Dining out in Korea, especially on a special occasion like a date night, involves specific interactions with restaurant staff. This guide focuses on the Korean phrases a waiter might use when recommending a starter or appetizer to a couple, helping you understand and respond appropriately in such situations.
Table Of Content
Core Expression
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Expression: 애피타이저 추천해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ae-pi-ta-i-jeo chu-cheon-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I recommend an appetizer? (This is a polite and common way for a waiter to offer a suggestion for a starter.)
Waiter’s Opening Phrases
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Expression: 주문 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: ju-mun do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: May I help you order? -
Expression: 식사 전에 가볍게 드실 만한 메뉴 추천해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: sik-sa jeon-e ga-byeop-ge deu-sil man-han me-nyu chu-cheon-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I recommend something light to eat before your meal? -
Expression: 오늘 특별히 준비된 애피타이저가 있습니다.
Pronunciation: o-neul teuk-byeol-hi jun-bi-doen ae-pi-ta-i-jeo-ga it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: We have a special appetizer prepared today. -
Expression: 두 분이서 나눠 드시기 좋은 메뉴가 있습니다.
Pronunciation: du bun-i-seo na-nwo deu-si-gi jo-eun me-nyu-ga it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: There’s a menu item that’s good for two people to share. -
Expression: 와인과 잘 어울리는 애피타이저를 소개해 드릴게요.
Pronunciation: wa-in-gwa jal eo-ul-li-neun ae-pi-ta-i-jeo-reul so-gae-hae deu-ril-ge-yo.
Meaning: Let me introduce an appetizer that pairs well with wine. -
Expression: 저희 레스토랑에서 가장 인기 있는 애피타이저입니다.
Pronunciation: jeo-hui re-seu-to-rang-e-seo ga-jang in-gi it-neun ae-pi-ta-i-jeo-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is the most popular appetizer at our restaurant. -
Expression: 먼저 애피타이저부터 추천해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: meon-jeo ae-pi-ta-i-jeo-bu-teo chu-cheon-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I recommend an appetizer first? -
Expression: 어떤 종류의 애피타이저를 선호하시나요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteon jong-nyu-ui ae-pi-ta-i-jeo-reul seon-ho-ha-si-na-yo?
Meaning: What kind of appetizer do you prefer? -
Expression: 이 메뉴는 신선한 재료로 만들어서 맛이 아주 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: i me-nyu-neun sin-seon-han jae-ryo-ro man-deur-eo-seo mat-i a-ju jo-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This dish is made with fresh ingredients and tastes very good. -
Expression: 가볍게 시작하시기 좋은 메뉴입니다.
Pronunciation: ga-byeop-ge si-jak-ha-si-gi jo-eun me-nyu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is a good menu item to start with lightly.
Describing Starters
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Expression: 이 카프레제 샐러드는 신선한 토마토와 모짜렐라 치즈가 들어갑니다.
Pronunciation: i ka-peu-re-je sael-leo-deu-neun sin-seon-han to-ma-to-wa mo-jja-rel-la chi-jeu-ga deur-eo-gam-ni-da.
Meaning: This Caprese salad contains fresh tomatoes and mozzarella cheese. -
Expression: 바삭한 식감이 일품인 새우 튀김입니다.
Pronunciation: ba-sak-han sik-gam-i il-pum-in sae-u twi-gim-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is shrimp tempura with an excellent crispy texture. -
Expression: 부드러운 관자와 버터 향이 잘 어우러진 요리입니다.
Pronunciation: bu-deu-reo-un gwan-ja-wa beo-teo hyang-i jal eo-u-reo-jin yo-ri-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is a dish where tender scallops and butter flavor blend well. -
Expression: 상큼한 드레싱이 입맛을 돋우는 샐러드입니다.
Pronunciation: sang-keum-han deu-re-sing-i ip-mat-eul dot-u-neun sael-leo-deu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is a salad with a refreshing dressing that stimulates the appetite. -
Expression: 오늘 들어온 신선한 해산물로 만든 카르파치오입니다.
