[Unit 6 Tips] – Common foods and Open/Closed signs

How to tell if it’s open for business

Many Japanese eateries/shops do not have glaring signs that show they are open. If you see a noren (a curtain) like this outside, the shop is usually open as they take it inside when they close the shop.

Also, when the eatery is open, it will have a sign like:

When it is closed, it will have a sign like:

Common Dishes

	misoshiru		miso soup	miso is seasoning paste made of fermented soybeans. It usually accompanies a bowl of rice. The Japanese drink from the bowl without using a spoon.
	obentou		–	packed meal in a box
	okonomiyaki		–	Japanese savoury crepes
	onigiri		rice ball	Unlike sushi, rice is not vinegared. Usually has some filling in the middle and often wrapped in nori seaweed.
	raamen		–	Egg noodles in a special soup.
	sashimi		–	Thinly sliced food, mostly raw fish, that is usually dipped in soysauce with wasabi.
	shabushabu		–	A hotpot dish with thinly sliced meat. Usually comes with dipping sauce.
	soba		buckwheat noodles	served hot or cold with or without toppings
	sukiyaki		–	A hotpot dish with thinkly sliced beef and various vegetables seasoned with soysauce and sugar.
	sushi		–	Rice dish seasoned with vinegar.
	tori no karaage		Japanese style fried chicken	Karaage is a fried dish with dry coating.
	udon		–	Noodles made of wheat. Served hot or cold with or without toppings

Common Drinks

	biiru		beer
	koohii		coffee
	koucha		English tea	often served with a slice of lemon
	mizu		water	In most eateries, mizu or ocha is complimentary
	nihonshu		sake – Japanese rice wine	The reason why it’s not called “sake” is explained here.
	ocha		Japanese tea	In most eateries, ocha or mizu is complimentary