Handling specific dietary requests like gluten-free options requires clear communication, especially in a service setting. This guide provides essential Korean phrases and cultural context for waiters dealing with customers who need or insist on gluten-free meals, ensuring a smooth and accommodating dining experience.
Table Of Content
Core Terminology
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Expression: 글루텐 프리
Pronunciation: geul-lu-ten peu-ri
Meaning: Gluten-Free (This is a direct transliteration and commonly understood in many restaurants, especially those catering to foreigners or aware of dietary needs.) -
Expression: 밀가루 알레르기
Pronunciation: mil-ga-ru al-le-reu-gi
Meaning: Wheat flour allergy (Often used interchangeably or alongside ‘gluten-free’ requests, though technically different.)
Initial Interaction and Understanding the Request
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Expression: 어서 오세요.
Pronunciation: eo-seo o-se-yo.
Meaning: Welcome. -
Expression: 몇 분이세요?
Pronunciation: myeot bun-i-se-yo?
Meaning: How many people in your party? -
Expression: 메뉴 여기 있습니다.
Pronunciation: me-nyu yeo-gi it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Here is the menu. -
Expression: 주문하시겠어요?
Pronunciation: ju-mun-ha-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Are you ready to order? / Would you like to order? -
Expression: 혹시 글루텐 프리 메뉴를 찾으시나요?
Pronunciation: hok-si geul-lu-ten peu-ri me-nyu-reul cha-jeu-si-na-yo?
Meaning: Are you perhaps looking for a gluten-free menu? -
Expression: 어떤 종류의 음식을 찾으세요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui eum-sik-eul cha-jeu-se-yo?
Meaning: What kind of food are you looking for? -
Expression: 특정 알레르기가 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: teuk-jeong al-le-reu-gi-ga i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have any specific allergies? -
Expression: 네, 잠시만요. 확인해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, jam-si-man-yo. hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Yes, just a moment. I will check. -
Expression: 글루텐에 민감하신가요?
Pronunciation: geul-lu-ten-e min-gam-ha-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Are you sensitive to gluten? -
Expression: 정확히 어떤 재료를 피해야 하나요?
Pronunciation: jeong-hwak-hi eo-tteon jae-ryo-reul pi-hae-ya ha-na-yo?
Meaning: Exactly which ingredients do you need to avoid?
Explaining Gluten-Free Options
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Expression: 저희 메뉴에 글루텐 프리 옵션이 몇 가지 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui me-nyu-e geul-lu-ten peu-ri op-syeon-i myeot ga-ji it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We have a few gluten-free options on our menu. -
Expression: 이 요리는 밀가루를 사용하지 않습니다.
Pronunciation: i yo-ri-neun mil-ga-ru-reul sa-yong-ha-ji an-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This dish does not use wheat flour. -
Expression: 이 메뉴는 쌀가루로 만들었습니다.
Pronunciation: i me-nyu-neun ssal-ga-ru-ro man-deul-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This menu item is made with rice flour. -
Expression: 주방에 글루텐 프리로 조리 가능한지 확인해 보겠습니다.
Pronunciation: ju-bang-e geul-lu-ten peu-ri-ro jo-ri ga-neung-han-ji hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will check with the kitchen if it can be prepared gluten-free. -
Expression: 이 소스에는 간장이 포함되어 있어 글루텐이 있을 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: i so-seu-e-neun gan-jang-i po-ham-doe-eo i-sseo geul-lu-ten-i i-sseul su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This sauce contains soy sauce, so it might contain gluten. -
Expression: 샐러드는 드레싱 없이 드시면 글루텐 프리입니다.
Pronunciation: sael-leo-deu-neun deu-re-sing eop-si deu-si-myeon geul-lu-ten peu-ri-im-ni-da.
Meaning: The salad is gluten-free if you have it without dressing. -
Expression: 구운 고기 종류는 대부분 괜찮습니다.
Pronunciation: gu-un go-gi jong-nyu-neun dae-bu-bun gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Most grilled meat options are generally okay. -
Expression: 밥과 국 종류는 글루텐이 없을 가능성이 높습니다.
Pronunciation: bap-gwa guk jong-nyu-neun geul-lu-ten-i eop-seul ga-neung-seong-i nop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: Rice and soup dishes are likely to be gluten-free. -
Expression: 재료를 빼고 조리해 드릴 수 있습니다.
