Eat like a local

Sushi, tempura and kaiseki-ryori are nice. But even Japanese people do not eat them every day. if you are staying in Japan for a while and you would like to eat what locals are eating, here are some useful expression.

・Ichiban ninki-na no-wa nani?　（一番人気なのは、なに？)
　(No.1) (popular.) (one) (what) = What is most popular？
・Ichiban oishii no-wa doko?　（一番美味しいのは、どこ？）
　(No.1) (delicious) (one) (where) = Where is most delicious (restaurant) ?

When I travel domestically in Japan, I often ask this at reception desk in the hotel. They sometimes have thier original map of recommendation. Then, you can ask “Ichiban ninki-na no-wa doko? (Where is the most popular one?)”

If you want to ask which one is most popular among locals, you can add “jimoto-de (among locals in this area)” “Jimoto-de ichiban ninki-na no-wa doko? (Where is the most popular one among locals）?”

I also ask drivers (when they are not so grouchy.) or travel information center.

There are variety of regional delicacy you can enjoy. For example, Okonomiyaki in Osaka and Okonomiyaki in Hiroshima are different and they are both good! Some of the famous regional cuisines are: Okinawa cuisine, Hitsumabushi in Nagoya, Soup Curry in Sapporo, Chicken Namban in Miyazaki, Useful words in asking this are:

・Gotochi （ご当地）of this area
used like Gotochi gourmet (ご当地グルメ) delicacy of this area
・B-kyu gourmet (B級グルメ) casual speciality food such as ramen

Once in the restaurant, if you want to ask which is the most popular menu, you can ask
Ichiban ninki-na no-wa dore? (Which one is most popular?)

List of useful words

Bon appetite!