It is dark. You are likely to be greeted by a shushi chef.
January 20, 2009 5:26 AM Subscribe
What is the greeting that I keep hearing at sushi restaurants?
At many of the sushi restaurants I've been to, the itamae (and sometimes the servers) call something out whenever someone walks in the door. It usually starts with one person noticing the customer, and then everyone else working there repeats the phrase. I've also noticed that sometimes Japanese customers will say something back to the itamae or host/ess. What are they saying? Also, how should I respond so that I can convey that I understand the custom but please don't try speaking any more Japanese to me, as I won't understand you?
At many of the sushi restaurants I've been to, the itamae (and sometimes the servers) call something out whenever someone walks in the door. It usually starts with one person noticing the customer, and then everyone else working there repeats the phrase. I've also noticed that sometimes Japanese customers will say something back to the itamae or host/ess. What are they saying? Also, how should I respond so that I can convey that I understand the custom but please don't try speaking any more Japanese to me, as I won't understand you?
This post was deleted for the following reason: You're not the first to wonder, as it turns out. -- cortex
Best answer: There is no response. Even here in Japan, the irasshaimase (often shortened to simply, irasshai) is called out when you enter sushi bars, izakayas, and even many western restaurants, simply to welcome you and alert all staff to your presence. No acknowledgment is expected on the part of the customer.
posted by squasha at 5:41 AM on January 20, 2009
posted by squasha at 5:41 AM on January 20, 2009
(Oh, and the Japanese customers are probably just stating the numbers in their party or asking if there is room to seat them. My husband and I usually chirp out a "non-smoking, please!" before they have a chance to steer us anywhere near the heart of the 2nd hand smoke.)
posted by squasha at 5:45 AM on January 20, 2009
posted by squasha at 5:45 AM on January 20, 2009
come on! that was just 3 weeks ago! Does anyone search before asking?
posted by sunshinesky at 5:49 AM on January 20, 2009 [2 favorites]
posted by sunshinesky at 5:49 AM on January 20, 2009 [2 favorites]
Response by poster: Ah ha, excellent. That's it exactly, thanks. I should learn to search better.
posted by backseatpilot at 5:52 AM on January 20, 2009
posted by backseatpilot at 5:52 AM on January 20, 2009
This thread is closed to new comments.
posted by katemonster at 5:32 AM on January 20, 2009