One of the most rewarding experiences when traveling to an Arab country is indulging in the delicious local cuisine. However, knowing how to order food in Arabic is essential for a smooth and enjoyable culinary adventure. This article will equip you with the key phrases and vocabulary you need to confidently navigate menus and place your order, expanding your knowledge of food in Arabic language and making you feel more comfortable with how to order in Arabic.
Basic Vocabulary: Essential Food in Arabic Words
Before we dive into ordering phrases, let’s learn some fundamental food in Arabic vocabulary:
- طَعَام (ṭaʿām) – food
- شَرَاب (sharāb) – drink
- قَائِمَة الطَّعَام (qāʾimat aṭ-ṭaʿām) – menu
- حِسَاب (ḥisāb) – bill/check
- نَادِل (nādil) – waiter (male)
- نَادِلَة (nādilah) – waitress (female)
Key Phrases for “How to Order Food in Arabic”
Here are essential phrases you’ll need when you want to know how to order in Arabic:
- …أُرِيدُ (ʾurīdū…) – I want… (followed by the food in Arabic language for what you want)
- Example: أُرِيدُ شَاوِرْمَا دَجَاج (ʾurīdū shāwirmā dajāj.) – I want chicken shawarma.
- …مِنْ فَضْلِكَ (min faḍlik…) – Please… (to a male)
- Example: مِنْ فَضْلِكَ، أُرِيدُ وَجْبَة فَلَافِل (min faḍlik، ʾurīdū waǧbat falāfil.) – Please, I want a falafel meal.
- …مِنْ فَضْلِكِ (min faḍliki…) – Please… (to a female)
- Example: مِنْ فَضْلِكِ، هَلْ لَدَيْكُمْ مَنْسَف؟ (min faḍliki، hal ladaykum mansaf?) – Please, do you have mansaf?
- هَلْ لَدَيْكُمْ…؟ (hal ladaykum…?) – Do you have…? (followed by the food in Arabic)
- Example: هَلْ لَدَيْكُمْ سَلَطَة فَتُّوش؟ (hal ladaykum salaṭat fattūš?) – Do you have fattoush salad?
- أُرِيدُ وَاحِدًا مِنْ هَذَا (ʾurīdū wāḥidan min hādhā.) – I want one of this. (pointing to the menu or a dish)
- أُرِيدُ اثْنَيْنِ مِنْ هَذَا (ʾurīdū iṯnayn min hādhā.) – I want two of this.
- أُرِيدُ ثَلَاثَة مِنْ هَذَا (ʾurīdū ṯalāṯata min hādhā.) – I want three of this.
Specifying Your Order: More Useful Phrases
To be more specific when you order in Arabic, use these phrases:
- …بِدُونِ (bidūni…) – Without…
- Example: أُرِيدُ شَاوِرْمَا بِدُونِ بَصَل (ʾurīdū shāwirmā bidūni baṣal.) – I want shawarma without onions.
- …مَعَ (maʿa…) – With…
- Example: أُرِيدُ قَهْوَة مَعَ سُكَّر، مِنْ فَضْلِكَ (ʾurīdū qahwah maʿa sukkar, min faḍlik.) – I want coffee with sugar, please.
- قَلِيل (qalīl) – A little
- Example: أُرِيدُ مِلْح قَلِيل، مِنْ فَضْلِك (ʾurīdū milḥ qalīl, min faḍlik.) – I want a little salt, please.
- كَثِير (kaṯīr) – A lot
- Example: أُرِيدُ صَلْصَة حَارَّة كَثِيرًا (ʾurīdū ṣalṣah ḥārrah kaṯīran.) – I want a lot of hot sauce.
- هَلْ هَذَا حَارّ؟ (hal hādhā ḥārr?) – Is this spicy/hot?
- …لَدَيَّ حَسَاسِيَّة مِنْ (ladayya ḥasāsiyyah min…) – I am allergic to…
- Example: لَدَيَّ حَسَاسِيَّة مِنْ الْفُول السُّودَانِيّ (ladayya ḥasāsiyyah min al-fūl as-sūdāniyy.) – I am allergic to peanuts.
Asking for the Bill: Completing Your Order
When you’re ready to leave:
- اَلْحِسَاب، مِنْ فَضْلِكَ (al-ḥisāb, min faḍlik.) – The bill, please. (to a male)
- اَلْحِسَاب، مِنْ فَضْلِكِ (al-ḥisāb, min faḍliki.) – The bill, please. (to a female)
Conclusion: Ordering Your Favorite Food in Arabic
Knowing how to order food in Arabic is a practical and rewarding skill for anyone exploring the Arab world. By learning these basic phrases and some common foods in Arabic language vocabulary, you’ll be able to confidently navigate the culinary scene and enjoy the delicious offerings. So, go ahead, be adventurous, and don’t hesitate to use your new Arabic skills to order your next meal!
Ready to expand your Arabic vocabulary and conversational skills? Download the Kaleela app today and unlock a world of language and culture!
