When you visit a restaurant that speaks Mandarin, it's super useful to know some key phrases. These phrases will help you tell the staff what you want. Here are some simple phrases you can use when ordering food.

Easy Ordering Phrases:

1. 我想要 (wǒ xiǎng yào) - "I would like"

   • Example: 我想要一杯茶。 (Wǒ xiǎng yào yī bēi chá.) - "I would like a cup of tea."

2. 请给我 (qǐng gěi wǒ) - "Please give me"

   • Example: 请给我菜单。 (Qǐng gěi wǒ càidān.) - "Please give me the menu."

3. 我要点菜 (wǒ yào diǎn cài) - "I want to order"

   • Example: 我要点菜。 (Wǒ yào diǎn cài.) - "I want to order food."

Talking About Food Preferences:

1. 我不吃 (wǒ bù chī) - "I don't eat"

   • Example: 我不吃肉。 (Wǒ bù chī ròu.) - "I don’t eat meat."

2. 我是素食者 (wǒ shì sùshí zhě) - "I am a vegetarian"

   • Example: 我是素食者。 (Wǒ shì sùshí zhě.) - "I am a vegetarian."

3. 我对……过敏 (wǒ duì...guòmǐn) - "I am allergic to..."

   • Example: 我对坚果过敏。 (Wǒ duì jiānguǒ guòmǐn.) - "I am allergic to nuts."

Asking About the Food:

1. 这道菜是什么？ (zhè dào cài shì shénme?) - "What is this dish?"

   • You can ask this when you're curious about a dish.

2. 这个菜辣吗？ (zhège cài là ma?) - "Is this dish spicy?"

   • Example: 这个菜辣吗？ (Zhège cài là ma?) - "Is this dish spicy?"

3. 有没有推荐的菜？ (yǒu méiyǒu tuījiàn de cài?) - "Do you have any recommended dishes?"

   • This is a friendly way to ask the waiter for suggestions.

Talking About Amounts:

1. 我要一个 (wǒ yào yī gè) - "I want one"

   • Example: 我要一个饺子。 (Wǒ yào yī gè jiǎozi.) - "I want one dumpling."

2. 我们要两份 (wǒmen yào liǎng fèn) - "We want two portions"

   • Example: 我们要两份米饭。 (Wǒmen yào liǎng fèn mǐfàn.) - "We want two portions of rice."

Friendly Dining Tips:

• When you get your food, remember to say 谢谢 (xièxiè) - "Thank you."
• If you're eating with friends, it’s nice to share dishes. You can say: 我们一起分享。 (Wǒmen yīqǐ fēnxiǎng.) - "We will share together."

By learning these phrases, you'll be prepared to order, talk about what you eat, and have a great time at a Mandarin-speaking restaurant. Practice these phrases so you'll feel more comfortable next time you dine out!