Have you ever been on vacation in a foreign country and had no idea how to order food? If so, in this blog post, we’ll share our top tips for ordering food like a pro in any country. From understanding menus to using the right phrases, we’ll make sure you know exactly what to do (and what not to do) when it comes to ordering food abroad. So let’s get started!
1. Understand the menu. In most cases, the menu will be in the local language, so it might be difficult to decipher at first. However, with a little practice, you’ll be able to read it like a pro. A good way to start is by looking for keywords that you recognize, such as “starter,” “main course,” and “dessert.” Once you’ve familiarized yourself with the menu, you can start to order food. If this is too much for you, you can just simply use Google Translate or another translation app to help you understand the menu or Trip Advisor to plan your trip.
2. Familiarize yourself with local customs and etiquette when it comes to ordering food. In some cultures, it’s customary to say “please” and “thank you” when ordering food. In others, it might be customary to tip your waiter. Be sure to do some research on local customs before you travel so that you know what to expect.
3. Know what dishes are popular in that country and order those items instead of risking a dish you’re not familiar with. In some countries, dishes can be quite spicy or unusual, so it’s always best to play it safe and order something that you know you’ll enjoy.
4. Use the right phrases. In some cases, you might not be able to understand the menu at all. In these instances, it’s helpful to know a few phrases in the local language that will help you order food. Some key phrases to know include “What is this?” (in case you’re not sure what a dish is), “I would like,” and “No thank you.”
5. Be aware of dietary restrictions. If you have any dietary restrictions, it’s important to let the waiter know. In some cases, they might not be familiar with certain dietary terms, so it’s always helpful to have a translation card on hand. Asides from your own dietary restriction, you need to also familiarize yourself with the country’s dietary restriction (if any), for example, it is rude to eat pork in some countries.
6. Have realistic expectations. When ordering food in a foreign country, it’s important to keep in mind that you might not get exactly what you’re expecting. In some cases, the dish you order might not look like the photo on the menu. So relax and enjoy trying new foods- you’re on vacation, after all!
7. Be polite. No matter what country you’re in, it’s always important to be polite when ordering food. This means using phrases such as “please” and “thank you” when placing your order.
8. Ask for recommendations. If you’re not sure what to order, don’t be afraid to ask the waiter or waitress for recommendations. They’ll be able to suggest dishes that are popular in that country and that you’re likely to enjoy. Or better still use a restaurant recommendation app to search for restaurants near you.
9. Be prepared to pay. In some cases, you might need to pay for your food when you order it. This is usually the case in restaurants. However, in other instances, such as street food, you might need to pay when you’ve finished eating. So be prepared to have either your credit card or cash ready when ordering food.
One thing that makes a Vacation fun, is trying out new meals at local restaurants or maybe street food. Just be sure to know what you are eating! We hope these tips help you to navigate any menu and order with ease when next you travel. Have fun!
Dinesurf makes everything easy for you, no matter what location you choose to visit. You can make your reservation on the platform through the link: https://app.dinesurf.com/
YOU MAY ALSO LIKE
