This content is a practical English lesson designed to equip learners with the essential phrases and confidence needed to successfully order food and navigate various situations in restaurants, both domestically and abroad.
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Hey there English learners. Welcome back
to English Tips and Podcast, the channel
where English gets easy and fun.
>> I'm Olivia and this is my partner in
English crime, Ethan. And guess what?
Today's episode is absolutely delicious.
>> H, I see what you did there. Yeah, we're
talking about one of the most important
skills you'll ever need.
>> Ordering food in English. Ordering food
in English. Now, before we dive in, let
me ask you something. Have you ever been
to a restaurant abroad and just pointed
at the menu because you didn't know what
to say?
>> Or maybe you wanted to ask for extra
ketchup, but ended up just smiling awkwardly.
awkwardly.
>> Oh man, I remember once I tried to order
a steak in London and I was so nervous I
said, "I want a mistake, please."
instead of I want a steak, please.
>> No way. Did they actually give you a mistake?
mistake?
>> Well, the waiter looked confused, but
yeah, he figured it out. But see, that's
exactly why this lesson exists,
>> right? Because ordering food shouldn't
be scary or stressful. It should be
natural, confident, and honestly, kind
of fun.
>> So, here's what we're going to do today.
We're giving you 50, yes, 50 real
conversations that you'll actually use
in restaurants.
>> We'll start with super simple situations
like ordering a coffee or asking for the
menu. Perfect for beginners.
>> And then we'll level up to more advanced
stuff like sending food back, asking
about ingredients, or even making
special requests.
>> And here's the magic part. Every
conversation is in Q&A style. One person
asks, the other answers. Supernatural,
super practical.
>> You can literally pause this video,
repeat after us, and bam, you're ready
for any restaurant in the world.
>> So, grab a snack, get comfy, and let's
learn how to order like a native English speaker.
speaker.
>> Remember our motto, everyone.
>> English is not about perfection. It's
about connection.
>> English is not about perfection. It's
about connection. Let's get started.
>> All right, let's start with the basics.
These are conversations anyone can use,
even if you're just starting to learn English.
English.
>> Listen carefully. Repeat after us and
you'll sound like a pro in no time. Excuse
me. Can I see the menu, please?
>> Of course. Here you go.
>> Thank you very much.
>> You're welcome. I'll be back in a few
minutes to take your order.
>> What do you recommend?
>> The pasta and the grilled chicken are
very popular.
>> Sounds good. I'll have the grilled
chicken, please.
>> Excellent choice. I'll get that started
for you right away.
>> Can I have a glass of water, please?
Sure. Still or sparkling?
>> Still water, please.
>> Perfect. I'll bring it right away.
>> I'd like to order now.
>> Great. What would you like?
>> I'll have the Caesar salad and a coffee.
>> Perfect. That'll be ready in about 10 minutes.
minutes.
>> Do you have any vegetarian options?
>> Yes, we have several vegetarian dishes.
>> Great. Can you show me which ones?
>> Of course. They're all marked with a
green leaf on the menu.
>> How much is this dish?
>> It's $15.
>> Okay, I'll take it.
>> Great. I'll put that order in for you.
>> Can I get this without onions?
>> Absolutely. No problem.
>> Thank you so much.
>> You're welcome. Enjoy your meal.
>> Is this spicy?
>> Yes, it's quite spicy. Would you like
something milder?
>> Yes, please. What do you suggest?
>> The chicken curry is mild and very
flavorful. I think you'll love it.
>> Can I have the bill, please?
>> Sure, I'll bring it right away.
>> Thank you.
>> Here you are. You can pay whenever
you're ready.
>> You accept credit cards?
>> Yes, we accept all major credit cards.
>> Perfect. I'll pay by card then.
>> Great. I'll bring the card machine over.
>> Table for two, please.
>> Right this way, please. Follow me.
>> Thank you.
>> Here's your table. Enjoy your meal.
>> Can we sit by the window?
>> Let me check. Yes, this table is available.
available.
>> Perfect. Thank you.
>> You're welcome. Someone will be with you
shortly to take your order.
>> What's the soup of the day
>> today? It's tomato soup.
>> I'll have that, please.
>> Great choice. It comes with fresh bread
on the side.
>> Can I have extra napkins? Of course.
Here you are. >> Thanks.
>> Thanks.
>> You're welcome. Let me know if you need
anything else.
