24 Japanese Words for “Delicious” You Need to Know

Looking for fresh ways to say “delicious” in Japanese? You’re in the right spot!

Whether you’re chatting with friends or complimenting a chef, knowing a variety of tasty expressions makes your language skills sparkle. Plus, it’s just fun to say more than just “oishii.”

Japanese has so many colorful ways to describe food that tastes amazing, each with its own vibe and context. From casual to formal, and even playful slang, we’ve got you covered.

Mastering these words can help you connect more deeply with Japanese culture and show off your growing language chops. Imagine savoring sushi and dropping the perfect compliment that matches the moment!

It also makes dining out or cooking at home a little more exciting when you know exactly how to express your delight. Your taste buds and your Japanese will thank you.

Ready to explore 24 fantastic Japanese words to say “delicious”? Let’s dive in and make your food talk as flavorful as your meals!

Why Variety Matters in Saying “Delicious”

Japanese is full of nuance, and food words are no exception.

Using different words for “delicious” can show your personality, mood, or level of politeness. It’s a great way to sound more natural and engaged with the culture.

Plus, it keeps your conversations fresh and interesting.

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

Getting comfortable with these words also boosts your confidence when ordering or discussing food with locals.

And the best part? You can mix and match to suit any tasty occasion!

Part 1: Casual Suggestions

1. おいしい (Oishii) – oh-ee-shee (oh-ee-shee)

This is the classic, everyday word for “delicious.”

It’s simple, polite enough for most situations, and easy to remember—just say “oishii” when you want to show you really like the taste. It’s the first word most learners pick up and use.

Great for casual chats with friends or family.

It’s the go-to phrase that always works.

You might hear it combined with “ne” (ね) as “oishii ne” to make it sound even warmer, like “It’s delicious, isn’t it?”

Using “oishii” is your fast track to sounding like a natural food lover in Japan.

2. うまい (Umai) – oo-mai (oo-mai)

“Umai” is a casual, slightly masculine way to say delicious.

It’s often used by guys or in informal settings, but anyone can use it when hanging out with friends. To practice, try saying it after every delicious bite during casual meals.

Short and punchy, it shows strong approval.

Watch out: in very formal situations, it might sound too casual or rough.

In conversation, you might hear “Umai!” shouted with excitement after a great bite.

It’s perfect for sounding like a local buddy, especially when enjoying street food or grilled meat.

3. 最高 (Saikou) – sigh-koh (sigh-koh)

Meaning “the best” or “supreme,” “saikou” is often used to hype up food that’s really outstanding.

It’s easy to remember because it literally means “highest” or “top,” so you’re saying the food is top-notch. You can say, “Saikou da!” to express your delight.

Great for emphasizing extraordinary flavors.

It’s more expressive than just “oishii.”

Related phrases like “Saikou ni oishii” (最高においしい) mean “super delicious.”

Use it when you want to make your excitement heard loud and clear!

4. めっちゃおいしい (Meccha Oishii) – mech-cha oh-ee-shee (mech-cha oh-ee-shee)

“Meccha” is Kansai dialect for “very” or “super,” so this phrase means “super delicious.”

It’s casual and enthusiastic, perfect for friends or informal chats. Try saying “Meccha oishii!” when you want to sound lively and natural.

It adds energy to your compliment.

Don’t use it in formal settings, as it’s very casual.

It’s commonly heard in Osaka and surrounding areas.

Great way to boost your local flavor in informal conversations.

5. いい味 (Ii Aji) – ee ah-jee (ee ah-jee)

This means “good flavor” or “nice taste.”

It’s a simple way to compliment the balance or quality of the flavors in a dish. Saying “Ii aji!” is neat and polite enough for casual or semi-formal situations.

Focuses more on the flavor quality than just “delicious.”

Best used when you want to highlight subtleties in taste.

You might hear it used by chefs or food critics.

Adding “Ii aji” shows you appreciate the craftsmanship behind the dish.

6. たまらない (Tamarana) – tah-mah-rah-nai (tah-mah-rah-nai)

Literally meaning “unbearable,” this expression is used for food so delicious it’s almost overwhelming.

It’s a bit poetic and dramatic, great for expressing strong feelings about a dish. Try “Tamarana-i!” when a bite just blows you away.

Shows deep appreciation and emotional impact.

Not for everyday use, but very effective in the right moment.

You can combine it with “oishii” as “Tamaranakute oishii.”

Perfect for desserts or special treats that melt your heart.

