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:
- food – طَعَام (ṭaʿām)
- drink – شَرَاب (sharāb)
- menu – قَائِمَة الطَّعَام (qāʾimat aṭ-ṭaʿām)
- bill/check – حِسَاب (ḥisāb)
- waiter (male) – نَادِل (nādil)
- waitress (female)نَادِلَة (nādilah)
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:
- (ʾurīdū…) – …أُرِيدُ – I want… (followed by the food in Arabic language for what you want)
- Example: (ʾurīdū shāwirmā dajāj.) – أُرِيدُ شَاوِرْمَا دَجَاج – I want chicken shawarma.
- (min faḍlik…) – …مِنْ فَضْلِكَ – Please… (to a male)
- Example: مِنْ فَضْلِكَ، أُرِيدُ وَجْبَة فَلَافِل (min faḍlik، ʾurīdū waǧbat falāfil.) – Please, I want a falafel meal.
- (min faḍliki…) – …مِنْ فَضْلِكِ – Please… (to a female)
- Example: مِنْ فَضْلِكِ، هَلْ لَدَيْكُمْ مَنْسَف؟ (min faḍliki، hal ladaykum mansaf?) – Please, do you have mansaf?
- (hal ladaykum…?) – هَلْ لَدَيْكُمْ…؟ – Do you have…? (followed by the food in Arabic)
- Example: (hal ladaykum salaṭat fattūš?) – هَلْ لَدَيْكُمْ سَلَطَة فَتُّوش؟ – Do you have fattoush salad?
- (ʾurīdū wāḥidan min hādhā.) – أُرِيدُ وَاحِدًا مِنْ هَذَا – I want one of this. (pointing to the menu or a dish)
- (ʾurīdū iṯnayn min hādhā.) – أُرِيدُ اثْنَيْنِ مِنْ هَذَا – I want two of this.
- (ʾurīdū ṯalāṯata min hādhā.) – أُرِيدُ ثَلَاثَة مِنْ هَذَا – I want three of this.
Specifying Your Order: More Useful Phrases
To be more specific when you order in Arabic, use these phrases:
- (bidūni…) – …بِدُونِ – Without…
- Example: (ʾurīdū shāwirmā bidūni baṣal.) – أُرِيدُ شَاوِرْمَا بِدُونِ بَصَل – I want shawarma without onions.
- (maʿa…) – …مَعَ – With…
- Example: (ʾurīdū qahwah maʿa sukkar, min faḍlik.) – أُرِيدُ قَهْوَة مَعَ سُكَّر، مِنْ فَضْلِكَ – I want coffee with sugar, please.
- (qalīl) – قَلِيل – A little
- Example: (ʾurīdū milḥ qalīl, min faḍlik.) – أُرِيدُ مِلْح قَلِيل، مِنْ فَضْلِك – I want a little salt, please.
- (kaṯīr) – كَثِير – A lot
- Example: (ʾurīdū ṣalṣah ḥārrah kaṯīran.) – أُرِيدُ صَلْصَة حَارَّة كَثِيرًا – I want a lot of hot sauce.
- (hal hādhā ḥārr?) – هَلْ هَذَا حَارّ؟ – Is this spicy/hot?
- (ladayya ḥasāsiyyah min…) – …لَدَيَّ حَسَاسِيَّة مِنْ – I am allergic to…
- Example: (ladayya ḥasāsiyyah min al-fūl as-sūdāniyy.) – لَدَيَّ حَسَاسِيَّة مِنْ الْفُول السُّودَانِيّ – I am allergic to peanuts.
Asking for the Bill: Completing Your Order
When you’re ready to leave:
- The bill, please. (to a male) – اَلْحِسَاب، مِنْ فَضْلِكَ (al-ḥisāb, min faḍlik.)
- The bill, please. (to a female) – اَلْحِسَاب، مِنْ فَضْلِكِ (al-ḥisāb, min faḍliki.)
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!
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