Food & drinkBeginner
Telling a waiter about a food allergy in English (beginner)
Beginner English for telling a waiter about a food allergy. Key line: “I'm allergic to peanuts.”
Full script
Lin
Hi, I'm allergic to peanuts. Can you help?
Them
Of course. Which dish do you want?
Lin
I'd like the noodles. Does it have peanuts?
Them
Let me check. We take allergies seriously.
Lin
Thanks. Even a little is a problem.
Them
Good to know. No peanuts, no peanut surprise.
Lin
Great. Then I'd like the noodles, please.
Them
Perfect. One safe order, no surprises.
Key phrases
The lines worth keeping. Read them once before you go out.
Say it first
✓ I'm allergic to peanuts.Say your allergy
Say the allergen first, so they can help
Ingredient
✓ Does it have peanuts?Ask about peanuts
Ask if a dish has an ingredient
Stress it
✓ Even a little is a problem.Small amount is not OK
Shows even a small amount is a problem
Order
✓ I'd like the noodles, please.Choose the noodles
Order after you know it's safe
Quick answers
Say it first: what to say in English
Say “I'm allergic to peanuts.” — say your allergy. Say the allergen first, so they can help.
Ingredient: what to say in English
Say “Does it have peanuts?” — ask about peanuts. Ask if a dish has an ingredient.
Stress it: what to say in English
Say “Even a little is a problem.” — small amount is not OK. Shows even a small amount is a problem.
Order: what to say in English
Say “I'd like the noodles, please.” — choose the noodles. Order after you know it's safe.