Language/Vietnamese/Vocabulary/Food-Ordering

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Vietnamese → Vocabulary → 0 to A1 Course → Food and Drink → Food Ordering

Food Ordering in Vietnamese

In this lesson, you will learn essential vocabulary and phrases for ordering food in Vietnamese. Food is an integral part of Vietnamese culture, and knowing how to order your favorite dishes will enhance your experience when dining in Vietnam. Whether you're at a local street food stall or a traditional restaurant, these phrases will help you navigate the menu and communicate your preferences to the server.

Basic Phrases

Before diving into specific food-related vocabulary, let's start with some basic phrases that will come in handy when ordering food in Vietnamese:

• Xin chào (sin chow) - Hello
• Có thể giúp gì cho bạn? (co teeyoop yi joo cho ban) - How can I help you?
• Tôi muốn đặt món (toy mwoon dat mon) - I would like to order
• Xin cho tôi xem thực đơn (sin chow toy xem took durn) - Can I see the menu, please?
• Tôi chọn món này (toy chon mon nay) - I'll have this dish
• Tôi không ăn thịt (toy khom un tit) - I don't eat meat
• Tôi không ăn đồ chay (toy khom un do chai) - I am vegetarian
• Xin lỗi (sin loy) - Excuse me/sorry

Vocabulary for Food Ordering

Now, let's explore some vocabulary that will help you navigate the menu and order your desired dishes:

Appetizers

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Bánh mì gối	bun mee goy	Pillow bread
Chả giò	cha yaw	Fried spring rolls
Gỏi cuốn	goy kwoon	Fresh spring rolls
Nem nướng	nem noong	Grilled pork skewers
Bò lá lốt	bo la lot	Grilled beef wrapped in betel leaves

Main Courses

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Phở bò	fur bo	Beef pho
Bún chả	boon cha	Grilled pork with rice vermicelli
Cơm tấm	come tam	Broken rice with grilled pork
Gà nướng sả	ga noong sa	Lemongrass grilled chicken
Cá kho tộ	ka kho tor	Braised fish in clay pot

Soups

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Canh chua	kun chua	Sour soup
Súp đu đủ	sup doo doo	Papaya soup
Canh bún	kun boon	Vermicelli soup
Canh cải bó xôi	kun kai bo soy	Mustard greens soup
Canh rau đay	kun row die	Water spinach soup

Drinks

Vietnamese	Pronunciation	English
Trà đá	tra da	Iced tea
Cà phê sữa đá	ka fe soo-uh da	Iced coffee with condensed milk
Nước mía	nook mee-uh	Sugarcane juice
Nước ép trái cây	nook up chai kai	Fresh fruit juice
Bia	bee-uh	Beer

Useful Phrases

Besides the vocabulary, here are some useful phrases that will help you communicate your preferences and dietary restrictions:

• Tôi không ăn hành (toy khom un hahn) - I don't eat onions.
• Tôi không ăn tỏi (toy khom un toy) - I don't eat garlic.
• Tôi không ăn hải sản (toy khom un high san) - I don't eat seafood.
• Tôi không ăn đậu nành (toy khom un dow nanh) - I don't eat soybeans.
• Tôi không ăn đậu phụ (toy khom un dow foo) - I don't eat tofu.
• Tôi không ăn bơ (toy khom un buh) - I don't eat butter/avocado.
• Tôi không ăn đường (toy khom un doong) - I don't eat sugar.
• Tôi không ăn muối (toy khom un moy) - I don't eat salt.
• Tôi không ăn gluten (toy khom un gloo-ten) - I don't eat gluten.

Cultural Tips

When dining in Vietnam, it's important to remember a few cultural tips:

• Vietnamese people often share dishes. It's common to order several dishes and share them with everyone at the table.
• It's polite to wait for the eldest person or the host to start eating before you begin.
• Chopsticks are the primary utensils used in Vietnam. Familiarize yourself with basic chopstick etiquette, such as not sticking them vertically into your rice bowl.
• When toasting with a drink, it's customary to make eye contact and clink glasses with everyone at the table.

Now that you have learned the vocabulary and phrases for ordering food in Vietnamese, you are ready to explore the vibrant culinary scene in Vietnam. Enjoy your meals and immerse yourself in the rich flavors and traditions of Vietnamese cuisine!

Table of Contents - Vietnamese Course - 0 to A1

• Course Presentation

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Greetings and Introductions

• Hello and Goodbye
• Introducing Yourself

  ---

Vietnamese Culture Basics

• Vietnamese Values
• Social Etiquette
• Cuisine and Dining

  ---

Numbers and Counting

• Counting 1-10
• Counting 11-20
• Counting 21 and Beyond

  ---

Nouns and Pronouns

• Nouns and Gender
• Pronouns and Personal Pronouns
• Possessive Pronouns

  ---

Family and Relationships

• Family Members
• Relationships

  ---

Holidays and Celebrations

• Tet
• Mid-Autumn Festival

  ---

Verbs and Verb Tenses

• Present Tense Verbs
• Past Tense Verbs
• Future Tense Verbs
• Modal Verbs

  ---

Food and Drink

• Vietnamese Food
• Drinks and Beverages
• Food Ordering

  ---

Arts and Entertainment

• Traditional Music
• Movie and Television

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Adjectives and Adverbs

• Adjectives
• Adverbs

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Transportation

• Modes of Transportation
• Giving Directions

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Traditional Clothing

• Ao Dai
• Other Traditional Clothing

Sources

• How To Order Food In Vietnamese: #1 Easy Guide For Vocab And ...
• Survival Vietnamese: Ordering food – selinamusings

Other Lessons

• Months of the Year
• Drinks
• Games
• Flowers
• Counting 21 and Beyond
• Colors
• Counting 1 10
• Giving Directions
• At the Post Office
• City

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