Pronunciation: o-neul deur-eo-on sin-seon-han hae-san-mul-lo man-deun ka-reu-pa-chi-o-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This is carpaccio made with fresh seafood that came in today. -
Expression: 따뜻하게 구운 빵과 함께 드시면 더욱 맛있습니다.
Pronunciation: tta-tteut-ha-ge gu-un ppang-gwa ham-kke deu-si-myeon deo-uk ma-sit-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s even more delicious if you eat it with warm baked bread. -
Expression: 이 메뉴는 저희 셰프의 특별 추천 메뉴입니다.
Pronunciation: i me-nyu-neun jeo-hui swe-peu-ui teuk-byeol chu-cheon me-nyu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: This menu item is our chef’s special recommendation. -
Expression: 매콤한 맛을 좋아하시면 이 메뉴를 추천합니다.
Pronunciation: mae-kom-han mat-eul jo-a-ha-si-myeon i me-nyu-reul chu-cheon-ham-ni-da.
Meaning: If you like spicy flavors, I recommend this menu item. -
Expression: 고소한 치즈와 신선한 야채가 듬뿍 들어있습니다.
Pronunciation: go-so-han chi-jeu-wa sin-seon-han ya-chae-ga deum-ppuk deur-eo-it-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It contains plenty of savory cheese and fresh vegetables. -
Expression: 가볍지만 풍미가 깊은 수프입니다.
Pronunciation: ga-byeop-ji-man pung-mi-ga gip-eun su-peu-im-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s a light but deeply flavorful soup. -
Expression: 이 소스는 특별히 만들었습니다.
Pronunciation: i so-seu-neun teuk-byeol-hi man-deur-eot-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: This sauce was specially made. -
Expression: 식전에 입맛을 돋우기에 좋습니다.
Pronunciation: sik-jeon-e ip-mat-eul dot-u-gi-e jo-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: It’s good for stimulating the appetite before the meal.
Asking for Preference and Confirmation
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Expression: 이 메뉴로 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: i me-nyu-ro deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I get this one for you? / Would you like this menu item? -
Expression: 어떠신가요?
Pronunciation: eo-tteo-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: What do you think? / How about it? -
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: 혹시 알레르기가 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: hok-si al-le-reu-gi-ga it-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you happen to have any allergies? -
Expression: 두 분의 취향에 맞으실 것 같습니다.
Pronunciation: du bun-ui chwi-hyang-e maj-eu-sil geot gat-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: I think this will suit both of your tastes. -
Expression: 이것으로 준비해 드릴까요?
Pronunciation: i-geot-eu-ro jun-bi-hae deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: Shall I prepare this one for you? -
Expression: 결정하셨나요?
Pronunciation: gyeol-jeong-ha-syeot-na-yo?
Meaning: Have you decided? -
Expression: 더 궁금하신 점 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: deo gung-geum-ha-sin jeom it-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have any more questions? -
Expression: 이 애피타이저는 와인과 정말 잘 어울립니다.
Pronunciation: i ae-pi-ta-i-jeo-neun wa-in-gwa jeong-mal jal eo-ul-lim-ni-da.
Meaning: This appetizer pairs really well with wine. -
Expression: 잠시 메뉴를 더 보시겠어요?
Pronunciation: jam-si me-nyu-reul deo bo-si-get-seo-yo?
Meaning: Would you like to look at the menu a bit longer? -
Expression: 다른 선호하시는 스타일이 있으신가요?
Pronunciation: da-reun seon-ho-ha-si-neun seu-ta-il-i it-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: Do you have another style you prefer?
Cultural Tips
Sharing Culture: In Korea, it’s very common for couples and groups to order several dishes, including appetizers, to share. Waitstaff often recommend dishes suitable for sharing, especially for couples.
