While I was in Japan I found my favorite food to be either Tanuki Udon or Tenpura Udon. Udon shops are easy to find in Japan, though I found the best Udon that I had was at a University in west tokyo while i spent the day there with one of my friends. My other favorite place to eat Udon was in the JR Train Station, I would wake up and on my way to a skateboarding spot i'd stay at the station for five minutes and down a big bowl of tenpura udon which was around 400yen (2.50-3.00USD) , they supply free water also.
Some important information you should know about Udon shops.
- Memorize how to READ your favorite Japanese foods, in most cases , at the entrance or before you get served you'll see an odd machine, most likely without photos (at ramen shop and udon shops), the machine will have pieces of writing and prices next to it. You'll insert a bill / coins and make your choice, then approach the counter / seating and hand your ticket to whom ever approaches you.
Some important Japanese to remember:
"Irrasshaimase" (usually said in a prolonged tone.)
What could I get for you? How may I help you? (Greeting)
(spoken so quickly i probably heard it 100 times before i even knew what it meant, nobody in japan replies to the comment but a smile is nice.)
Some important Japanese to use at Mcdonalds:
(I remember arriving in narita and asking for chicken mcnuggets in english and then realized I was in Japan.)
"Bikkumakku to cora no Lsize o kudasai"
Bigmac meal with a coke please
(meals have different sizes, Lsize is the regular size.)
"Koko de omeshiagari desuka."
Was that for here or to go?
"Nande kimi wa boku ni kecchappu o misenaiyou ni suru no?"
Why do you keep the ketchup away from me?
(In mcdonalds in Japan you need to ask for the ketchup, rather in america you get it yourself, this is at mcdonalds, at wendys you get your own. This should be said with a smile, don't act like your angry, it's supposed to be a funny thing to say and make it sound like your japanese is well.)
IMPORTANT NOTE: You can't get a side of BBQ sauce unless your order something that has it, usually.
"chikin nagetto o osusume shite kuremasenka"
Would you recommend the chicken nuggets?
(another funny thing to say, you can change "chikin nagetto" with any type of food. )
IMPORTANT NOTE, It's pronounced "chikin nagetto" , if you pronounce it "chikan" that means "male pervert who illegally fondles people during the morning and afternoon rush-hour on JR.
So I wouldn't suggest going into KFC and asking for a "Chikan Potpie" just say chicken or chikin.
Dozo.
sehrerj@hotmail.com
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