Ordering at a Chinese restaurant in English
How to order family style and make simple requests at a Chinese restaurant.
Full script
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Ask to share dishes
family style = shared dishes in the middle; individual plates = one per person
Ask for two bowls of rice
a bowl of rice = one serving of rice; fried rice = stir-fried rice
Ask for less oil
less salty = less salt; no MSG = without MSG; kung pao chicken = spicy chicken dish
Ask for hot water
chopsticks = utensils for eating; pro = really knows how
Quick answers
Chinese-style dining: what to say in English
Say “Can we order family style?” — ask to share dishes. family style = shared dishes in the middle; individual plates = one per person.
Rice is ordered extra: what to say in English
Say “Two bowls of rice, please.” — ask for two bowls of rice. a bowl of rice = one serving of rice; fried rice = stir-fried rice.
Special request: what to say in English
Say “Can you make it less oily?” — ask for less oil. less salty = less salt; no MSG = without MSG; kung pao chicken = spicy chicken dish.
Water may come cold: what to say in English
Say “Some hot water, please.” — ask for hot water. chopsticks = utensils for eating; pro = really knows how.