Cantonese Dining Companion: Essential Phrases for Enjoying Hong Kong's Culinary Scene
Navigating Hong Kong's vibrant culinary scene is a delightful experience, and knowing some basic Cantonese phrases can enhance your dining adventures. Here's a handy phrasebook to assist you:
Basic Dining Phrases:
Hello: Nei Ho (你好)
Thank you: Mm goi (唔該)
Restaurant: Tsarn teng (餐廳)
Menu: Tsarn Pai (餐牌)
Excuse me, I would like to reserve a table: Mm goi, ngo serng deng toi (唔該，我想訂枱)
How many of us are going to have dinner?: Ngo dei gei dor yun ho sik farn? (我哋幾多人去食飯？)
I am hungry: Ngo ho toh ngo (我好肚餓)
Where is the restaurant?: Tsarn teng hay bin doh ah? (餐廳喺邊度呀？)
When are we having dinner?: Ngo dei gei dor dim sik farn ah? (我哋幾多點食飯呀？)
Let this meal be my treat: Li yut tsarn bei ngo tseng (呢餐畀我請)
Ordering Food and Drinks:
What recommendations do you have?: Nei yau mut yeh to gai ah? (你有乜嘢推薦呀？)
I need a fork: Ngo soeng jiu jat zek caa (我想要一隻叉)
I need a glass of water: Ngo soeng jiu jat bui seoi (我想要一杯水)
I need a pair of chopsticks: Ngo soeng jiu jat deoi faai zi (我想要一對筷子)
Is this vegetarian?: Nei go hai m hai sou sik? (呢個係唔係素食？)
I have a food allergy and can't eat...: Ngo jau sik mat man gam, m sik dak... (我有食物敏感，唔食得...)
This tastes delicious: Yi gor ho ho sik ah (呢個好好食呀)
Can I please have the bill?: Mm goi maai daan (唔該埋單)
I need takeout: Ngo soeng ling zau (我想拎走)
Common Hong Kong Dishes:
BBQ pork rice: Tsar siu farn (叉燒飯)
Fish ball noodle soup: Yuu darn torng hor (魚蛋湯河)
Egg tart: Daan taat (蛋撻)
Beef brisket noodle soup: Ngau larm torng meen (牛腩湯麵)
Claypot rice: Boh zai farn (煲仔飯)
Pineapple bun: Bor lor bao (菠蘿包)
Wonton noodle soup: Wun tun meen (雲吞麵)
HK-style French toast: Sai dor sii (西多士)
Roast pigeon: Siu yuu garp (燒乳鴿)
Red bean blended ice: Hung dao bing (紅豆冰)
Additional Useful Phrases:
Where is the bathroom?: Sai sau garn hay bin doh ah? (洗手間喺邊度呀？)
Are you full?: Nei bao mei ah? (你飽未呀？)
I need a beer: Ngo soeng jiu jat bui be zau (我想要一杯啤酒)
I need a coke: Ngo soeng jiu jat bui ho lok (我想要一杯可樂)
What is this?: Nei go hai me lai? (呢個係咩嚟？)
What time do you open?: Nei dei gei dim hoi mun? (你哋幾點開門？)
I want one more...: Ngo soeng jiu do jat go... (我想要多一個...)
Familiarizing yourself with these phrases can make your dining experiences in Hong Kong more enjoyable and immersive. Remember, a friendly smile and polite demeanor go a long way in any culture.
