How a Waiter Suggests Tacos in Korean

Understanding common service interactions is key when dining out in Korea. This guide focuses on the specific scenario of a waiter suggesting a taco during a casual lunch shift, providing essential Korean phrases and cultural context for both customers and those working in service.

Core Suggestion Phrase

• Expression: 이 타코 한번 드셔보시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: i ta-ko han-beon deu-syeo-bo-si-ge-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Would you like to try this taco? (Polite suggestion)

Greeting and Seating Customers

• Expression: 어서 오세요.
  Pronunciation: eo-seo o-se-yo.
  Meaning: Welcome.
• Expression: 몇 분이세요?
  Pronunciation: myeot bun-i-se-yo?
  Meaning: How many people are in your party?
• Expression: 두 분이세요?
  Pronunciation: du bun-i-se-yo?
  Meaning: Is it two people?
• Expression: 이쪽으로 앉으세요.
  Pronunciation: i-jjok-eu-ro an-jeu-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please sit this way. / Please sit here.
• Expression: 편한 자리에 앉으세요.
  Pronunciation: pyeon-han ja-ri-e an-jeu-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please sit wherever you feel comfortable.
• Expression: 메뉴판 여기 있습니다.
  Pronunciation: me-nyu-pan yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Here is the menu.
• Expression: 물 먼저 드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: mul meon-jeo deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Shall I bring you some water first?
• Expression: 주문하시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: ju-mun-ha-si-ge-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: Are you ready to order? / Would you like to order?
• Expression: 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
  Pronunciation: jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please wait a moment.

Taking the Order

• Expression: 주문 도와드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: ju-mun do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: May I help you with your order? / Can I take your order?
• Expression: 뭐 드시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: mwo deu-si-ge-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: What would you like to eat/drink?
• Expression: 어떤 걸로 드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: eo-tteon geol-lo deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Which one would you like?
• Expression: 네, 알겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: Yes, I understand. / Okay, got it.
• Expression: 음료는 뭘로 하시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: eum-nyo-neun mwol-lo ha-si-ge-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: What would you like for drinks?
• Expression: 다른 필요하신 건 없으세요?
  Pronunciation: da-reun pil-yo-ha-sin geon eop-seu-se-yo?
  Meaning: Is there anything else you need?
• Expression: 주문 확인해 드리겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: ju-mun hwa-gin-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I will confirm your order.
• Expression: [메뉴 이름] 하나랑 [메뉴 이름] 하나 맞으신가요?
  Pronunciation: [me-nyu i-reum] ha-na-rang [me-nyu i-reum] ha-na ma-jeu-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is it one [Menu Item] and one [Menu Item]?
• Expression: 잠시 후에 가져다 드리겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: jam-si hu-e ga-jyeo-da deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: I will bring it out shortly.

Suggesting Menu Items (Especially Tacos)

• Expression: 저희 가게는 타코가 인기가 많아요.
  Pronunciation: jeo-hui ga-ge-neun ta-ko-ga in-gi-ga ma-na-yo.
  Meaning: Tacos are very popular at our restaurant.
• Expression: 오늘 새로 나온 타코인데, 추천해 드려요.
  Pronunciation: o-neul sae-ro na-on ta-ko-in-de, chu-cheon-hae deu-ryeo-yo.
  Meaning: This is a new taco we have today, I recommend it.
• Expression: 이 치킨 타코 정말 맛있어요.
  Pronunciation: i chi-kin ta-ko jeong-mal ma-si-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: This chicken taco is really delicious.
• Expression: 비프 타코 한번 드셔보세요.
  Pronunciation: bi-peu ta-ko han-beon deu-syeo-bo-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please try the beef taco.
• Expression: 혹시 매운 거 괜찮으시면, 스파이시 포크 타코 어떠세요?
  Pronunciation: hok-si mae-un geo gwaen-cha-neu-si-myeon, seu-pa-i-si po-keu ta-ko eo-tteo-se-yo?
  Meaning: If you’re okay with spicy food, how about the spicy pork taco?
• Expression: 타코 좋아하시면, 이걸로 추천드립니다.
  Pronunciation: ta-ko jo-a-ha-si-myeon, i-geol-lo chu-cheon-deu-rim-ni-da.
  Meaning: If you like tacos, I recommend this one.
• Expression: 세트 메뉴로 드시면 타코와 음료를 같이 즐기실 수 있어요.
  Pronunciation: se-teu me-nyu-ro deu-si-myeon ta-ko-wa eum-nyo-reul ga-chi jeul-gi-sil su i-sseo-yo.
  Meaning: If you order the set menu, you can enjoy a taco and a drink together.
• Expression: 고객님, 이 타코는 저희 시그니처 메뉴입니다.
  Pronunciation: go-gaeng-nim, i ta-ko-neun jeo-hui si-geu-ni-cheo me-nyu-im-ni-da.
  Meaning: Customer, this taco is our signature menu item.
• Expression: 어떤 타코를 가장 좋아하세요?
  Pronunciation: eo-tteon ta-ko-reul ga-jang jo-a-ha-se-yo?
  Meaning: Which taco do you like the most? (Can be used to gauge preference before suggesting)
• Expression: 이 타코는 고수가 들어가는데 괜찮으세요?
  Pronunciation: i ta-ko-neun go-su-ga deu-reo-ga-neun-de gwaen-cha-neu-se-yo?
  Meaning: This taco has cilantro in it, is that okay?