Pronunciation: jae-ryo-reul ppae-go jo-ri-hae deu-ril su it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We can prepare it leaving out certain ingredients. -
Expression: 글루텐 프리 간장을 사용하지는 않습니다.
Pronunciation: geul-lu-ten peu-ri gan-jang-eul sa-yong-ha-ji-neun an-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We do not use gluten-free soy sauce.
Handling Limitations and Confirming Order
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Expression: 죄송하지만, 이 메뉴는 글루텐 프리로 제공하기 어렵습니다.
Pronunciation: joe-song-ha-ji-man, i me-nyu-neun geul-lu-ten peu-ri-ro je-gong-ha-gi eo-ryeop-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I’m sorry, but it is difficult to provide this menu item as gluten-free. -
Expression: 교차 오염의 가능성이 있을 수 있습니다. 괜찮으신가요?
Pronunciation: gyo-cha o-yeom-ui ga-neung-seong-i i-sseul su it-seum-ni-da. gwaen-chan-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: There might be a possibility of cross-contamination. Is that okay? -
Expression: 다른 메뉴를 추천해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: da-reun me-nyu-reul chu-cheon-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I recommend another menu item? -
Expression: 이 메뉴는 글루텐이 포함되어 있습니다.
Pronunciation: i me-nyu-neun geul-lu-ten-i po-ham-doe-eo it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This menu item contains gluten. -
Expression: 그럼 [메뉴 이름] (으)로 주문하시겠어요? (글루텐 프리)
Pronunciation: geu-reom [me-nyu i-reum] (eu)-ro ju-mun-ha-si-get-seo-yo? (geul-lu-ten peu-ri)
Meaning: Then, would you like to order the [Menu Name]? (Gluten-free) -
Expression: 주문 확인해 드리겠습니다. [메뉴 이름], 글루텐 프리 맞으시죠?
Pronunciation: ju-mun hwa-gin-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. [me-nyu i-reum], geul-lu-ten peu-ri ma-jeu-si-jyo?
Meaning: I will confirm your order. [Menu Name], gluten-free, is that correct? -
Expression: 최대한 주의해서 조리하도록 주방에 전달하겠습니다.
Pronunciation: choe-dae-han ju-ui-hae-seo jo-ri-ha-do-rok ju-bang-e jeon-dal-ha-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I will inform the kitchen to prepare it with utmost care. -
Expression: 혹시 더 필요하신 것 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si deo pil-yo-ha-sin geot i-sseu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Is there anything else you need? -
Expression: 알겠습니다. 잠시만 기다려 주세요.
Pronunciation: al-get-seum-ni-da. jam-si-man gi-da-ryeo ju-se-yo.
Meaning: Understood. Please wait a moment. -
Expression: 저희 식당은 글루텐 프리 전문 식당은 아닙니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui sik-dang-eun geul-lu-ten peu-ri jeon-mun sik-dang-eun a-nim-ni-da.
Meaning: Our restaurant is not a specialized gluten-free restaurant.
Cultural Notes on Dietary Restrictions
Awareness of gluten sensitivity and celiac disease is growing in Korea, but it’s not as widespread as in some Western countries. Many traditional Korean dishes naturally don’t contain gluten (like rice, many soups, grilled meats), but common ingredients like soy sauce (간장 – gan-jang) and gochujang (고추장 – go-chu-jang, often thickened with wheat) contain gluten.
When a customer requests “gluten-free,” staff might interpret it as a preference or a general wheat avoidance rather than a strict medical necessity unless clearly stated (e.g., mentioning celiac disease or a severe allergy). Be prepared to explain potential hidden sources like sauces or marinades.
Cross-contamination can be a significant concern in kitchens that regularly use wheat flour and gluten-containing ingredients. It’s important to be honest about the kitchen environment if a customer expresses concern about severe reactions. Saying “교차 오염의 가능성이 있습니다” (gyo-cha o-yeom-ui ga-neung-seong-i it-seum-ni-da – There’s a possibility of cross-contamination) is crucial.
Staff might need to consult the chef or kitchen staff directly (주방에 확인해 보겠습니다 – ju-bang-e hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da – I will check with the kitchen). Patience from both the customer and the waiter is helpful during this process.
Using the English term “gluten-free” (글루텐 프리 – geul-lu-ten peu-ri) is often the clearest way to communicate the need, as specific Korean terminology might vary or be less understood by all staff members.
