Language/Armenian/Vocabulary/Eating-Out
As a language teacher, I believe that learning a language goes beyond knowing words and grammar rules. It also involves getting to know the culture of the country where the language is spoken. With this in mind, in this lesson, we will not only learn useful vocabulary for eating out in Armenia but also some interesting facts about Armenian food culture.
Armenian food is a fusion of various culinary traditions from neighboring countries such as Georgia, Iran, and Turkey. Traditionally, Armenian meals are served with a lot of side dishes, including lavash (a thin flatbread), pickles, and fresh herbs. One of the most popular Armenian dishes is khorovats, which is a marinated and grilled meat (usually pork, lamb, or chicken) served with vegetables and lavash.
Now let's dive in and learn some essential Armenian phrases and words for eating out.
Ordering Food
When you enter a restaurant in Armenia, you will typically be greeted by a server who will take you to your table. Here are some phrases you can use to order food:
Armenian | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
ես կարող եմ պատրաստել պատանեկ | es karogh em patrasel pataneq | I am ready to order |
ես կարող եմ պատրաստել մենյույից | es karogh em patrasel menyuyich | I am ready to order from the menu |
մենյու խնդիր ունենալու դեպքում շնորհակալ եմ, կարող եք ցուցակ կանխատեսել | menyuu khndir unenalut depkum shnorhakal em, karogh eq tsutsak kanxatesel | Thank you, but can you bring me the menu in case I have trouble choosing? |
սպասեք միրգույնը ձեր պատվերը | spassek mirgyuny dzery patvereh | Please wait a moment for your order |
When you receive your food and want to ask for something else or complain, you can use the following phrases:
Armenian | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
միրգը վախեցաք | mirgyun vakhetsak | We made a mistake |
ավելացրեք ու կանխարգել | avelec' u kanxaregel | Add and wrap up |
հավատք չեմ ունենում ինձ պատվիրելիս | havat'ch'em unenoom indz patvirelis | I don't like when ordering |
Talking About Food Preferences and Dietary Restrictions
In Armenia, it is not common to have strict dietary restrictions. However, it is still useful to know some vocabulary to communicate your preferences or restrictions.
Armenian | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
գլխարկ | g'lkhark | vegetarian |
ալերգիկ | alergik | allergic |
բաց պատրաստություն | bac' patrastutyun | vegan |
շարժական | sharjakan | seasonal |
տաքսաբանական | tak'sabanakan | organic |
Here is a phrase you can use to ask if a certain dish contains an ingredient you are allergic to:
Armenian | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
կա կարմիր ընդհանուր | ka karmir endhanur | Does it contain any red allergens? |
Armenians are known for their hospitality and generosity, so don't be surprised if the restaurant staff offers you some complimentary food or drink. When this happens, you can use the following phrase to say thank you:
Armenian | Pronunciation | English |
---|---|---|
շնորհակալ եմ | shnorhakal em | Thank you |
I hope this lesson has been useful for you. In the next lesson, we will learn some basic Armenian verbs and tenses. Don't forget to practice these phrases next time you visit an Armenian restaurant!