Polite Service Language: Waiters and waitresses in Korea typically use formal and polite language (존댓말 – jon-daen-mal) when addressing customers. Expect phrases ending in -ㅂ니다/습니다 (-m-ni-da / -seum-ni-da) or -아요/어요 (-a-yo / -eo-yo) with polite additions like -시- (-si-).
Getting Attention: While some restaurants have call bells (벨 – bel) on the table, it’s also common to make eye contact and say “저기요” (jeo-gi-yo – Excuse me) to get a waiter’s attention.
Date Night Dining: Restaurants catering to couples often emphasize presentation and atmosphere. Waiters might highlight dishes that are visually appealing or create a romantic mood, like those pairing well with wine.
No Tipping: Tipping is not customary in Korean restaurants. Excellent service is expected as part of the dining experience, and the price on the menu is the final price (excluding potential VAT, though usually included).
Real Conversation Example
Situation: A couple is seated at a restaurant for a date night. The waiter approaches their table.
Roles: A = Waiter, B = Customer (one member of the couple)
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Expression: A: 어서 오십시오. 주문 도와드릴까요?
Pronunciation: eo-seo o-sip-si-o. ju-mun do-wa-deu-ril-kka-yo?
Meaning: A: Welcome. May I help you order? -
Expression: B: 네, 메뉴 좀 추천해 주시겠어요? 특히 애피타이저요.
Pronunciation: ne, me-nyu jom chu-cheon-hae ju-si-get-seo-yo? teuk-hi ae-pi-ta-i-jeo-yo.
Meaning: B: Yes, could you recommend something from the menu? Especially an appetizer. -
Expression: A: 네. 식사 전에 가볍게 드시기 좋은 메뉴로, 저희 카프레제 샐러드를 추천해 드립니다. 신선한 토마토와 부드러운 모짜렐라 치즈가 아주 잘 어울립니다.
Pronunciation: ne. sik-sa jeon-e ga-byeop-ge deu-si-gi jo-eun me-nyu-ro, jeo-hui ka-peu-re-je sael-leo-deu-reul chu-cheon-hae deu-rim-ni-da. sin-seon-han to-ma-to-wa bu-deu-reo-un mo-jja-rel-la chi-jeu-ga a-ju jal eo-ul-lim-ni-da.
Meaning: A: Yes. As something light to eat before your meal, I recommend our Caprese salad. The fresh tomatoes and soft mozzarella cheese pair very well together. -
Expression: A: 두 분이서 나눠 드시기에 양도 적당하고, 와인과도 잘 어울립니다.
Pronunciation: du bun-i-seo na-nwo deu-si-gi-e yang-do jeok-dang-ha-go, wa-in-gwa-do jal eo-ul-lim-ni-da.
Meaning: A: The portion size is suitable for two people to share, and it also pairs well with wine. -
Expression: B: 오, 좋네요. 그럼 그걸로 하나 주세요.
Pronunciation: o, jo-ne-yo. geu-reom geu-geol-lo ha-na ju-se-yo.
Meaning: B: Oh, that sounds good. Then please give us one of those. -
Expression: A: 네, 알겠습니다. 카프레제 샐러드 하나 준비해 드리겠습니다. 다른 필요하신 건 없으신가요?
Pronunciation: ne, al-get-seum-ni-da. ka-peu-re-je sael-leo-deu ha-na jun-bi-hae deu-ri-get-seum-ni-da. da-reun pil-yo-ha-sin geon eop-eu-sin-ga-yo?
Meaning: A: Yes, understood. I will prepare one Caprese salad for you. Is there anything else you need? -
Expression: B: 네, 괜찮습니다.
Pronunciation: ne, gwaen-chan-seum-ni-da.
Meaning: B: No, we’re fine for now.
Practice Tips
Understanding these phrases will make your dining experiences in Korea smoother, especially in slightly more formal settings like a date night restaurant! Try listening for these expressions next time you’re out or watching Korean dramas featuring restaurant scenes~ You can also practice role-playing with a friend, taking turns being the waiter and the customer. Familiarity comes with practice, so don’t hesitate to review these phrases often!