Checking on the Customer

• Expression: 음식은 입에 맞으세요?
  Pronunciation: eum-sik-eun ip-e ma-jeu-se-yo?
  Meaning: How is the food? / Does the food suit your taste?
• Expression: 필요한 거 있으시면 말씀해 주세요.
  Pronunciation: pil-yo-han geo i-sseu-si-myeon mal-sseum-hae ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: Please let me know if you need anything.
• Expression: 물 더 드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: mul deo deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Would you like more water?
• Expression: 맛있게 드세요.
  Pronunciation: ma-sit-ge deu-se-yo.
  Meaning: Enjoy your meal. (Said when serving the food)
• Expression: 빈 그릇 치워드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: bin geu-reut chi-wo-deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Shall I clear the empty plates?
• Expression: 불편하신 점은 없으세요?
  Pronunciation: bul-pyeon-ha-sin jeom-eun eop-seu-se-yo?
  Meaning: Is there anything inconvenient? / Is everything alright?
• Expression: 더 필요하신 건 없으신가요?
  Pronunciation: deo pil-yo-ha-sin geon eop-seu-sin-ga-yo?
  Meaning: Is there anything else you need? (Often asked before bringing the bill)
• Expression: 계산 도와드릴까요?
  Pronunciation: gye-san do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
  Meaning: Shall I help you with the bill? / Would you like the check?
• Expression: 계산은 카운터에서 도와드리겠습니다.
  Pronunciation: gye-san-eun ka-un-teo-e-seo do-wa-deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
  Meaning: We’ll help you with the bill at the counter.

Cultural Tips

Politeness Levels: In Korean service culture, using polite language (like the -요 [-yo] or -ㅂ니다/습니다 [-mnida/-seumnida] endings) is standard. Even in casual settings like a lunch shift at a taco place, waiters will typically use formal or polite speech with customers.

Calling Staff: If you need the waiter, it’s common to make eye contact and say “저기요” (jeo-gi-yo – Excuse me / Over here) or press a call button if available on the table. Waving aggressively is generally avoided.

Suggestions are Common: Waitstaff often recommend popular items or specials, especially if customers seem unsure. Accepting or politely declining the suggestion is perfectly fine.

Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Korea. Service charges are typically included in the price, and leaving an extra tip is not expected and can sometimes cause confusion.

Water and Side Dishes: Self-service water is common in casual restaurants. Basic side dishes (like pickles at a Western-style place) might be offered, sometimes complimentary, but refills might depend on the restaurant policy.

Real Conversation Example

Situation: A customer is looking at the menu during a casual lunch hour at a taco restaurant. The waiter approaches to take the order and suggests a specific taco.

Roles: A = Waiter (종업원 – jong-eop-won), B = Customer (손님 – son-nim)

• Expression: A: 주문하시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: A: ju-mun-ha-si-ge-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: A: Are you ready to order?
• Expression: B: 아, 네. 아직 좀 고민 중이에요. 혹시 추천해 주실 만한 메뉴가 있을까요?
  Pronunciation: B: a, ne. a-jik jom go-min jung-i-e-yo. hok-si chu-cheon-hae ju-sil man-han me-nyu-ga i-sseul-kka-yo?
  Meaning: B: Ah, yes. I’m still deciding. Is there anything you would recommend?
• Expression: A: 네, 손님. 저희 가게는 특히 치킨 타코가 인기가 많습니다. 이 치킨 타코 한번 드셔보시겠어요?
  Pronunciation: A: ne, son-nim. jeo-hui ga-ge-neun teuk-hi chi-kin ta-ko-ga in-gi-ga man-seum-ni-da. i chi-kin ta-ko han-beon deu-syeo-bo-si-ge-sseo-yo?
  Meaning: A: Yes, customer. Our chicken taco is especially popular. Would you like to try this chicken taco?
• Expression: B: 아, 치킨 타코요? 맛있나요?
  Pronunciation: B: a, chi-kin ta-ko-yo? ma-sin-na-yo?
  Meaning: B: Oh, the chicken taco? Is it good?
• Expression: A: 네, 정말 맛있습니다. 부드러운 닭고기랑 신선한 야채가 잘 어울려요.
  Pronunciation: A: ne, jeong-mal ma-sit-seum-ni-da. bu-deu-reo-un dak-go-gi-rang sin-seon-han ya-chae-ga jal eo-ul-lyeo-yo.
  Meaning: A: Yes, it’s really delicious. The tender chicken and fresh vegetables go well together.
• Expression: B: 그럼 그걸로 하나 주세요. 그리고 콜라도 한 잔 주세요.
  Pronunciation: B: geu-reom geu-geol-lo ha-na ju-se-yo. geu-ri-go kol-la-do han jan ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: B: Then I’ll have one of those, please. And a Coke, please.
• Expression: A: 네, 치킨 타코 하나랑 콜라 한 잔 주문 받았습니다. 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
  Pronunciation: A: ne, chi-kin ta-ko ha-na-rang kol-la han jan ju-mun ba-dat-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
  Meaning: A: Okay, I have your order for one chicken taco and one Coke. Please wait just a moment.

Practice Tips

Practice these phrases out loud, paying close attention to the pronunciation! Try role-playing the conversation with a friend or language partner~ Imagining yourself as the waiter or the customer can make learning more engaging. When you visit a Korean restaurant (or even a taco place!), listen for these expressions. Don’t be afraid to use the recommendation phrases if you’re ordering! 화이팅 (hwa-i-ting – You can do it)!