Ordering pasta in English
What to say when ordering spaghetti al dente with sauce, cheese, and bread.
Full script
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Use for firmer pasta.
al dente is Italian: slightly firm; softer = a bit softer
Polite way to ask for chili flakes.
chili flakes = dried chili pieces; tomato / cream = sauce types
They stop when you say so.
Reply When! or That's good! to stop; parmesan = a cheese type
It means the restaurant pays.
I regret nothing. = funny way to say you have no regrets
Quick answers
Best pasta texture: what to say in English
Say “Al dente, please.” — use for firmer pasta. al dente is Italian: slightly firm; softer = a bit softer.
Want it spicy: what to say in English
Say “Can I add chili flakes?” — polite way to ask for chili flakes. chili flakes = dried chili pieces; tomato / cream = sauce types.
While adding cheese: what to say in English
Say “Say when.” — they stop when you say so. Reply When! or That's good! to stop; parmesan = a cheese type.
Know this phrase: what to say in English
Say “It's on the house.” — it means the restaurant pays. I regret nothing. = funny way to say you have no regrets.