If you’re a foodie planning to travel to a Spanish-speaking country, you’ll want to know some essential Spanish vocabulary for ordering food at restaurants. While you may be familiar with some of the more common dishes and ingredients, there are many regional specialties and culinary terms that may be new to you. In this article, we’ll provide you with a comprehensive guide to ordering food in Spanish, including essential vocabulary and phrases for communicating with waiters and chefs.
Introduction to Spanish Cuisine
Before diving into specific vocabulary, it’s important to understand some basics about Spanish cuisine. Spaniards love their food and eating is a central part of Spanish culture. Meals are often eaten family-style, with multiple dishes shared among the table. Spanish cuisine varies widely by region, with each region having its own distinct culinary traditions and specialties.
Some of the most famous Spanish dishes include paella (a rice dish with saffron and various meats and seafood), tortilla espaƱola (a potato and egg omelette), gazpacho (a cold tomato soup), and churros con chocolate (fried dough pastry served with hot chocolate).
Essential Vocabulary for Ordering Food at Restaurants
Basic Phrases and Courtesies
- Hola (Hello)
- ĀæCĆ³mo estĆ”s? (How are you?)
- ĀæQuĆ© tal? (What’s up?)
- Buenas tardes (Good afternoon)
- Por favor (Please)
- Gracias (Thank you)
- De nada (You’re welcome)
- ĀæHablas inglĆ©s? (Do you speak English?)
Ordering Food
- Quiero (I want)
- Me gustarĆa (I would like)
- ĀæQuĆ© me recomienda? (What do you recommend?)
- ĀæCuĆ”l es el plato del dĆa? (What’s the dish of the day?)
- ĀæTienen alguna especialidad de la casa? (Do you have any house specialties?)
- ĀæPuedo ver el menĆŗ? (Can I see the menu?)
- Para mĆ, el… (For me, the…)
- Voy a pedir el… (I’m going to order the…)
- Me falta decidir entre… (I’m deciding between…)
- ĀæPuede repetir, por favor? (Can you repeat, please?)
Describing Food
- Picante (Spicy)
- Dulce (Sweet)
- Salado (Salty)
- Amargo (Bitter)
- Ćcido (Sour)
- Fresco (Fresh)
- Caliente (Hot)
- FrĆo (Cold)
- Cocido (Cooked)
- Crudo (Raw)
Ordering Drinks
- Quiero agua (I want water)
- ĀæTienen refrescos? (Do you have soft drinks?)
- Una cerveza, por favor (A beer, please)
- Una copa de vino tinto/blanco/rosado (A glass of red/white/rosƩ wine, please)
- Un chupito de tequila (A shot of tequila, please)
- Un cafƩ (A coffee, please)
- Un tƩ (A tea, please)
Special Requests
- Sin carne (Without meat)
- Sin gluten (Gluten-free)
- Sin lactosa (Lactose-free)
- Soy alĆ©rgico/a a… (I’m allergic to…)
- ĀæPueden hacerlo mĆ”s picante/suave? (Can you make it spicier/milder?)
- Quiero la ensalada sin cebolla/tomate/lechuga (I want the salad without onion/tomato/lettuce)
- ĀæPuedo cambiar el arroz por patatas? (Can I change the rice for potatoes)
Paying the Bill
- ĀæLa cuenta, por favor? (The bill, please?)
- ĀæAceptan tarjeta de crĆ©dito? (Do you accept credit card?)
- ĀæTienen cambio para billetes grandes? (Do you have change for big bills?)
- La propina estĆ” incluida (The tip is included)
- ĀæCuĆ”nto es en total? (How much is it in total?)
- Gracias, aquĆ tiene la propina (Thank you, here’s the tip)
Regional Specialties
As mentioned earlier, Spanish cuisine varies widely by region, and it’s important to know some regional specialties when ordering food in Spain. Here are some examples:
- Andalusia: Gazpacho, salmorejo (a thicker version of gazpacho), pescaĆto frito (fried fish)
- Basque Country: Pintxos (small tapas served on bread), bacalao al pil pil (cod cooked in garlic and olive oil), chuletĆ³n de buey (beef steak)
- Catalonia: Pa amb tomĆ quet (bread with tomato), botifarra (a type of sausage), crema catalana (a dessert similar to crĆØme brĆ»lĆ©e)
- Galicia: Pulpo a la gallega (octopus cooked with paprika and olive oil), empanada (a pie filled with meat or fish), tarta de Santiago (an almond cake)
- Valencia: Paella valenciana (paella with rabbit and chicken), horchata (a sweet drink made from tiger nuts), buƱuelos de calabaza (pumpkin fritters)
Conclusion
Ordering food in Spanish can be a delightful experience for foodies, and knowing some essential vocabulary and phrases will make your dining experience much smoother. Remember to be polite and courteous to your waiters and chefs, and don’t be afraid to ask questions or make special requests. Ā”Buen provecho!
In this video, we show you how to ask for the price and how to shop. A good complement to this entry. also you can visit this content
