Planning a trip to Japan?
One of the many things to look forward to is experiencing the country’s diverse and delicious cuisine.
To make your culinary adventure even more enjoyable and budget-friendly, consider taking advantage of weekday lunchtime set offers.
These special menus, commonly found in Japanese cafes and restaurants, offer a complete meal at a discounted price, making them a great option for foreign visitors seeking affordable and satisfying food during their travels.
What is a Weekday Lunch Set Menu?
During the weekdays in major cities, many restaurants and cafes offer lunch set menu that typically includes a main dish, such as meat or fish, pasta, rice bowl or curry, along with sides like salad, soup, and a drink. The drink can often be selected from a variety of options, including juice, tea, coffee, or soda.
These set offers are typically priced much lower than individually ordered, often between ¥1,000 to ¥1,500, making them a budget-friendly lunch option for office workers in Japan. Restaurants often limit the number of set menu options to 3-5 choices, making it more economical and easier to serve customers during the short lunch hours.
The menu options are often depicted with photos, which may make it easier for non-Japanese speakers to choose and order food.
How to Enjoy Weekday Lunch Set
To make the most of weekday lunch set offers, consider the following tips:
- Time your visit wisely: Avoid peak lunch hours (typically between 12 PM and 1 PM) as that’s when office workers rush for 1 hour lunch break. Arrive early or later to minimize wait times and enjoy a more relaxed dining experience.
- Take your time to understand the menu options and drink choices: Spend time to understand the set menu options and available drink choices to make your selection. You can simply point to the menu option you desire, as set menus are often straightforward and easy to order.
- Plan ahead: Look for restaurants that offer set menus in your desired area and check their hours of operation. This will help you plan your visit efficiently.
- Don’t hesitate to ask questions: If you’re unsure about the ingredients or different choices, don’t hesitate to ask the staff for clarification. Google Translate or Generative AI can help you communicate.
The Wrap
Weekday lunch sets are a fantastic way for foreign visitors to experience various cuisines in Japan without breaking the bank.
If you wish to try fine dining but budget-tight, check to see if they offer lunch set menus as you may be able to enjoy the same flavors at a fraction of what you would normally pay for dinner. It is sometimes a way to promote the restaurants to new customers.
Whether you’re looking for a quick and satisfying lunch or a chance to explore local flavors, weekday lunch set menus are a great option.
So, the next time you’re in Japan, be sure to take advantage of these delicious and budget-friendly meals.
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Here is a great small restaurant with amazing chef exemplifying Japanese lunch set menu at a superb value! Must-visit if you are staying in Fukagawa area (Eastern part of Tokyo)
