Kids’ menus and portions in Japan

Japan is well set up for children’s appetites, especially at family restaurants and casual chains. Knowing the word for a kids’ meal and a few sharing tricks keeps everyone fed without waste.

The okosama plate

Many family restaurants offer an “okosama” (children’s) plate — a fun combination of small portions like rice, a little curry or hamburg steak, corn and a drink, often on a themed plate. Look or ask for “okosama menu”.

Where kids’ menus appear

• Family restaurants and casual chains almost always have them.
• Theme parks, department-store restaurants and food courts usually cater for children.
• Small traditional or specialist restaurants may not — sharing works well there.

Sharing and portions

Adult portions are moderate, and sharing is common and accepted at casual places. Ordering a couple of dishes to share, plus rice, suits younger children better than a plate each. Ask for an extra small bowl or plate — “o-sara” — to divide food.

Chains kids reliably love

• Conveyor-belt sushi (Sushiro, Kura, Hama Sushi) — cheap, fun, tablet-ordered, with plenty of non-fish plates (egg, corn, chicken, fries, udon, dessert).
• Udon and ramen chains (Marugame Seimen, Hanamaru) — quick, mild, cheap noodles most kids will eat.
• CoCo Ichibanya curry — choose the spice level (level 0/mild) and portion size, so even cautious eaters can have familiar-tasting curry and rice.
• Family restaurants (Saizeriya for cheap pasta/pizza; Gusto/Jonathan’s) — picture menus, drink bars and okosama plates.

High chairs, cutlery and comfort

Family restaurants and casual chains typically have high chairs, child cutlery and sometimes booster seats — just ask. Many also have non-smoking family sections and spacious booths that fit a pram alongside.

Handy phrases

Try “okosama menu wa arimasu ka?” (Do you have a children’s menu?), “o-sara o kudasai” (a plate, please) for sharing, and “kodomo-you no isu wa arimasu ka?” (Do you have a high chair?). Staff are helpful and used to families.