What do our readers think about Japanese food?

On March 20, the release date of our 'Eat like a Tokyoite' issue, we put out a food survey on the website. Over the next few weeks, around 260 of you responded, and the results were interesting to say the least. Read on for a full breakdown of your answers...

We say 'Japanese food', you say...?

Yep, no surprises here. The clear plurality of you say sushi, while options like ramen and izakaya were also predictably popular. Interestingly, however, responses like curry and monja also came up – looks like both the local version of India's signature dish and the essential Tokyo soul food have their devoted fans.

Sushi 40%
Ramen 15%
Izakaya 13%
Bento box 8%
Tempura 3%
Gyoza 2%

What wows you the most about Japanese restaurant service?

The complete absence of tips was your favourite service-related aspect, but those nice and warm towels sure seem to have left quite an impression as well. Beyond the specifics, a lot of you simply praised the general level of service and the fact that restaurant staff actually smile here.

The fact I don’t have to tip 34%
I live for that warm towel (oshibori) they give you as you sit down 30%
I think it’s really funny when staff shout 'irasshaimase!' 25%
I love the novelty of ordering via a touch screen device 25%
The ‘press for service’ button 16%

And what niggles you the most about the service?

Language, language, language. The Japanese population's lack of proficiency in foreign languages is certainly a problem in the restaurant business as well, while many of you were also confused by ordering systems and customs. The lack of vegetarian/vegan/halal options wasn't as big of a problem as one might expect, while several of you mentioned annoyances like lack of non-smoking spaces, terrible background music and staff who insist on speaking English to 'foreign-looking' customers.

Menus are only available in Japanese 31%
The confusing ordering systems/customs 31%
Japanese-style toilets 16%
None of the staff can speak English 12%
No vegetarian/vegan/halal options 11%

What Japanese food makes you gag?

The supremely smelly natto took top honours here, closely followed by the infamous shirako. While some brave readers claimed that nothing can make their innards tremble, some of you cited 'bad western food combinations' as the top no-go dish. We do hear where you're coming from.

Natto 46%
Shirako (fish sperm) 42%
Umeboshi (dried plum) 11%
Tamago-kake-gohan (raw egg over rice) 10%
Anko (red bean paste) 5%

What kind of venue is on your wishlist for your next trip to Tokyo?

Wouldn't we all like to visit a world-class restaurant from time to time? Three-star luxury was quite naturally your favourite option, but the humble izakaya came a relatively close second. A couple of adventurous individuals even mentioned theme restaurants and animal cafés.

Michelin three-star restaurant 30%
Izakaya 22%
Side-street stall 18%
Ramen shop 14%
Speciality coffee shop 6%
Conveyor-belt sushi place 2%
I’d prefer eating food I’m used to 2%

What Japanese ingredients do you use on a regular basis? (multiple choices allowed)

Soy sauce 74%
Miso 50%
Ramen or instant ramen 40%
Sushi and/or related ingredients 40%
Mayonnaise 30%
Nabe (hot pot) ingredients 24%
Japanese-made canned and instant food 15%
Green tea 5%

What kind of edible souvenirs are you most likely to buy?

Japanese sweets 66%
Alcohol 36%
Condiments 20%
Instant ramen 10%

Which Japanese restaurant would you recommend to a friend?

Tokyo classics like Sukiyabashi Jiro, Midori Sushi and Shinjuku's Tsunahachi gathered quite a few mentions, but many of you would apparently be happiest recommending tried-and-tested chain shops like Yoshinoya, Sukiya, Uobei and Ootoya. You also helpfully listed a whole bunch of cheap izakayas and ramen shops – thanks!

What kind of food-related experience would you like to have in Japan?

Mentions of traditional experiences like the tea ceremony, temple food and kaiseki were rather common, but many of you would also like to take Japanese cooking classes, eat sushi all day or try specialities like fugu, whale or sea urchin. One of you wanted to drink sake in an outdoor onsen in the snow, something we thought sounded rather nice, while some respondents seem to live by the motto 'the wilder the better'. Oh, and to you who suggested natto shortcake: we were amused there, for a second.