Essential Vietnamese Phrases for Restaurants

27/4/2025

One of the highlights of traveling to Vietnam is experiencing its delicious cuisine. Being able to order food smoothly at restaurants or street stalls enhances the dining experience. This guide provides essential Vietnamese phrases categorized by different dining situations.

1. Entering a Restaurant

When entering a restaurant or café, these basic phrases will be useful.

  • Xin chào. (Sin chao) → Hello.
  • Tôi muốn đặt bàn. (Toi muon dat ban) → I’d like to reserve a table.
  • Tôi có đặt bàn trước. (Toi co dat ban truoc) → I have a reservation.
  • Anh/chị có bàn trống không? (Anh/chi co ban trong khong?) → Do you have any available seats?
  • Có bàn cho bao nhiêu người? (Co ban cho bao nhieu nguoi?) → How many people?
    • Hai người. (Hai nguoi) → Two people.
    • Bốn người. (Bon nguoi) → Four people.

2. Ordering Food

Use these phrases when ordering food or asking about the menu.

  • Cho tôi xem thực đơn. (Cho toi xem thuc don) → Can I see the menu?
  • Tôi muốn gọi món. (Toi muon goi mon) → I’d like to order.
  • Anh/chị có món gì đặc biệt không? (Anh/chi co mon gi dac biet khong?) → Do you have any special dishes?
  • Tôi muốn gọi món này. (Toi muon goi mon nay) → I’d like to order this.
  • Không cay, làm ơn. (Khong cay, lam on) → Please make it not spicy.
  • Ít đường, làm ơn. (It duong, lam on) → Please use less sugar.
  • Không có đậu phộng, tôi bị dị ứng. (Khong co dau phong, toi bi di ung.) → No peanuts, please. I have an allergy.

3. During the Meal

These phrases will help you while enjoying your meal.

  • Ngon quá! (Ngon qua!) → It’s delicious!
  • Cho tôi thêm nước. (Cho toi them nuoc) → Can I have more water?
  • Cho tôi thêm bia. (Cho toi them bia) → Can I have another beer?
  • Tôi muốn thử món khác. (Toi muon thu mon khac.) → I want to try another dish.

4. Asking for the Bill

When you finish your meal, use these phrases to settle the bill.

  • Tính tiền giúp tôi. (Tinh tien giup toi.) → Can I have the bill, please?
  • Tôi có thể trả bằng thẻ không? (Toi co the tra bang the khong?) → Can I pay by card?
  • Cho tôi hóa đơn. (Cho toi hoa don.) → Can I have the receipt?
  • Tiền thừa, cảm ơn. (Tien thua, cam on.) → Keep the change. (Used when giving a tip.)

5. Handling Problems

If any issues arise during your meal, these phrases can help.

  • Món ăn này không đúng. (Mon an nay khong dung.) → This is not what I ordered.
  • Tôi bị dị ứng với món này. (Toi bi di ung voi mon nay.) → I’m allergic to this dish.
  • Có thể đổi món được không? (Co the doi mon duoc khong?) → Can I change the dish?
  • Cho tôi gặp quản lý. (Cho toi gap quan ly.) → Can I speak to the manager?

6. Conclusion

Memorizing these Vietnamese phrases will help you enjoy dining experiences smoothly in Vietnam. Knowing how to order food and ask for assistance will make your trip more enjoyable.

Key Phrases Recap:

  • Entering: “Do you have available seats?” → Anh/chị có bàn trống không?
  • Ordering: “Do you have any special dishes?” → Anh/chị có món gì đặc biệt không?
  • Billing: “Can I have the bill, please?” → Tính tiền giúp tôi.

Use these phrases during your trip and enjoy Vietnam’s vibrant food culture to the fullest!

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