Food, both ways
From dashi to dosas — how to eat well, find what you need, and dive into a new food culture in either country.
Eating well in Japan — including how to navigate it as a vegetarian or spice-lover.
Watch out for dashi
Fish stock (dashi) hides in many ‘vegetable’ dishes. Learn a phrase or two to ask, or seek shojin (temple) cuisine.
Halal is growing in big cities
Tokyo, Osaka, and Kyoto now have halal-certified ramen and curry. Apps and maps list them well.
Convenience stores are a lifeline
Onigiri, salads, and hot meals 24/7, with clear labels. A reliable, cheap fallback any time of day.
Indian food is closer than you think
Indian and Nepali restaurants are all over Japan. Ask for extra spice — most will happily oblige.
Learn the table basics
Say “itadakimasu,” slurping noodles is fine, and never stick chopsticks upright in rice.