In Japan, cuisine reigns supreme: there are typical specialities in every region and province. Even the same dish can be revisited in different ways, and one of the reasons Japanese people travel is to try them all! Whether it is sushi, fried food, desserts, or sake, in Japan you can eat and drink very well, and as for everything else, there is an etiquette to follow even at the dinner table. 

First of all, when eating outside people wash their hands with the ever-present hot or cold towel called “oshibori.” Next, before beginning their meal, the Japanese say a resounding “itadakimasu,” accompanied by a bow and clasped hands, to express their gratitude for the food received (in fact, it is not usual to wish “bon appétit” as we do). 

Of course, people always eat with chopsticks (hashi), although some dishes may involve a spoon, but beware, there are behaviours that must be strictly avoided. You must not touch other people’s food and you may not point at other diners with your chopsticks, but most importantly, it is forbidden to pass food with chopsticks, and they should NEVER be stuck vertically into the bowl of rice! These are customs reserved for the rite of the dead and, consequently, bring bad luck.

At the time of the toast they say “kanpai” and not “cheers,” which here refers to something completely different…. and at the end of the meal a nice “gochisōsama deshita” to give thanks for the great food.

Have you felt inspired to put what we have learned into practice, or better yet: have you felt like cooking a Japanese dish and sharing it all together? Then we have the event for you! Sign up for the Japanese cooking class to be held on Monday, April 8^th. Specific details can be found in the poster hanging in the plants, and in the featured article on the blog!