Traveling to an English-speaking foreign country is one of the best experiences you can have when you want to learn English, as it’s a way to force yourself to survive in another language and this includes knowing how to ask for directions, but also asking for food in English! And, believe us, when you’re hungry, the words come out!
If you’re desperately searching for travel vocabulary lists because you’re worried about not knowing how to order food in English, read on!
At Fun Talk we bring you the best tips for you to learn how to order in an English restaurant quickly.
How to order food in English
Ordering in a restaurant in English is not so different from ordering in Spanish, but if you want to prepare yourself properly, it is important that you learn new vocabulary, beyond the ingredients you are allergic to. Here are some phrases that will be of great help to you:
Vocabulary for ordering a table
- “Do you have a table available?”
- “Can we get a table for two, please?
Vocabulary for ordering food in English
- “Could I see the menu, please?
- “What do you recommend?
- “What dish is your specialty?
- “I’d like to order the chicken curry, please.” (I’d like to order the chicken curry, please).
- “Could I have the steak cooked medium-rare, please?” .
- “I’m allergic to nuts, so please make sure there are none in my dish.” (I’m allergic to nuts, so please make sure there are none in my dish).
Vocabulary for ordering drinks
- “I’ll have a glass of red wine, please.” (I’ll have a glass of red wine, please).
- “Could we get a pitcher of water for the table?”
Vocabulary for saying thank you in a restaurant
- “Thank you very much for your help”.
- “We really enjoyed the meal, thank you.” (We really enjoyed the meal, thank you).
Tips for ordering in a restaurant in English
- Learn by heart some of the phrases we have mentioned, but don’t parrot them! Think about what you want to say and trust your judgment.
Surely, with more or less words, you will find a way to make yourself understood. - Always be grateful. Just as you are making an effort to communicate in another language, the waiters are doing their best to understand you.
Always remember this and don’t get angry if they bring you a dish you didn’t order.
When the language is different, communication can fail.
If you explain the mistake slowly, they will bring you what you wanted in the first place. - Do not hesitate to use the mobile translator. If technology has given us anything, it’s the ability to look up whatever we want whenever we want, so don’t be afraid to make a query on your phone if you’re not sure how to say an ingredient.
And, if after reading these tips you still think you need help ordering in a restaurant in English, contactus! At Fun Talk we have conversation classes that can prepare you to communicate with any English-speaking waiter.