Chinese phrases: Eating out
Dishes are usually shared; many restaurants let you order by scanning a code on the table.
Speed:
- 几位？Jǐ wèi?How many people? · What staff ask when you come in. Answer with a number: (liǎng wèi), two.
- 服务员！Fúwùyuán!Excuse me! (to call the waiter) · Normal and not rude in China.
- 可以看一下菜单吗？Kěyǐ kàn yíxià càidān ma?Could I see the menu, please?
- 有什么推荐的？Yǒu shénme tuījiàn de?What do you recommend?
- 我要这个。Wǒ yào zhège.I'll have this.
- 不要太辣。Bú yào tài là.Not too spicy, please. · Or ask for (wēilà), mildly spicy.
- 我不吃肉。Wǒ bù chī ròu.I don't eat meat. · Vegetarian: (wǒ chī sù). Say it clearly, as meat is often used in sauces.
- 我对花生过敏。Wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn.I'm allergic to peanuts.
- 再来一瓶啤酒。Zài lái yì píng píjiǔ.Another bottle of beer, please.
- 很好吃！Hěn hǎochī!It's delicious!
- 买单。Mǎidān.The bill, please. · Also (jiézhàng). Tipping isn't expected in mainland China.
- 可以打包吗？Kěyǐ dǎbāo ma?Can I take the leftovers away?