First Move
Pause for a moment and check whether staff starts cooking or leaves the ingredients with you.
Quick steps
- Watch whether staff starts cooking or leaves the tools with you.
- If it is your turn, use the provided tongs for raw ingredients.
- Ask staff if you are unsure whether something is ready.
Say or show this
Use these phrases to speak or point when you need help.
Use when you are unsure who cooks the food.
Kore wa jibun de yakimasu ka?
これは自分で焼きますか？
Do I cook this myself?
Use when you want to check if the food is ready.
Mou taberaremasu ka?
もう食べられますか？
Can I eat this now?
Use when you want staff to demonstrate.
Yarikata o oshiete kudasai.
やり方を教えてください。
Please show me how to do it.
If You See or Hear This
Kochira de yakimasu.
こちらで焼きます。
It means: We will cook it for you.
Your move
Relax. You have been returned to customer status.
Gojibun de yaite kudasai.
ご自分で焼いてください。
It means: Please cook it yourself.
Your move
Use the grill and tools provided.
Yoku yaite kudasai.
よく焼いてください。
It means: Please cook it thoroughly.
Your move
Give the food more time on the grill.
If You’re Stuck
Ask staff before improvising. They would usually prefer to demonstrate the system before your okonomiyaki becomes abstract art.
Tiny Culture Note
At these restaurants, cooking is not unfinished service. It is part of the experience. The table becomes a small shared kitchen, and the meal gives everyone something to do while they talk. You did not accidentally enter the staff area. The staff area came to you.
Need to explain food needs?
If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, use a simple Japanese card before ordering.
Food needs
Create a food card for Japan
Show allergies, dietary needs, or ingredients to check before ordering.
No app needed
Save as image
Point-to-reply answers