America: No set menu or appetizer culture

American Restaurant Culture: Why No Entrée?

In American restaurant culture, the concept of otsuri, which is common in Japan, is almost non-existent. This is due to several cultural and economic reasons.

First, in the U.S., there is no custom of offering a small plate of food before the meal as in the case of "otsusashi," and restaurants do not feel the need to provide such a service. In Japan, otsuri is regarded as an important part of communication and hospitality in restaurants, but in the U.S., it is often a separate form of service that fulfills this role.

Also, from an economic standpoint, an entree can be an additional cost. In the U.S., the basic style is to order only the dishes listed on the menu, and additional charges may be incurred for other items. For this reason, the concept of a complimentary appetizer is difficult to establish as a business model.

In addition, the rich diversity of food culture is also a factor. The United States is a multi-ethnic country with a very diverse food culture. Therefore, rather than offering a uniform entrée, customers tend to prefer a style that allows them to choose their own favorite dish. This is why the single-item ordering style, in which customers can freely make their own selections, has taken root.

For these reasons, the Japanese-style custom of otsukoshi is not common in the United States. Instead, a variety of appetizers, sharing plates, and other options are offered to customers, allowing them to enjoy their own unique dining experience. It is this difference that characterizes the restaurant cultures of both Japan and the United States.

Why set menus are not popular?

There are several possible reasons why set menus are not popular in American restaurant culture. First, because of the diversity of individual tastes and eating styles in the U.S., people tend to prefer ordering individual items rather than a uniform set menu. This can be said to be a characteristic of the United States as a multi-ethnic country. People of various cultural backgrounds gather in the U.S., and their dietary needs vary widely. Therefore, restaurants are required to be flexible to meet the needs of each customer, and therefore, single-item menus are the norm.

In addition, competition in the restaurant industry in the U.S. is intense, and each restaurant needs to develop its own uniqueness. Since set menus are generally fixed in pricing and content, it is difficult to differentiate oneself from other restaurants by offering a variety of choices. Therefore, many restaurants adopt a highly flexible single-item menu structure in order to emphasize uniqueness.

In addition, consumers are becoming more health-conscious and diet-conscious. Consumers often want to manage their own nutritional balance and calorie intake, and ordering single items that allow them to choose the contents and quantity of their own meals fits this need. For these reasons, the "mix-and-match" style is taking root among customers.

In light of the above, the reasons for the lack of set menus in the U.S. are diversity, the pursuit of uniqueness, and health consciousness. It is this cultural background that has led to a unique customer experience in the United States.

Single item orders are the mainstream American style.

The mainstream ordering of single items in American restaurant culture may be a new experience for many Japanese. In Japan, set menus and appetizers are common in izakaya (Japanese style pubs) and restaurants, whereas in the U.S., the basic style is to order one item at a time from a menu.

There are several reasons for this single-order style. First of all, it is due to the American culture's emphasis on variety and individualization. Americans tend to prefer ordering individual items rather than a set menu, as they are more free to choose dishes according to their own tastes and preferences. This style also makes sense in that it allows for individualized ordering based on individual needs, such as dietary restrictions and allergies.

Furthermore, the culture of "sharing" has taken root in the United States. By ordering several platters of food and sharing them with everyone at the table, you can enjoy a variety of tastes. This has the advantage of allowing diners to try many different types of food at one meal.

In addition, unlike in Japan, there are few prices that include an appetizer or service charge, and because of this, there is transparency in that you only pay for what you choose to eat. This makes it easier to manage costs on your own.

This style of ordering single items offers a different dining experience from that in Japan. It may be confusing when visiting for the first time, but once you get used to it, you will enjoy finding your own favorite menu structure. This freedom may also lead to new combinations and discoveries.

The unique dining and drinking experiences that result from these differences are new and exciting for travelers and locals alike, and we encourage you to enjoy these differences as well.

The concept of service charge differs from that in Japan.