>> Is service charge included?
>> Yes, it's included in the bill.
>> Oh, okay. Good to know.
>> Yes, but additional tips are always
appreciated if you're happy with the service.
service.
>> Can I have some ketchup?
>> Sure. I'll bring it right away.
>> Thank you.
>> Here you go. Enjoy.
>> I'll have the burger, please. How would
you like it cooked?
>> Medium, please.
>> Perfect. And it comes with fries and kleslaw.
kleslaw.
>> Do you have Wi-Fi?
>> Yes. The password is on your receipt.
>> Great. Thanks.
>> You're welcome. Enjoy your time here.
>> Can I have a coffee?
>> Would you like it black or with milk?
>> With milk, please.
>> Coming right up.
>> Where's the restroom?
>> It's down the hall on your left.
>> Thank you. No problem. Enjoy your meal.
>> Great job so far. Now, let's move to
more complex situations. These are for
when you want to sound more natural and confident.
confident.
>> These include special requests, dietary
restrictions, complaints, and more
detailed conversations. Ready?
Excuse me. Does this dish contain any
nuts? I have an allergy.
>> Let me check with the chef. I'll be
right back.
>> Thank you. I appreciate it.
>> Good news. It doesn't contain nuts, so
you're safe to order it.
>> I ordered my steak medium rare, but this
is well done.
>> I'm so sorry. I'll have the kitchen
prepare a new one immediately.
>> Thank you. I'd appreciate that.
It'll be just a few minutes and I'll
bring you a complimentary appetizer
while you wait.
>> Could you recommend a wine that pairs
well with seafood?
>> Absolutely. I'd suggest our Svenon Blanc
or Pog Grigio.
>> I'll go with the Sovenan Blanc, please.
>> Excellent choice. I'll bring it right
over with a wine glass.
Is it possible to substitute the fries
with a salad?
>> Yes, we can do that for an additional $2.
$2.
>> That's fine. I'll do the substitution.
>> Perfect. I'll make sure the kitchen
knows about your preference.
>> How fresh is the fish today?
>> It was delivered this morning, so it's
very fresh.
>> Great. I'll have the grilled sea bass then.
then.
>> Wonderful choice. It comes with seasonal
vegetables and lemon butter sauce.
>> Do you have any glutenfree options?
>> Yes, we have gluten-free pasta and bread available.
available.
>> Perfect. I'll have the gluten-free pasta
with marinara sauce.
>> Excellent. I'll inform the kitchen about
your dietary requirement right away.
>> I'm sorry, but this soup is cold. Could
you heat it up?
>> Of course. My apologies. I'll take it
back right away.
>> Thank you.
>> Here's your soup, freshly heated. Again,
sorry for the inconvenience.
>> Can I get the dressing on the side?
>> Absolutely. No problem at all.
>> Thanks. I like to control how much I use.
use.
>> I totally understand. I'll bring it in a
separate small bowl.
>> What's your preparation time for this dish?
dish?
It usually takes about 20 25 minutes.
>> That's fine. I'm not in a rush.
>> Great. I'll put your order in right now
so it's as fresh as possible.
>> Is this dish made with organic ingredients?
ingredients?
>> Yes. We source most of our vegetables
from local organic farms.
>> That's wonderful. I'll definitely order
it then.
>> You'll love it. It's one of our most
popular healthy options. I'd like to
make a reservation for six people
tomorrow at 700 p.m.
>> Let me check our availability. Yes, we
can accommodate that.
>> Perfect. Should I leave my phone number?
>> Yes, please. And I'll send you a
confirmation text within the hour.
>> Can the chef make this less salty?
>> Certainly. I'll inform the kitchen about
your preference.
>> I appreciate that. Thank you.
>> No problem at all. We want to make sure
you enjoy your meal.
>> Do you offer any vegan desserts?
>> Yes, we have a vegan chocolate cake and
fruit sorbet.
>> I'll try the chocolate cake, please.
>> Great choice. It's made with dark
chocolate and coconut cream. You'll love it.
it.
>> I think there's a mistake on the bill. I
was charged twice for drinks.
>> Let me take a look. You're right. I'll
correct that immediately. Thank you for checking.
checking.
>> Here's the corrected bill. Sorry for the
confusion and thank you for catching that.
that.
>> Could we have a few more minutes to decide?
decide?
>> Of course. Take your time. I'll come
back shortly.
