What Are Appetizers Called in Japanese? (And Why They’re Way More Exciting Than Breadsticks)

Have you ever found yourself sitting in a fancy Japanese restaurant, scanning the menu, and wondering: What on earth do I order first? Do I just point at something and hope it’s not a raw sea urchin surprise? Should I pretend I know what I’m doing and confidently order “one appetizer, please,” only to be met with a polite but confused nod from the waiter?

Let’s fix that.

Japanese cuisine doesn’t do appetizers in the same way Western restaurants do. There’s no sad plate of celery and ranch dressing waiting to disappoint you. Instead, Japan has a variety of small, flavorful dishes meant to gently awaken your taste buds and prepare you for the main course. And they even have their own fancy names!

The Magic Word: Zensai (前菜)

If you want to sound like you actually know your stuff (and impress your date or your foodie friends), the word you’re looking for is zensai (前菜). This is the closest equivalent to the Western idea of an appetizer.

Think of zensai as the elegant, bite-sized preview of what’s to come. They’re often beautifully arranged, like tiny edible works of art, and can include a mix of hot and cold dishes.

Common examples of zensai include:

Edamame (枝豆) – Those little green soybeans you see everywhere. A classic starter, and let’s be honest, an excuse to practice your chopstick skills.
Goma-ae (胡麻和え) – Spinach or other greens dressed in a rich sesame sauce. Warning: highly addictive.
Sunomono (酢の物) – Light, tangy vinegar-based salads, often with seafood or cucumber. Refreshing and great for digestion!
Tamagoyaki (卵焼き) – Sweet, layered Japanese omelet. It’s like the sushi version of French toast but without the syrup.

But Wait… There’s More! (Otoshi & Sakizuke)

Japan has a couple of other “appetizer” terms that you might encounter, especially if you’re dining at an izakaya (居酒屋) (a Japanese-style pub) or a high-end kaiseki restaurant.

Otoshi (お通し) – The Surprise You Didn’t Ask For (But Will Pay For Anyway)

Ever walked into a Japanese pub, ordered a drink, and suddenly found a tiny dish of food in front of you? You didn’t order it. You weren’t expecting it. And guess what? It’s on your bill!

That’s otoshi (お通し) – a small, mandatory appetizer served at izakayas. Think of it as Japan’s version of the cover charge at a club, but instead of getting nothing in return, you get a little dish of something delicious.

Typical otoshi dishes include:

A small portion of marinated seafood
Pickled vegetables (tsukemono)
A mini potato salad (yes, Japan loves potato salad)

It’s a fun way to start the meal, and honestly, I’ve never been mad about surprise food.

Sakizuke (先付け) – The High-Class Welcome Snack

If you’re at a fancy restaurant, especially one serving kaiseki (懐石) (traditional multi-course meals), you’ll likely encounter sakizuke (先付け).

Sakizuke is a single, delicate bite-sized appetizer, almost like the Japanese equivalent of an amuse-bouche. It’s meant to set the tone for the meal and often features seasonal ingredients presented in a way that makes you want to whip out your phone and take a picture before you eat it.

Some elegant sakizuke examples:

A single bite of beautifully arranged sashimi
A spoonful of uni (sea urchin) with wasabi
A delicate tofu dish topped with gold flakes (yes, edible gold flakes are a thing!)

So, Which One Do You Use?

If you just want to sound cool and casual, zensai is your go-to term for appetizers.

But if you’re at a pub, expect otoshi to arrive whether you like it or not.

And if you’re treating yourself to a fancy Japanese dinner, you might get a sakizuke before you even touch the main courses.

A Few More Fun Facts (Because You Deserve Them)

Yakitori joints? You might get some tsukidashi (突き出し) – another word for small starter dishes, kind of like otoshi but more regional.
Sushi restaurants? The chef might serve you oshinko (お新香) – pickled daikon radish to cleanse your palate.
Ever been to a ramen shop? You can get appetizers there too, like gyoza or karaage (fried chicken), but don’t expect a fancy zensai experience.

Wrapping It Up – But Not Like Sushi Rolls

So next time you find yourself at a Japanese restaurant, you’ll know exactly what to expect when the appetizers arrive. No more awkward menu confusion. No more panicked Google translating under the table.

If you want an appetizer, ask for zensai.
If you’re at a pub, prepare for otoshi to mysteriously appear.
If you’re at a fancy restaurant, admire the sakizuke before eating it in one glorious bite.

Now, go forth and order like a pro. And if you ever get served something totally unexpected? Just smile, take a bite, and hope it’s not sea urchin.

Got a favorite Japanese appetizer? Or a funny story about ordering something you didn’t expect? Drop it in the comments!