One aspect of American restaurant culture that differs significantly from that of Japan is the concept of service charges. In Japan, service charges are generally included in the price of food, and customers do not have to pay an additional tip except in special cases. In the U.S., however, this concept is different, and it is common to pay a tip as a service charge.

The salary structure for waiters and waitresses in the United States differs from that in Japan. Their base salary is often set very low, and therefore their income is supplemented by tips. For this reason, when eating in a restaurant, a tip of about 151 TP3T to 201 TP3T is usually expected. If you feel you received particularly good service, you may give more than that.

Against this backdrop, tipping is positioned as an important source of income in the U.S., rather than simply as a form of appreciation. Therefore, it is a cultural practice for customers to show their respect and appreciation to employees by paying an appropriate amount. Japanese travelers unfamiliar with this custom may be confused at first, but understanding this cultural background will help them deal with the situation smoothly.

In addition, some restaurants may include a certain amount of service charge in the bill in advance in the form of "gratuitiy. Please note that this form of payment may be used especially when visiting with a large group or in restaurants near tourist attractions.

As mentioned above, understanding the unique service charge system in the U.S., which differs from that in Japan, will make your dining experience more pleasant.

What is the most popular ordering method in the U.S.?

I will discuss a popular ordering method in the United States. Single item ordering is the norm in American restaurants, with customers generally choosing menus based on their own preferences. This style is rooted in a culture that values the individual dining experience and is flexible enough to meet diverse needs.

First, "sharing" is very popular in the United States. When dining with friends or family, people often order different dishes and share them with the entire table. This allows people to enjoy a variety of tastes in one meal and encourages conversation, making it a favorite among many.

Next, "half-size" and "small plate" options are also common. These options are especially appreciated by health-conscious customers and those who want to enjoy a variety of dishes in small portions. Also, asking for a smaller portion as an appetizer increases the anticipation for the main dish that follows.

In addition, "customizable menus" are also popular. Salads, sandwiches, and other menu items that allow customers to choose ingredients, dressings, and other items according to their own preferences can be said to be unique to the richly diverse American society. This sense of customization is a key to the satisfaction of each and every customer.

And the number of users of "online reservation and ordering services" is also increasing. This service allows customers to easily make reservations and place orders from their smartphones or computers, allowing them to enjoy a smooth dining experience with no waiting time. This method is also favored by busy business people.

As mentioned above, there are a variety of ordering options in the U.S. to suit the needs and lifestyles of individual customers. Each has its own unique charm, so why not try them out for yourself?

Unique dining experiences created by differences in food culture

When you visit an American restaurant, you will experience a unique food culture that differs from that of Japan. This difference is not merely in the variety and taste of the food, but also in the service and ordering methods. Particularly interesting is the fact that the meal itself is a more free and individualized experience, as appetizers and set menus are not common.

First, the absence of an appetizer culture allows customers in the U.S. to choose their favorite dishes right from the start. This means an original dining experience tailored to each and every customer. From appetizers to desserts, you will have the pleasure of combining them yourself. And because you can choose dishes according to your mood and taste of the day, you will discover something new every time you visit a restaurant, even if you have already been there once.

An additional reason for the lack of widespread use of set menus is the emphasis on diversity and individualization. In the U.S., the multinational cultural backgrounds of the population require that dishes be tailored to meet their individual tastes and preferences. As a result, single item orders have become the norm and are tailored to meet the needs of each individual customer. This flexibility is what makes the American dining experience unique.

The concept of service charges, which differs from that in Japan, also contributes to this uniqueness. The culture of showing appreciation to service staff through the tipping system is not often seen in Japan. Thanks to this system, communication with customers becomes more active and personalized service can be provided.

Finally, "sharing" is a popular ordering method in the United States. By sharing multiple dishes with friends and family, one can enjoy many different kinds of food in small portions, thus having the advantage of having many different taste experiences at once. This is another example of the rich diversity of our society.

Thus, the differences in food culture are not merely formal, but also affect the spirit of hospitality and values unique to each region. Each different style has its own unique interest and charm, so why not enjoy them from a new perspective?