7. コクがある (Koku ga aru) – koh-koo gah ah-roo (koh-koo gah ah-roo)

This phrase means “rich in flavor” or “full-bodied.”

It’s useful when you want to describe something with deep, complex taste like curry or miso soup. Saying “Koku ga aru” shows you recognize the richness behind the flavor.

Good for food descriptions in conversation.

Make sure not to confuse it with just sweetness or saltiness.

Try it out with dishes that have layers of taste.

It’s a great word to sound like a food enthusiast.

8. あまい (Amai) – ah-mai (ah-my)

While “amai” literally means “sweet,” it’s often used to describe delicious desserts or anything pleasantly sweet.

It’s simple and direct, easy to remember, and perfect for talking about sweets. Saying “Amai!” signals your enjoyment of sugary treats.

Use it mainly for desserts and sweet dishes.

Be careful not to use it for savory foods.

It can be combined with “oishii” for emphasis—”Amai oishii!”

Great word to sweeten your Japanese food talk.

Part 2: Polite & Formal Suggestions

9. おいしゅうございます (Oishuu gozaimasu) – oh-ee-shuu go-zah-ee-ma-su (oh-ee-shoo go-zah-ee-ma-su)

This is a very polite and somewhat old-fashioned way to say “delicious.”

It’s perfect for formal settings or when talking to elders, chefs, or hosts. The phrase elevates “oishii” by adding respectful language.

Shows high respect and gratitude.

Don’t use it casually as it may sound stiff.

Often used in traditional ceremonies or kaiseki dining.

Mastering this phrase shows your cultural awareness.

10. 美味でございます (Oishide gozaimasu) – oh-ee-shee-deh go-zah-ee-ma-su (oh-ee-shee-deh go-zah-ee-ma-su)

A very formal and respectful phrase meaning “It is delicious.”

It’s mostly used by staff in upscale restaurants or formal speeches. Saying this shows utmost politeness and professionalism.

Good to recognize if you visit fancy places.

Not typically used by learners in everyday conversation.

Learning it helps you understand cultural nuances.

It’s a great phrase to impress when dining formally.

11. 絶品 (Zeppin) – zeh-p-pin (zeh-p-pin)

“Zeppin” means “a superb item” or “masterpiece.”

It’s a polite way to say the food is exceptionally delicious and special. You can call a dish “zeppin” to highlight its extraordinary quality.

Useful for praising chef’s specialties.

Don’t overuse, as it’s best reserved for truly outstanding dishes.

Often seen in reviews or menus.

Using “zeppin” shows your appreciation for culinary excellence.

12. 風味豊か (Fūmi yutaka) – foo-mee yoo-tah-kah (foo-mee yoo-tah-kah)

This means “rich in flavor” or “full of aroma.”

It’s a refined way to describe food’s depth and complexity. Saying “Fūmi yutaka” is perfect for formal reviews or compliments.

Focuses on the sensory experience beyond just taste.

Not a casual phrase, so use it carefully.

Good to learn for food writing or detailed conversations.

It adds a poetic touch to your food vocabulary.

13. 絶妙 (Zetsumyō) – zeh-tsu-myoh (zeh-tsu-myoh)

Meaning “exquisite” or “subtle and perfect,” this word praises the delicate balance of flavors.

It’s formal and elegant, great for sophisticated compliments. Saying “Zetsumyō na aji” means “exquisite taste.”

Shows refined taste and attention to detail.

Best for special occasions or food critiques.

Not for everyday casual use.

Use it to impress when talking about gourmet food.

14. 滋味深い (Jimi bukai) – jee-mee boo-kai (jee-mee boo-kai)

This phrase means “deep and subtle flavor.”

It’s poetic and used in formal contexts to describe food with lasting impact and richness. Saying “Jimi bukai aji” conveys a profound appreciation.

Perfect for traditional Japanese dishes.

Not common in everyday speech.

Learning this adds depth to your food descriptions.

It’s a word food lovers cherish for special moments.

15. 美味 (Bimi) – bee-mee (bee-mee)

Meaning simply “delicious” or “tasty,” “bimi” is polite and often used in writing or menus.

It’s a slightly formal synonym for “oishii,” ideal for polite conversations or food descriptions.

Easy to remember and versatile.

Not overly formal, so you can use it in many settings.

It’s a great word to add variety without sounding too casual.

Try spotting it on menus or in food reviews for practice.

16. 口福 (Kōfuku) – kohh-fu-ku (kohh-fu-ku)

Literally meaning “mouth happiness,” this word poetically expresses the joy of eating delicious food.

