24 Japanese Phrases to Praise Food Like a Pro

Food is one of life’s greatest pleasures. And praising it well can make every meal feel special.

Whether you’re dining out or enjoying home-cooked goodness, knowing how to compliment food in Japanese adds warmth and connection. Plus, it’s just fun!

Japanese culture treasures the art of expressing appreciation for food, and their phrases often carry deep respect and delight.

Learning these phrases helps you sound natural and thoughtful, whether you’re chatting with friends or thanking a chef.

It’s easier than you think to sprinkle your conversations with tasty compliments that brighten up the moment.

Ready to sound like a food-loving pro? Let’s dive into 24 Japanese phrases that praise food like a native, complete with pronunciation tips and simple explanations.

Why Mastering Food Praise Matters

Complimenting food well opens doors to richer social experiences.

In Japan, showing gratitude for food isn’t just polite—it’s a way to celebrate the effort and culture behind every dish. Using the right phrases helps you connect on a deeper level.

It also boosts your confidence when speaking Japanese in everyday situations.

Sometimes, using a great beginner phrasebook can give you a perfect starting point for a cohesive understanding.

Once you get comfortable, it’s easier to remember phrases and know when to use them naturally.

These small but meaningful phrases will help you express genuine appreciation anytime you enjoy delicious food.

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. おいしい！ (Oishii! / oy-shee-ee)

The classic and simple “Delicious!”

Use “Oishii” to express straightforward delight in any tasty dish. It’s short, easy to remember, and instantly understood.

Perfect for beginners who want to sound natural without fuss.

It works for everything—from snacks to full meals.

You can even extend it to “すごくおいしい！(Sugoku oishii!)” to say “Super delicious!” which adds extra emphasis.

Start here, and you’ll sound like you truly enjoy the food you eat.

2. うまい！ (Umai! / oo-mah-ee)

A casual, masculine way to say “Tasty!”

“Umai” is often used by men but is fine for anyone in informal settings. It’s punchy and shows enthusiasm.

Practice it by saying it aloud when you really enjoy a bite.

Be careful not to use it in very formal situations, where it might sound too casual.

For example, after finishing a bowl of udon, you might say, “これ、うまいね！” (“Kore, umai ne!”) meaning “This is tasty, huh!”

It’s a great phrase to add some casual, friendly flavor to your compliments.

3. 最高！ (Saikou! / sigh-koe)

Meaning “The best!” or “Awesome!”

Use “Saikou” when you want to express that the food is top-notch or beyond delicious.

It’s energetic and makes your praise stand out.

Perfect for moments when the meal really impresses you.

Try saying “このケーキ、最高！” (“Kono keeki, saikou!”) to say “This cake is the best!”

It’s a fun way to add extra excitement to your food compliments.

4. おかわり！ (Okawari! / oh-kah-wah-ree)

Literally “Another helping!”

Say “Okawari” when you want more of the delicious food you’re enjoying.

It’s a friendly way to show you love the meal enough to ask for seconds.

Great for casual meals with friends or family.

Avoid using it in formal restaurants unless you’re invited to.

Using it encourages a cozy, communal dining vibe.

5. 甘いね (Amai ne / ah-my-neh)

This means “It’s sweet, isn’t it?”

Use “Amai ne” when commenting on a dessert or sweet dish.

It’s conversational and invites agreement or shared enjoyment.

Keep it simple and natural by using it when tasting something sugary.

For example, “このケーキ、甘いね！” (“Kono keeki, amai ne!”) means “This cake is sweet, isn’t it?”

A nice phrase to use for light-hearted food chats.

6. 熱い！ (Atsui! / ah-tsoo-ee)

“Hot!” — great for freshly cooked dishes.

Say “Atsui” when the food is piping hot and delicious.

It’s a simple, honest reaction that natives often use.

Be careful to wait before eating so you don’t burn yourself!

Example: “このスープ、熱い！” (“Kono suupu, atsui!”) meaning “This soup is hot!”

A practical phrase that shows you’re paying attention to the food’s qualities.

7. いい味 (Ii aji / ee ah-jee)

Translates as “Good flavor.”

Use “Ii aji” to compliment the taste balance or seasoning.

It sounds a bit more refined than just “oishii,” but still casual and approachable.

Try it when you want to appreciate subtle flavors.

For example, “この魚、いい味だね。” (“Kono sakana, ii aji da ne.”) means “This fish has a good flavor.”

