EDIT: I just want to give a huge thank you to this community. I wasn’t sure what to expect in posting this as many aren’t familiar with ARFID/these types of food restrictions, and because trying the local cuisine is a huge element of travel for so many. The helpful and practical responses to this post have taken a huge weight off of my “big sister” shoulders, and I now feel confident that no one will be going hungry on our trip. Thank you all!
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(I put picky eater in quotes because it doesn’t totally describe the situation, but close enough).
I’ll be taking my teenage sister to Japan this summer. We’re both very excited, but a main point of apprehension is food – my sister is autistic and has some pretty severe food aversions. As a result, she primarily eats a rotation of “safe” foods in day-to-day life.
She is game to try some new things in Japan, but from past vacation experiences, I know this typically doesn’t go super well (we’ve often found ourselves driving around late at night in a foreign country looking for an open McDonald’s, because she wasn’t able to eat anything at dinner).
I’m hoping to bring some of her safe foods along from the US (honestly I’m sure I’ll appreciate the extra luggage space on the way home for souvenirs). But I have a few questions, if anyone has any relevant experience:
1. Will I have any trouble bringing food into the country? I’m thinking of dry things like cereal, granola bars, Easy Mac, etc. – nothing perishable. I know I can shop at grocery/convenience stores there too, but without knowing what brands we’d find, I’d want to bring at least some things she’s familiar with.
2. Should we expect any trouble with packing an electric kettle to prepare food at hotels? I tried to research this and am not seeing any immediate issues, but don’t know if this would raise a flag if our bag was searched or something.
3. I’m a big foodie myself – would it be a faux pas to occasionally go to a restaurant together but only order for myself? I know my sister won’t mind tagging along and not eating as she’s pretty used to doing so here in the US, but don’t know if this would be considered rude in Japan.
Thank you for any advice or opinions!
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by nyx178