まかない

まかない comes from the verb 賄(まかな)う (to provide food/manage expenses). It's particularly associated with restaurant and hospitality industry culture in Japan.

Usage

• Usually written in hiragana, though 賄(まかな)い is also seen
• Also called まかない飯(めし) or まかない料理(りょうり)

Cultural note

• Staff meals in Japanese restaurants are often creative dishes made from available ingredients
• Some restaurants have become famous for their まかない dishes, which are sometimes added to the menu

Common collocations

• まかないを作(つく)る: to make a staff meal
• まかないを食(た)べる: to eat the staff meal
• まかない料理(りょうり): staff cooking, employee meal