese food, but I’m not sure how to ask for a local specialty when I visit a restaurant. How can I say “What is your special dish?” in Japanese?
Japango Editor Team
おすすめの料理（りょうり）は何（なん）ですか。
Osusume no ryouri wa nan desuka?
What is your special dish?
When dining in Japan, asking for “osusume” or “recommendations” is a great way to discover local favorites and dishes unique to the restaurant. Osusume means “recommendation,” and ryouri means “dish” or “cuisine.” Nan desuka means “what is it?” so together, the phrase “osusume no ryouri wa nan desuka?” directly translates to “What is your recommended dish?”
This is a polite and practical question you can use in any restaurant setting, ensuring you get a taste of something special during your culinary adventures in Japan.
