Itadakimasu!

If I had to choose my favorite thing about Japan, it would hands down be the food. Meal times are similar to that of the U.S as well as portion size. What’s cool (and efficient) about Japan is that some restaurants have a machine outside of it. You place your money inside it, select the food you want, and a receipt will dispense. Then you give the receipt to the cook who will then deliver the food to your table! I prefer this method of payment because it allows you to thoroughly enjoy your food without having to worry about the bill later. Also, there is *gasp* NO TIPPING! Tipping is considered to be rude because it implies the customer has to pay extra to get good service. Rubbing your chopsticks together to get rid of splinters is also considered to be rude because it implies that the quality of chopsticks in the restaurant are subpar.
I eat most of my meals at restaurants around me. Whether it be a ramen shop or soba store. I’ve eaten many types of food so far in my travels including (but not limited to): taiyaki, takoyaki, yakisoba, ramen, and more! The most unique food I’ve had is okonomiyaki. Okonomiyaki has many different types and is a savory pancake with an assortment of meat and vegetables mixed together. You can also cook okonomiyaki yourself too! Some restaurants that serve the pancake give customers the tools needed to mix the batch and place it on the grill. When placed on the grill, the batch is manipulated to form a circle (like a pancake) and when one side is cooked, the pancake is then flipped onto its other side. When both sides are done, VOILA, you have okonomiyaki! Okonomiyaki has a TON of flavors in it due to the plethora of meat and vegetables inside it. Every bite is an adventure in itself and will never make you sick of the taste. Before eating, it is common for Japanese people to say “Itadakimasu” or in other words, “thanks for the meal”. So without further adieu, Itadakimasu!