What do you call “all you can eat” in Japanese? Tabehodai! What do you call “all you can drink”? Nomihodai! If you are living in Japan or visiting Japan then you should consider trying a “Yakiniku Tabehodai” (Yakiniku means grilled meat). Basically, you pay a price, typically 3000-4000 yen, and then you get fresh cuts of whatever meat and vegetables you want on the menu brought out to you. Then you can grill the meats and veggies over a grill in the center of the table to the extent that you like. There are typically some sauces for dipping, but that is about all there is to it. If you get the nomihodai (all you can drink) you can get as many beers, cocktails, sake, or non-alcoholic beverages that you would like. Sometimes the nomihodai is included, but sometimes you have to pay an additional 1000 or so yen. This isn’t bad considering a beer in any Japanese restaurant typically runs for around 300 yen or more.
Words of Caution
This isn’t for everybody though. If you aren’t into eating and drinking a lot, then you should probably just check out an Izakaya or other Yakiniku restaurant. Also it is a bit pricey and as usual in Japan, you typically get what you pay for. The more you pay the better quality and variety of cuts you get. Most tabehodai restaurants have a “standard” selection and a “superior” selection with a difference of about 1000 yen. Another difficulty is the language barrier. Some of these restaurants have English menus and understanding staff, but others are not so easy. Depending on your eating preferences you might want to be careful as the menus typically have non-traditional for the western palate such as cow tongue and intestines. There is also a time limit that is either 90 minutes or 2 hours (sometimes based on price).
But if you haven’t been to a tabehodai and don’t have problems with the above, or are willing to give it a try anyway, then it is possible you will have a really good time and most certainly have an experience to tell others about. They are located all around the shopping and entertainment districts and big cities across Japan.
Have you ever been to a Tabehodai? Do you think it would work in your home country?
For your convenience, tabehodai is 食べ放題 in Japanese characters.
To find a tabehodai restaurant near you please use one of the restaurant finders here.
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