On the Scene: Japanese Daily Meals

Japanese have basically either Japanese-style or westernstyle breakfasts. The typical Japanese breakfast includes rice, fish, natto (fermented soybeans), raw egg, dried seaweed, together with miso soup, Japanese pickles and green tea. On the other hand, a western-style breakfast might include toasted bread, ham or sausage, egg (sunny-side up or scrambled), together with either tea or coffee.

Foreigners living in Japan have many opportunities to eat out. Lots of tea rooms sell breakfast sets, which are generally called “Morning Sets.” Many busy businessmen often buy these. In addition, not a few Japanese buy onigiri (rice ball) and tea at a convenience store and eat them in the office.

It is safe to say that there are three ways to have lunch. One of them is to have lunch which is brought from home. When a man is having it this way, the lunch is called "aisai bentou" (beloved wife's lunch) and he may be ridiculed by his co-workers. The second way is to buy a lunch box at a convenience store and eat it either in the office or outside. The third way is to have lunch in a restaurant. In Japan, especially in big cities, there is a large variety of restaurants to choose from.

Izakaya are very popular among foreigners
As for a light lunch, noodles, especially ramen are popular, along with the many fast food chains such as hamburger outlets. Sushi shops with their revolving tables, which are quite cheap, are also very popular. Speaking of ordinary restaurants, many of them provide "lunch menus" — that means they serve set lunches that change from day to day at prices much cheaper than offered in the evenings.

Many people cook their dinner at home, but there are now more and more people purchasing "souzai" (half-made dishes that are easily cooked by just heating or adding something) and instant foods. You can buy these foods at supermarkets and specialized shops. When you go out to eat, Izakaya, where people can easily enjoy Japanese dishes including everything from "yakitori" (roast chicken) to "yakisoba" (chow mein), for reasonable prices while drinking, are popular among foreigners. "Family Restaurants," that serve a variety of food for reasonable prices, are suitable for families to go for dinner.

In Japan's big cities, you can enjoy eating ethnic dishes from all around the world, the information of which can easily be found through free papers and the Internet. Many of them supply discount coupons which you take to the restaurants. Two very good aspect of Japanese restaurants are the "no tipping" custom, and waiters and waitresses welcoming you with smiles and a loud "irassyai mase!"

Tips for Living in Japan List Page