Travelers Love This Common Menu Practice That Makes Dining In Japan Feel Unique

The food in Japan is one of the major draws for many tourists, whether it's for the Michelin-starred restaurants of Tokyo or the vast array of unfamiliar snacks at the convenience stores. One dining custom found all over Japan that delights travelers is that many restaurants serve just one type of food. In contrast to the U.S., where restaurants may have vast menus ranging from steak to pasta to pizza, the single-focus approach in Japan feels refreshing.

Many restaurants in Japan are fairly small and don't have a large team in the kitchen. Sometimes they just have one chef, who is also the owner. In these spots, the menus are often curated around mastering a single dish. Because the dishes are so carefully crafted, it can be rude to ask for substitutions in restaurants in Japan. The upside, of course, is that the food tends to be fantastic, and you'll rarely have a bad meal. Even something as simple as yakitori (chicken skewers) can be one of the best things you've ever eaten. 

For travelers, this one-dish focus means that everyone in your group will need to agree on the type of food to go for. You can't choose a restaurant that serves great sushi when half of you are craving a steaming bowl of ramen. And it goes even deeper than simply agreeing on ramen, for example. There are countless variations of this delicious noodle dish, and restaurants will often make just one style. This gives dining out in Japan a unique feel: you know what you're going to be eating before you even sit down. But the specialization could be an issue if you're traveling with people with dietary restrictions, those with diverse tastes, or picky eaters.

Luckily, you can find eateries in Japan with broader menus. In an izakaya (a traditional bar with food), menus have a range of small plates, often yakitori, fried chicken, sashimi, vegetables, and gyoza. If you're traveling with kids, an izakaya is off the table, so you'll want to seek out family restaurants. These are often chains (look for Royal Host, Gusto, and Denny's) and tend to have menus featuring an assortment of Western and Japanese dishes. While these types of restaurants don't offer a fine dining experience, they're perfect for satisfying a burger craving while still serving Japanese favorites. If all else fails, there are always the convenience stores. Make like Anthony Bourdain and grab an egg salad sandwich — even that's a gourmet delight in Japan!