How to Talk to Restaurant Staff in Japan About Allergies

Traveling in Japan with dietary restrictions? While delicious, Japanese cuisine often contains allergens like seafood, wheat (in soy sauce), and eggs. Clear communication is essential for a safe dining experience. This guide helps you confidently discuss allergies with restaurant staff.

Key Japanese Allergy Phrases to Memorize

• "Arerugī ga arimasu" (アレルギーがあります): "I have an allergy."
• "[Allergen] arerugī desu" (アレルギーです): Example: "Tamago arerugī desu" (I'm allergic to eggs).
• "Kore wa [item] ga haitte imasu ka?" (これは[ ]が入っていますか？): "Does this contain [allergen]?"
• "Hidariarukanai mono wa arimasu ka?" (含まらないものはありますか？): "Are there dishes without [allergen]?"

Top 5 Communication Tips

1. Lead with an allergy card: Write allergies in Japanese using tools like the mm food app's card generator for accuracy.
2. Mention severity: Say "Anafilakishī desu" (アナフィラキシーです) if life-threatening.
3. Specify ingredients: Highlight hidden risks like dashi (fish stock) or wheat in sauces.
4. Ask about preparation: Use "Betsu no nabe de tsukurimasu ka?" (別の鍋で作りますか？) to ask if food is cooked separately.
5. Double-check: Verify with staff after ordering using "Daijōbu desu ka?" (大丈夫ですか？).

How mm food App Makes It Easier

1. Allergy-safe menus: Scan menus to instantly flag dishes containing your allergens in 20+ languages.
2. Real-time translation: Use the in-app translator to decode allergen warnings in ingredient lists.
3. Card generator: Create digital/customizable Japanese allergy cards for waitstaff.
4. Restaurant prep: Pre-screen nearby restaurants before entering to save time.

Dining out with allergies in Japan can feel challenging, but preparation lowers risks. Combine mm food’s technology—like real-time menu decoding—with clear, polite communication. Smile, be patient, and enjoy Japan’s incredible food safely. Arigatō gozaimasu!