It’s a great way to sound thoughtful about the food.

8. さらさらだね (Sarasara da ne / sah-rah-sah-rah dah neh)

Meaning “Smooth” or “silky,” often used for textures.

Say “Sarasara da ne” when appreciating the texture of noodles, sauces, or drinks.

It shows you notice details beyond just taste.

For example, “このそば、さらさらだね。” (“Kono soba, sarasara da ne.”) means “These soba noodles are smooth.”

Perfect for foodies who love to describe textures.

Try adding this phrase to impress friends with your descriptive skills.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. ごちそうさまでした (Gochisousama deshita / goh-chee-soh-sah-mah deh-shee-tah)

The classic phrase said after finishing a meal to thank the cook or host.

It literally means “It was a feast” and shows deep gratitude.

Always use this in formal settings or when dining at someone’s home.

It’s a must-know phrase that shows respect and appreciation.

For example, after eating, say “ごちそうさまでした” to your host or server.

Using this phrase will make you sound polite and thoughtful every time.

10. とても美味しかったです (Totemo oishikatta desu / toh-teh-moh oy-shee-kah-ttah deh-soo)

Meaning “It was very delicious.”

This polite past tense phrase is perfect for formal occasions or when speaking with chefs and elders.

It’s a respectful way to express strong appreciation.

Make sure to use the proper ending “desu” to keep it formal.

Example: “この料理はとても美味しかったです。” (“Kono ryouri wa totemo oishikatta desu.”)

It elevates your compliment and shows you care about manners.

11. 素晴らしい味です (Subarashii aji desu / soo-bah-rah-shee-ee ah-jee deh-soo)

Means “It’s a wonderful flavor.”

Use this formal compliment to praise the quality and skill behind the food.

It’s perfect when talking directly to chefs or hosts in upscale settings.

Avoid casual abbreviations to maintain politeness.

For instance, “この料理は素晴らしい味です。” (“Kono ryouri wa subarashii aji desu.”)

This phrase shows you appreciate culinary art and respect the effort put into the dish.

12. 盛り付けが美しいです (Moritsuke ga utsukushii desu / moh-reet-soo-keh gah oo-tsu-koo-shee deh-soo)

Meaning “The presentation is beautiful.”

This formal phrase compliments the visual appeal of the dish, which is very important in Japanese cuisine.

Use it to show attention to detail and respect for the chef’s artistry.

Remember to keep your tone polite and sincere.

Example: “盛り付けが美しいです。” (“Moritsuke ga utsukushii desu.”)

It’s a thoughtful way to praise beyond just taste.

13. 素敵な味わいですね (Suteki na ajiwai desu ne / soo-teh-kee nah ah-jee-wah-ee deh-soo neh)

Translates to “It’s a lovely flavor, isn’t it?”

This polite phrase is great for conversations about delicate or refined tastes.

It invites agreement and shared appreciation.

Keep the “desu ne” ending for a soft, respectful tone.

Example: “このお茶は素敵な味わいですね。” (“Kono ocha wa suteki na ajiwai desu ne.”)

Perfect for tea ceremonies or elegant dining.

14. とても満足しました (Totemo manzoku shimashita / toh-teh-moh mahn-zoh-koo shee-mah-shee-tah)

Means “I am very satisfied.”

Use this phrase to express fullness and happiness after a meal politely.

It’s a good way to compliment the overall experience.

Avoid using casual language like “manzoku” alone in formal settings.

Example: “食事にとても満足しました。” (“Shokuji ni totemo manzoku shimashita.”)

This shows appreciation not just for the food but the entire meal.

15. 心から感謝します (Kokoro kara kansha shimasu / koh-koh-roh kah-rah kahn-shah shee-mah-soo)

This means “I sincerely thank you.”

Use this phrase to express deep gratitude, especially after a home-cooked meal or special occasion.

It’s more formal and heartfelt than casual thank-yous.

Perfect for showing respect to elders or hosts.

Example: “素敵な料理を心から感謝します。” (“Suteki na ryouri o kokoro kara kansha shimasu.”)

It leaves a lasting impression of your appreciation.

16. 丁寧な味わいですね (Teinei na ajiwai desu ne / teh-nay nah ah-jee-wah-ee deh-soo neh)

Means “It’s a delicate and refined flavor, isn’t it?”

Use this polite phrase to acknowledge careful preparation and subtle taste balancing.

It shows you’re noticing the chef’s skill and care.

Don’t use it in casual or rushed conversations.

