"¿Cuál es la especialidad de la casa?"
means
"What is the house specialty?" and is used when asking for the restaurant's signature dish.
How to order food and drinks in Spanish
Are you dreaming of basking in the sun in Spain or exploring the vibrant streets of Mexico City? When visiting a Spanish-speaking country, the experience isn't complete without savoring the local cuisine. But ordering food in a language you're not familiar with? Now that can be quite a pickle!
Fear not, amigos! We've got you covered. From asking for the house specialty to ensuring your meal aligns with dietary restrictions, we've compiled a list of key phrases that will turn you into a pro at ordering food and drinks in Spanish. So let's dive in, shall we? ¡Buen provecho!
"Quiero..." or better yet, "Me gustaría..." mean "I want" and "I would like" respectively, and are your go-to phrases when ordering. For instance, "Me gustaría una cerveza" smoothly translates to "I would like a beer".
To ask for something politely, you would say "Por favor", which means "please". So, "Me gustaría un café, por favor" is how you say "I would like a coffee, please".
When you're spoilt for choice, asking for recommendations can be a lifesaver. Just ask "¿Qué me recomiendas?" or "What do you recommend?"
Here are some essential phrases and words that will help you navigate ordering food and drinks in Spanish:
"¿Cuánto es?"
means
"How much is it?" and is used when asking for the cost of a particular dish.
"¿Tiene algo sin gluten / vegetariano / vegano?"
means
"Do you have something gluten-free/vegetarian/vegan?" and is used when asking for special dietary options.
"¿Me puede traer la cuenta, por favor?"
means
"Can I have the bill, please?" and is used when asking for the check at the end of the meal.
When you want to order a specific dish, the following phrases will come in handy:
"Una paella, por favor"
translates to
"A paella, please". Paella is a traditional Spanish dish, usually consisting of rice, seafood, and a variety of other ingredients.
"Un burrito, por favor"
translates to
"A burrito, please". Burritos are a traditional Mexican dish consisting of a flour tortilla stuffed with various ingredients like beans, rice, and meat.
"Una tortilla española, por favor"
is
"A Spanish omelette, please". This is a classic Spanish dish made with eggs, potatoes, and onions.
For ordering drinks, consider the following:
"Un vaso de agua, por favor"
translates to
"A glass of water, please"
"Una cerveza, por favor"
means
"A beer, please".
"Una copa de vino tinto/blanco, por favor"
translates to
"A glass of red/white wine, please". This is a common order when having dinner.
"Un vaso de sangría, por favor"
means
"A glass of sangria, please" Sangria is a traditional Spanish drink, perfect if you want to try something local.
When you dive into the culinary adventure that each Spanish-speaking country offers, remember to embrace the local customs and etiquette. Dining isn't just about the food, but the whole experience! So when you order your next meal, do it with confidence, courtesy, and a dash of local flavor.
Bon appétit... or should we say ¡Buen provecho!
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