It’s a refined and somewhat literary phrase, perfect for expressing heartfelt delight.

Great to know for cultural understanding and writing.

Rarely used in casual conversation.

Shows deep appreciation for food’s pleasure.

Use it to sound thoughtful and poetic about meals.

Part 3: Very Casual / Native-like Expressions

17. めちゃくちゃうまい (Mechakucha Umai) – mech-ah-koo-chah oo-mai (mech-ah-koo-chah oo-mai)

This is a super casual, emphatic way to say “extremely delicious.”

“Mechakucha” means “messy” or “crazy,” but here it intensifies “umai.” Try using it with close friends for fun.

It’s energetic and very informal.

Avoid using it in polite or formal places.

Example: “Kono ramen, mechakucha umai!” (“This ramen is insanely good!”)

Perfect for sounding like a native in relaxed settings.

18. ぱない (Panai) – pah-nai (pah-nai)

“Panai” is slang from “hanpa nai,” meaning “unbelievable” or “amazing.”

It’s very casual and popular among young people to express extreme deliciousness. Use it with friends to sound trendy.

Not suitable for formal situations.

It can be used alone or with “umai”: “Panai umai!”

Watching Japanese youth media helps you catch this phrase in action.

It’s a fun way to spice up your food talk.

19. やばい (Yabai) – yah-bai (yah-bye)

“Yabai” is a versatile slang word that can mean “awesome,” “terrible,” or “crazy.”

In food contexts, it means “super delicious” or “amazing.” Try “Yabai, umai!” when you want to express excitement in casual speech.

Very popular slang among all ages.

Use with friends or younger people, but avoid formal settings.

It’s a must-know for sounding current and natural.

Perfect for lively food adventures.

20. うまっ (Uma’) – oom-ah (oom-ah)

A shortened form of “umai,” this is a quick, casual exclamation meaning “Yum!” or “So good!”

It’s often used in speech when reacting immediately to a tasty bite. Easy to say and very natural.

Great for informal chats and social media.

Don’t use it in formal conversations.

It’s a fun way to react spontaneously.

Perfect to show enthusiasm instantly.

21. ぐっとくる (Gutto kuru) – goo-ttoh koo-roo (goo-ttoh koo-roo)

This expression means “hits you deeply” or “strikes a chord.”

Use it to describe food that moves you emotionally or tastes comfortingly good. It’s casual but heartfelt.

Good for sharing meaningful food experiences.

Avoid overusing in formal settings.

Example: “Kono karee, gutto kuru ne.” (“This curry really hits home.”)

Adds emotional depth to your food talk.

22. しみる (Shimiru) – shee-mee-roo (shee-mee-roo)

Literally meaning “to soak in,” this word describes food that feels warming or touching to the heart.

Use it for comfort foods or dishes that feel nourishing. It’s casual and very native-like.

Not typically used just for taste but for the overall comforting effect.

Great for talking about home-cooked meals.

Example: “Kono misoshiru wa shimiru.” (“This miso soup is so comforting.”)

Shows emotional connection with food.

23. さっぱりしてる (Sappari shiteru) – sahp-pah-ree shee-teh-roo (sahp-pah-ree shee-teh-roo)

This phrase means “refreshing” or “light.” It’s great for describing food that isn’t heavy and feels clean on the palate.

Use it casually or semi-formally when you want to highlight light flavors. Saying “Sappari shiteru” can praise dishes like salads or sashimi.

Focuses more on texture and feeling than just taste.

Be careful not to confuse with “simple” or “plain.”

Example: “Kono sarada wa sappari shiteru.” (“This salad is so refreshing.”)

Great for describing healthy foods.

24. とろける (Torokeru) – toh-roh-keh-roo (toh-roh-keh-roo)

Meaning “to melt,” this word is perfect for describing food that melts in your mouth, like soft cheese or creamy desserts.

It’s casual but vivid, often used for rich textures. Saying “Torokeru” conjures a delicious melting sensation.

Use it for desserts, fatty fish, or anything delightfully soft.

Not for crunchy or chewy foods.

Example: “Kono cheesecake wa torokeru.” (“This cheesecake melts in my mouth.”)

A delicious way to describe texture and taste together.

Concluding Thought

Exploring these 24 Japanese words for “delicious” is like taking a flavorful journey through language and culture.

Each word offers a unique way to express your joy and appreciation for food, making your conversations more vibrant and authentic.

Keep practicing, enjoy every bite, and let your Japanese food talk shine as brightly as your smile at the table!