Cover image via Venoth's Culinary Adventures | GiphyYou know you're a true Japanese foodie when you can look at the name of a dish on the menu and effortlessly rattle off its English meaning
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But have you ever wondered what some of the words typically used in Japanese restaurant names actually mean?
For a start, here's the literal translation of zanmai:
Question of the day: If *zanmai* literally translates to ambition, does Sushi Zanmai refer to the ambition of a sushi?
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Sadly, no. *Zanmai* which also means 'luxury' and 'indulgence', can be used to convey a state where one loves something so much that it is all they do. So basically, Sushi Zanmai refers to an overwhelming love for sushi that that's all one eats =)
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We've always wondered if this one might relate to the green frog somehow. Clearly, that's a no.
According to Douglas Foo, founder of the Sakae Sushi chain, the name was also picked due to its similarity to a word most sushi fans know and love: *sake*.
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Who knew this one had such a deep, philosophical meaning?
The beautifully poetic meaning behind Senjyu is used by the restaurant to reflect its "lifelong passion in serving the freshest and finest Japanese food, inspired by the truest traditions of Japanese cuisine."
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And it just gets more and more poetic…
Ichiban, meaning 'the first' or 'the best', forms this gorgeous meaning when paired with the word *boshi*, meaning 'star'.
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Gotta love how Rakuzen celebrates the simplest pleasure in life
The word *raku* (meaning 'ease' or 'comfort') and *zen* (meaning 'goodness' or 'virtue') take on the meaning of 'joy of dining' when combined.
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No berbunga-bunga meaning here though, Sushi Tei keeps it straight to the point
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*Tei* can also be used to mean 'mansion', 'cottage', or 'pavilion'.
Meanwhile, Sushi Mentai draws inspiration from a special ingredient
*Mentai* is commonly used to refer to the distinctive sauce made using spiced roe.
On an unrelated, less savoury note, it's also slang for a very specific genre of adult entertainment.
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