Example: “このスープは丁寧な味わいですね。” (“Kono suupu wa teinei na ajiwai desu ne.”)

It’s a compliment that sounds sophisticated and respectful.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. めっちゃうまい！ (Meccha umai! / meht-chah oo-mah-ee)

A very casual and enthusiastic way to say “Super tasty!”

“Meccha” is Kansai dialect slang meaning “very” or “super,” commonly used in casual conversations.

It adds local flavor and energy to your praise.

Great for chatting with friends or informal settings.

For example: “このラーメン、めっちゃうまい！” (“Kono raamen, meccha umai!”)

It sounds natural and spontaneous, just like a native would say.

18. やばい、うますぎ！ (Yabai, umasugi! / yah-bah-ee, oo-mah-sue-gee)

This slang phrase means “Oh wow, it’s too delicious!”

“Yabai” literally means “dangerous” but is used to express amazement or excitement.

“Umasugi” means “too tasty” (from “umai” + “sugi” meaning too much).

It’s very casual and should only be used with close friends.

Example: “この天ぷら、やばい、うますぎ！” (“Kono tenpura, yabai, umasugi!”)

It’s perfect for showing extreme enthusiasm in a fun way.

19. ぱくぱく食べちゃった (Pakupaku tabechatta / pah-koo-pah-koo tah-beh-chah-tah)

“Pakupaku” is an onomatopoeia for eating quickly or heartily.

Use this phrase to say you devoured something happily.

“Tabechatta” is the casual past tense of “to eat,” showing you finished eagerly.

It’s playful and casual, best with friends or family.

Example: “おにぎりをぱくぱく食べちゃった！” (“Onigiri o pakupaku tabechatta!”)

This phrase adds charm and personality to your food talk.

20. もう一回食べたい！ (Mou ikkai tabetai! / moh ee-kai tah-beh-tai)

Meaning “I want to eat it again!”

Use this casual phrase to express strong desire for seconds or to revisit a favorite dish.

It’s enthusiastic and shows genuine love for the food.

Perfect for informal conversations with friends or family.

Example: “このケーキ、もう一回食べたい！” (“Kono keeki, mou ikkai tabetai!”)

It’s a great way to sound excited without being too formal.

21. 最高にうまい！ (Saikou ni umai! / sigh-koe nee oo-mah-ee)

“The most delicious!” with strong emphasis.

“Saikou ni” means “to the highest degree,” making this phrase very expressive.

It’s casual but impactful, used when something is truly outstanding.

Try it when you want to hype up your favorite dishes.

Example: “このラーメン、最高にうまい！” (“Kono raamen, saikou ni umai!”)

It sounds like a genuine, heartfelt reaction.

22. たまらない味だね (Tamarana i aji da ne / tah-mah-rah-nah-ee ah-jee dah neh)

Means “An irresistible flavor, isn’t it?”

Use this phrase to express something so delicious it’s hard to resist.

It’s casual but expressive, showing deep appreciation.

Perfect for sharing your feelings about comfort food.

Example: “このカレー、たまらない味だね。” (“Kono karee, tamaranai aji da ne.”)

This phrase helps you sound emotionally connected to the food.

23. やみつきになる味 (Yamitsuki ni naru aji / yah-mee-tsoo-kee nee nah-roo ah-jee)

Means “A flavor that becomes addictive.”

Use this phrase for food you just can’t stop craving.

It’s casual and perfect for recommending dishes to friends.

Example: “この唐揚げ、やみつきになる味だよ。” (“Kono karaage, yamitsuki ni naru aji da yo.”)

This phrase shows you’re hooked and loving the taste.

Great for sounding like a true foodie!

24. 最高すぎる！ (Saikou sugiru! / sigh-koe sue-gee-roo)

“Too amazing!” or “Beyond the best!”

“Sugiru” means “too much,” adding strong excitement to “Saikou.”

It’s very casual and youthful, used to hype up food with friends.

Example: “この寿司、最高すぎる！” (“Kono sushi, saikou sugiru!”)

Use it when you want to sound energetic and super impressed.

It’s a fun way to end your food compliments on a high note.

Concluding Thought

Mastering these 24 Japanese phrases opens up a richer way to enjoy food and connect with people.

From casual bites to formal dinners, knowing how to praise food like a pro makes every meal more memorable and meaningful.

So next time you savor something delicious, try out these phrases and watch your appreciation—and your Japanese skills—grow!