>> Thanks. We're still looking at the menu.
>> No rush at all. I'll check back in about
5 minutes.
>> Is this dish suitable for someone with diabetes?
diabetes?
>> It's relatively low in sugar, but I can
ask the chef for more details. Yes,
please. I need to be careful.
>> I completely understand. Let me get you
the exact nutritional information right away.
away.
>> We're celebrating an anniversary. Do you
do anything special? >> Congratulations.
>> Congratulations.
We'd be happy to bring out a
complimentary dessert.
>> That's so thoughtful. Thank you.
>> It's our pleasure. We'll also make sure
to bring it with a candle. Happy anniversary.
anniversary.
>> Can I speak with the manager? The
service has been excellent.
>> Thank you so much. I'll let them know
right away.
>> Your attention to detail was really impressive.
impressive.
>> That means the world to us. The manager
will be thrilled to hear this feedback.
>> Is gratuitity already included or should
I add it separately?
>> A 15% service charge is included, but
additional tips are always appreciated.
>> I see. I'll add a little extra then.
That's very kind of you. We really
appreciate your generosity.
>> Could you pack the leftovers separately?
Some contain meat and some don't.
>> Absolutely. I'll make sure they're
packed in different containers.
>> Perfect. Thank you for understanding.
>> No problem at all. Here you go. Labeled
and clearly marked for you.
>> What's the difference between these two
pasta dishes?
This one has a creambased sauce. And
this one has a tomato-based sauce.
>> I'll go with the tomato based one, please.
please.
>> Great choice. It's lighter and packed
with fresh herbs.
>> Can I order half portions of two
different dishes?
>> Let me check with the kitchen.
Yes, we can do that. >> Perfect.
>> Perfect.
I'd like half portions of the lasagna
and the risoto.
>> Excellent idea. You'll get to try both
of our signature dishes.
>> Is there a corkage fee if I bring my own wine?
wine?
>> Yes, it's $20 per bottle.
>> That's reasonable. I'll bring my own then.
then.
>> Perfect. Just let us know when you
arrive and we'll have it chilled for you.
you.
>> Do you have a private dining area for a
business meeting?
>> Yes, we have a private room that seats
up to 12 people.
>> Great. How do I reserve it?
>> I can book it for you right now. What
date and time work best?
>> My friend is running late. Can I order
for both of us now?
>> Of course. Would you like me to hold
their dish until they arrive?
>> Yes, please. Just bring mine first.
>> Perfect. I'll time everything so the
food is fresh when they get here.
>> This dish looks amazing. Can I take a
photo before eating?
>> Absolutely. Would you like me to add
some garnish to make it more photogenic?
>> Oh, that would be great.
>> Here you go. I added some fresh herbs.
Enjoy your meal and your photos.
>> I have a gift card. Can I use it here?
>> Yes, we accept our restaurant gift cards.
cards.
>> Perfect. I'll use it for today's meal.
>> Great. Just present it when you're ready
to pay.
>> Do you recommend something that's not
too heavy? I have a meeting after this.
>> I'd suggest our grilled chicken salad or
the shrimp wrap.
>> The shrimp wrap sounds perfect.
>> Excellent choice. It's light, fresh, and
very satisfying.
>> Do you offer any lunch specials or combo
deals? Yes, our lunch special includes a
main dish, side, and drink for $12.
>> That's a great deal. I'll take the lunch special.
special.
>> Perfect. Which main dish would you like
from our lunch menu?
>> I noticed you have outdoor seating. Is
it available now?
>> Yes, we have a few tables available on
the patio.
>> Great. Can we move outside? Absolutely.
Let me get someone to help you transfer
>> All right, there you have it. 50
complete real conversations you can use
in any restaurant anywhere in the world.
>> From ordering a simple coffee to making
special dietary requests, you're now
prepared for everything.
>> Remember, the key is practice. Don't be
afraid to make mistakes. Even native
speakers mess up sometimes.
>> And here's a pro tip. Waiters and
restaurant staff are usually super
friendly and helpful. They want you to
have a good experience.
>> So use these phrases, practice them out
loud, and next time you're at a
restaurant, you'll sound confident and
natural. If this video helped you, hit
that like button, subscribe to our
channel, and share it with someone who's
learning English. And don't forget,
>> English is not about perfection. It's
about connection.
>> English is not about perfection. It's
about connection.
>> See you in the next episode.
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