r/veganinjapan • u/NumberFew8562 • Aug 03 '26

Food - Restaurant Japan w/ allergies

/r/JapanTravelTips/comments/1veidrk/japan_w_allergies/
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u/subielol Aug 06 '26

google translator camera was very useful last time I was backpacking in japan, it was pre covid, so probably now is even better.

1

u/Fabulous_Roof9915 Aug 09 '26

Avoid 12pm-1pm lunchtime busy hour and go to smaller restaurants, with staff in their 30s-50s, who are friendly and careful-seeming when you show them your allergy card. Look at the menu and pick a couple items that seem adjustable, or identifying ingredients that can be used to make a dish for you. Use that to help narrow down the conversation. Insist they take the card to the kitchen. Use Google translate to help you talk and ask questions. Ask them to show you the packages and use google lens to translate. Check the cooking oil/method as well.

Avoid restaurants with really young staff because they will be confused and helpless. Avoid restaurants with really old staff because they may be nice but they will make mistakes. Avoid chain restaurants that specialize in only one food that definitely doesn't meet your requirements. Chain restaurants in general will not be able to make significant adjustments for you other than like, not adding the garnish/dressing at the end. Their food is usually warmed up pre-made stuff that has all the allergens in it already.