A trip to Japan is practically a pilgrimage for Hong Kong food lovers, yet even seasoned travelers can stumble when reading a menu. While kanji characters look reassuringly familiar, many carry meanings wildly different from their Chinese counterparts. A recent guide from U Lifestyle highlights 15 essential terms that every Hong Kong diner should know before their next meal in Tokyo or Osaka.
Ordering with Confidence
The first stumbling block appears the moment you sit down. 注文 (chūmon) does not mean “annotation” — it means “to order.” Diners can politely ask “Chūmon īdesu ka?” to signal they are ready. When the meal ends, look for 勘定 (kanjō) on the bill, which translates to “check” or “payment,” not “engineering survey.”
Another frequent sight is 定番 (teiban) — the “must-order” or signature dish. Spot this on a menu and you know the restaurant’s top recommendation.
Beware the False Friends
Some kanji are especially deceptive. 無料 (muryō) has nothing to do with lacking skill; it means “free of charge.” Its opposite, 有料 (yūryō) , signals a fee. (Note: muryō annai-jo seen on streets refers to adult entertainment, not a free information booth.)
Drinks can also confuse. お湯 (oyu) is hot water, not soup — soup is sūpu from English. お水 (omizu) is cold water, perfect for calling a server in a restaurant.
Vegetables, Seafood and Chicken
人参 (ninjin) is carrot, not ginseng. 大根 (daikon) is white radish, not a “big root.” Seafood lovers should note 伊勢海老 (ise ebi) — ebi means shrimp, but ise ebi specifically refers to lobster. 手羽先 (tebasaki) looks like it involves feathers but actually means chicken wings.
Ramen and Sizing Up
Ramen enthusiasts will encounter 替玉 (kaedama) , the option to add extra noodles to a bowl for a small charge. Portion sizes are marked 並 (nami) for regular and 大 (dai) for large, while 大盛 (ōmori) means “extra large” and 並盛 (namimori) is standard.
A Final Culinary Curiosity
精進料理 (shōjin ryōri) may sound rigorous, but it simply denotes vegetarian cuisine rooted in Buddhist temple cooking.
Practical Takeaways for Travelers
Understanding these 15 kanji can transform a dining experience from guesswork into genuine enjoyment. For Hong Kongers heading to Japan, downloading a translation app or studying a quick reference list before departure can prevent ordering radish when expecting ginseng — and ensure you always get the bill, not an invoice.
Looking for more tips? Download the U Lifestyle app for ongoing food guides across Asia.