Last updated: July 5, 2026
Most restaurant staff in Japan will genuinely try to help you — if they understand what you’re asking. These ten phrases are designed to be shown, not spoken: each one is written in Japanese so you can point to it on your phone. Romaji and pronunciation are included if you’d like to say them aloud.
For Everyone
1. Do you have an English menu?
英語のメニューはありますか?
Eigo no menyū wa arimasu ka?
2. I have a dietary restriction. Could you check this?
食事制限があります。これを確認していただけますか?
Shokuji seigen ga arimasu. Kore o kakunin shite itadakemasu ka?
(Show this, then point to the relevant card below.)
For Halal Travelers
3. Does this contain pork?
これに豚肉は入っていますか?
Kore ni butaniku wa haitte imasu ka?
4. Does this contain lard or pork-based broth?
ラードや豚骨スープは使っていますか?
Rādo ya tonkotsu sūpu wa tsukatte imasu ka?
5. Does this contain alcohol, mirin, or cooking sake?
お酒・みりん・料理酒は使っていますか?
Osake, mirin, ryōrishu wa tsukatte imasu ka?
(Mirin is the one most staff won’t think to mention — this phrase asks about it explicitly.)
6. The full halal card (show this):
私はイスラム教徒です。豚肉・豚由来の材料(ラード、ゼラチン、豚骨)と、アルコール(みりん・料理酒を含む)を食べられません。対応できるメニューはありますか?
“I am Muslim. I cannot eat pork or pork-derived ingredients (lard, gelatin, pork broth), or alcohol (including mirin and cooking sake). Do you have any dishes that work for me?”
For Vegetarian & Vegan Travelers
7. Is the dashi (stock) made from fish?
出汁は魚から取っていますか?
Dashi wa sakana kara totte imasu ka?
(The single most useful vegetarian question in Japan — see why dashi matters.)
8. Without bonito flakes, please.
かつお節は抜いてください。
Katsuobushi wa nuite kudasai.
9. The full vegan card (show this):
私はヴィーガンです。肉・魚・卵・乳製品・出汁(かつお・煮干し)・ラードを食べられません。対応できるメニューはありますか?
“I am vegan. I cannot eat meat, fish, eggs, dairy, dashi (bonito/sardine), or lard. Do you have any dishes that work for me?”
10. The vegetarian card (show this):
私はベジタリアンです。肉と魚は食べられません(出汁も含みます)。卵と乳製品は大丈夫です。
“I am vegetarian. I cannot eat meat or fish (including dashi). Eggs and dairy are fine.”
Three Tips for Using These
- Show, don’t say. Pointing at the Japanese text removes all pronunciation risk and is completely normal in Japan.
- Ask before ordering, not after. Kitchens often can’t modify dishes once prepared, and some broths are made in advance.
- A “no” is kindness, not rudeness. If staff say they can’t guarantee it, they’re being honest with you — thank them and check our verified listings for a nearby alternative (city lists coming soon).
Please double-check before you visit. Restaurant menus and policies can change without notice. This guide reflects what we verified as of the date shown above, following the process described in How We Verify. If your requirements are strict, please confirm directly with the restaurant — and if you spot something outdated, let us know. Full disclaimer here.