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Telling a waiter about a food allergy in English (advanced)
Advanced English for telling a waiter about a food allergy. Key line: “Before I order, could you help me out? I'm severely allergic to peanuts.”
Full script
Lin
Before I order, could you help me out? I'm severely allergic to peanuts.
Them
Of course—thanks for flagging that. Do you know which dishes you're considering?
Lin
I was eyeing the noodles, but even trace amounts can set me off.
Them
Got it. Some sauces have peanut oil, so I'll double-check with the kitchen.
Lin
Thanks, I know I sound fussy; my throat just likes drama more than I do.
Them
No worries—I'd rather hear the warning now than get an encore later.
Lin
Fair enough. If the noodles are risky, I'm happy to switch to something safer.
Them
Good call—the grilled steak is peanut-free, and tonight your throat gets no solo.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
help
✓ help me outask for help
More natural than help
tiny amount
✓ trace amountsvery small amounts
Common for allergies
reaction
✓ set me offcause a reaction
Here: cause a bad reaction
check
✓ I'll double-check with the kitchen.I'll check again with the kitchen.
Safer than I'll ask
Quick answers
help: what to say in English
Say “help me out” — ask for help. More natural than help.
tiny amount: what to say in English
Say “trace amounts” — very small amounts. Common for allergies.
reaction: what to say in English
Say “set me off” — cause a reaction. Here: cause a bad reaction.
check: what to say in English
Say “I'll double-check with the kitchen.” — i'll check again with the kitchen. Safer than I'll ask.