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A foreign customer enters a Korean restaurant and needs to ensure their meal is gluten-free.
Roles: A: Waiter (점원 – jeom-won), B: Customer (손님 – son-nim)
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Expression: A: 어서 오세요. 몇 분이세요?
Pronunciation: A: eo-seo o-se-yo. myeot bun-i-se-yo?
Meaning: A: Welcome. How many people? -
Expression: B: 한 명이요. 저 혹시 글루텐 프리 메뉴가 있나요?
Pronunciation: B: han myeong-i-yo. jeo hok-si geul-lu-ten peu-ri me-nyu-ga in-na-yo?
Meaning: B: Just one. Excuse me, do you happen to have a gluten-free menu? -
Expression: A: 아, 글루텐 프리요. 잠시만요. 저희 메뉴 중에 비빔밥은 고추장에 밀가루가 들어갈 수 있어서요… 혹시 알레르기가 심하신 편인가요?
Pronunciation: A: a, geul-lu-ten peu-ri-yo. jam-si-man-yo. jeo-hui me-nyu jung-e bi-bim-bap-eun go-chu-jang-e mil-ga-ru-ga deul-eo-gal su i-sseo-seo-yo… hok-si al-le-reu-gi-ga sim-ha-sin pyeon-in-ga-yo?
Meaning: A: Ah, gluten-free. Just a moment. In our menu, the bibimbap might have wheat flour in the gochujang… Are you severely allergic? -
Expression: B: 네, 셀리악병이 있어서 밀가루는 전혀 못 먹어요. 간장도요.
Pronunciation: B: ne, sel-li-ak-byeong-i i-sseo-seo mil-ga-ru-neun jeon-hyeo mot meok-eo-yo. gan-jang-do-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, I have celiac disease, so I cannot eat any wheat flour at all. Soy sauce too. -
Expression: A: 아, 그러시군요. 그럼 잠시 주방에 확인해 보겠습니다. (잠시 후) 주방에서 확인했는데, 갈비찜은 간장이 들어가서 안되고요, 소금구이 삼겹살은 괜찮다고 합니다. 밥이랑 기본 나물 반찬도 괜찮습니다.
Pronunciation: A: a, geu-reo-si-gun-yo. geu-reom jam-si ju-bang-e hwa-gin-hae bo-get-seum-ni-da. (jam-si hu) ju-bang-e-seo hwa-gin-haet-neun-de, gal-bi-jjim-eun gan-jang-i deul-eo-ga-seo an-doe-go-yo, so-geum-gu-i sam-gyeop-sal-eun gwaen-chan-ta-go ham-ni-da. bap-i-rang gi-bon na-mul ban-chan-do gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Ah, I see. Then I will check with the kitchen for a moment. (After a moment) I checked with the kitchen, the Galbijjim (braised ribs) uses soy sauce so it’s not suitable, but they said the salt-grilled pork belly (Samgyeopsal) is okay. Rice and the basic vegetable side dishes (namul banchan) are also fine. -
Expression: B: 아, 그럼 소금구이 삼겹살로 주세요. 밥이랑 같이요.
Pronunciation: B: a, geu-reom so-geum-gu-i sam-gyeop-sal-lo ju-se-yo. bap-i-rang ga-chi-yo.
Meaning: B: Oh, then please give me the salt-grilled pork belly. With rice. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 소금구이 삼겹살 1인분, 밥 하나 주문 확인했습니다. 최대한 주의해서 준비해 드리겠습니다.
Pronunciation: A: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. so-geum-gu-i sam-gyeop-sal il-in-bun, bap ha-na ju-mun hwa-gin-haet-seum-ni-da. choe-dae-han ju-ui-hae-seo jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Yes, understood. I’ve confirmed the order for one serving of salt-grilled pork belly and one rice. We will prepare it with the utmost care.
Practice Tips
Handling dietary restrictions requires careful listening and clear communication! Practice these phrases by role-playing with a friend or language partner~ Imagine different scenarios: a customer asking about specific ingredients, needing to check with the kitchen, or explaining limitations. Pay close attention to pronunciation, especially terms like ‘글루텐 프리’ (geul-lu-ten peu-ri) and ‘알레르기’ (al-le-reu-gi). Being able to confidently navigate these conversations shows excellent customer service skills. Good luck! 화이팅! (hwa-i-ting! – Fighting!/You can do it!)
