Lesson No 18 B —- Ordering Food and Drinks

Here are some phrases you can use to order food and drinks:

Ordering Food

• I’d like to have… (e.g., I’d like to have a steak.)
• Can I get… (e.g., Can I get a burger and fries?)
• I’ll have… (e.g., I’ll have the chicken salad.)
• Is the [dish] spicy? (e.g., Is the curry spicy?)
• Can I substitute [ingredient] for [ingredient]? (e.g., Can I substitute the chicken for tofu?)

Ordering Drinks

• I’d like a… (e.g., I’d like a glass of water.)
• Can I get a… (e.g., Can I get a coffee?)
• I’ll have… (e.g., I’ll have a beer.)
• Do you have… (e.g., Do you have any non-alcoholic drinks?)
• Can I get a refill?

Example conversation:

Waiter: Are you ready to order? Customer: Yes, please. I’d like to have a pizza with pepperoni and mushrooms. Waiter: And what would you like to drink? Customer: I’ll have a glass of Coke.

Asking for Recommendations

• What is the most popular dish here?
• Can you recommend something vegetarian/vegan/gluten-free?
• What is the chef’s special today?

Specifying Preferences

• I don’t like spicy food.
• I’m allergic to [ingredient].
• Could you make it [how you want it]? (e.g., Could you make it extra crispy?)

Complaining About an Order

• Excuse me, this is not what I ordered.
• This food is cold/overcooked/undercooked.
• I’m not happy with my order.