Learning Korean: ‘Ordering Food in Korean’ for Beginners

When you start learning Korean, one of the most practical skills is knowing how to order food in Korean. Whether you are in a restaurant, café, or even at a street food stall, having a few simple phrases ready will make your experience smoother and more enjoyable. In Korea, ordering food is not only about asking for what you want but also about showing politeness and respect. In this guide, we will go through the most useful Korean expressions for ordering food, with English explanations so beginners can use them right away.

1. Getting the Staff’s Attention

Before you order, you need to call the staff politely.

• 저기요! (Jeogiyo!)
  Meaning: Excuse me!
  When to use: This is the most common way to call a waiter or waitress in Korea. Just raise your hand slightly and say it politely.
• 여기요! (Yeogiyo!)
  Meaning: Over here, please!
  When to use: Very common in restaurants. This is polite but slightly more direct.
• 사장님! (Sajangnim!)
  Meaning: Boss!
  When to use: Often used at small restaurants or food stalls, especially with older owners. It’s a friendly and respectful way to address them.

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2. Asking for the Menu

• 메뉴판 좀 주세요. (Menyupan jom juseyo.)
  Meaning: Please give me the menu.
  When to use: Formal and polite, good for restaurants.
• 메뉴 있어요? (Menyu isseoyo?)
  Meaning: Do you have a menu?
  When to use: Casual dining, simple and polite.

Tip: Many Korean restaurants have menus on the wall, so the staff might point instead of bringing a paper menu.

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3. Ordering Food

The basic structure is: [음식] + 주세요 (juseyo) = Please give me [food].

• 불고기 주세요. (Bulgogi juseyo.)
  Meaning: Please give me bulgogi.
• 김치찌개 하나 주세요. (Kimchi jjigae hana juseyo.)
  Meaning: One kimchi stew, please.
• 아이스 아메리카노 두 잔 주세요. (Aiseu americano du jan juseyo.)
  Meaning: Two iced Americanos, please.

If you want to be more polite, add 좀 (jom) before 주세요.

• 불고기 좀 주세요. (Bulgogi jom juseyo.) – A softer and more polite request.

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4. Numbers and Quantities

When ordering, numbers are important. Koreans usually add 하나 (one), 둘 (two), 셋 (three), 넷 (four) before 주세요.

• 비빔밥 하나 주세요. – One bibimbap, please.
• 맥주 세 병 주세요. – Three bottles of beer, please.
• 콜라 두 잔 주세요. – Two glasses of cola, please.

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5. Asking for Recommendations

Sometimes you want to try something new.

• 추천해 주세요. (Chucheon hae juseyo.)
  Meaning: Please recommend something.
• 뭐가 제일 맛있어요? (Mwoga jeil masisseoyo?)
  Meaning: What is the most delicious here?
• 오늘 메뉴 뭐예요? (Oneul menyu mwoyeyo?)
  Meaning: What’s today’s special?

These phrases show interest in the restaurant and often make the staff friendlier.

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6. Special Requests

If you have preferences or allergies, these sentences are useful:

• 덜 맵게 해 주세요. (Deol maepge hae juseyo.)
  Meaning: Please make it less spicy.
• 매운 거 빼 주세요. (Maeun geo bbae juseyo.)
  Meaning: Please remove the spicy stuff.
• 고기 없이 해 주세요. (Gogi eopsi hae juseyo.)
  Meaning: Please make it without meat.
• 양파 넣지 말아 주세요. (Yangpa neochi mara juseyo.)
  Meaning: Please don’t put onions in.

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7. Asking for Side Dishes

In Korea, side dishes (반찬, banchan) are often free and refillable.

• 반찬 좀 더 주세요. (Banchan jom deo juseyo.)
  Meaning: Please give me more side dishes.
• 김치 더 있어요? (Kimchi deo isseoyo?)
  Meaning: Do you have more kimchi?

This is very natural and staff expect it, so don’t feel shy!

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8. Paying the Bill

When you finish eating, you need to ask for the check.

• 계산해 주세요. (Gyesanhae juseyo.)
  Meaning: Please give me the bill.
• 카드 돼요? (Kadeu dwaeyo?)
  Meaning: Can I pay by card?
• 나눠서 계산해 주세요. (Nanwoseo gyesanhae juseyo.)
  Meaning: Please split the bill.

Note: In Korea, you usually go to the counter to pay instead of waiting at the table.

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9. Casual Versions for Friends

If you’re with friends, you can drop the polite endings.

• 나 불고기 먹을래. (Na bulgogi meogeullae.) – I’ll eat bulgogi.
• 우리 치킨 시키자. (Uri chikin sikija.) – Let’s order chicken.
• 맥주 마실래? (Maekju masillae?) – Do you want to drink beer?

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Final Thoughts

For beginners learning Korean, ordering food is one of the most useful skills. With just a few key phrases like “[음식] 주세요” and “계산해 주세요”, you can confidently enjoy meals in Korea. Not only will this make your dining experience easier, but it also shows respect for Korean culture and politeness.

Next time you visit a Korean restaurant, try practicing these expressions. The staff will appreciate your effort, and you’ll feel more comfortable using Korean in real life.

Daily Small Talk: https://rrrdgt.site/learning-korean-24/