Food & drinkBeginner
Ordering at a Chinese restaurant in English (beginner)
Beginner English for ordering at a Chinese restaurant. Key line: “Can we order now, please?”
Full script
Lin
Can we order now, please?
Them
Sure. What would you like today?
Lin
I'd like beef and fried rice.
Them
Okay. Do you want it spicy?
Lin
Just a little, not too spicy.
Them
Got it. Anything else?
Lin
One dumpling soup, please. My nose runs.
Them
No problem. I'll keep your nose safe.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Order now
✓ Can we order now, please?Polite way to start ordering
Common way to begin ordering
I'd like
✓ I'd like beef and fried rice.Polite way to say what you want
I'd like is more polite when ordering
Mild
✓ Just a little, not too spicy.Use this for spice level
Useful for talking about spice
More
✓ Anything else?Staff ask this next
Staff often ask this next
Quick answers
Order now: what to say in English
Say “Can we order now, please?” — polite way to start ordering. Common way to begin ordering.
I'd like: what to say in English
Say “I'd like beef and fried rice.” — polite way to say what you want. I'd like is more polite when ordering.
Mild: what to say in English
Say “Just a little, not too spicy.” — use this for spice level. Useful for talking about spice.
More: what to say in English
Say “Anything else?” — staff ask this next. Staff often ask this next.