Objectives of the Study
By the end of the Unit, learners will be able to:
- Understand and confidently use key English vocabulary related to food, beverages, and menu descriptions.
- Clearly explain the ingredients, preparation methods, and portion sizes of menu items to guests.
- Recommend suitable menu options based on guests’ dietary preferences, allergies, or cultural restrictions.
- Answer guests’ questions about the menu in a polite, professional, and customer-focused manner.
- Use persuasive language to suggest and upsell complementary food and beverage items.
- Build rapport with guests by using courteous and engaging communication during menu explanations.
- Enhance the dining experience by providing accurate and helpful information about the menu.
A. Vocabulary Building
Below are essential vocabulary words and phrases for Explaining Menu Items. Practice their meanings and use them in sentences to enhance your English communication skills.
1. Words Related to Food Descriptions
- Appetizer: A small dish served before the main course.
- Main course: The primary dish in a meal.
- Dessert: A sweet dish served at the end of a meal.
- Grilled: Cooked over an open flame or on a grill.
- Steamed: Cooked using steam.
- Baked: Cooked in an oven.
- Spicy: Having a strong, hot flavor.
- Mild: Not strongly flavored.
2. Words Related to Beverages
- Cocktail: A mixed alcoholic drink.
- Mocktail: A non-alcoholic mixed drink.
- Sparkling water: Carbonated water.
- Freshly squeezed juice: Juice made directly from fresh fruits.
3. Phrases to Describe Portion Sizes
- Small portion: A smaller serving size of a dish.
- Family-sized: A portion size meant to serve multiple people.
- Generous portion: A large serving size.
4. Dietary Preferences and Restrictions
- Vegetarian: Dishes prepared without meat.
- Vegan: Dishes prepared without any animal products.
- Gluten-free: Dishes prepared without gluten.
- Nut allergy: Avoidance of foods containing nuts.
5. Flavor Profiles
- Savory: Dishes with a rich, salty, or umami flavor.
- Sweet: Sugary in taste.
- Tangy: A sharp, zesty flavor.
- Creamy: Having a smooth, rich texture.
Matching Game
Match the English words in Column A with their meanings in Column B by drawing a line or writing the correct pair.
| Column A | Column B | |
| 1. Appetizer | A. Carbonated water | |
| 2. Grilled | B. Cooked using steam | |
| 3. Sparkling water | C. A small dish before the main course | |
| 4. Gluten-free | D. Dishes made without gluten | |
| 5. Tangy | E. A sharp, zesty flavor |
Fill in the Blanks
Use the vocabulary words to complete the sentences:
- This dish is perfect for vegans because it contains no ________ products.
- If you like a sharp and zesty taste, try the salad with a ________ dressing.
- Our chef recommends the ________ salmon, cooked over an open flame.
- The ________ portion is suitable for sharing with a group of four people.
- For dessert, we suggest a rich and ________ chocolate mousse.
Listening and Pronouncing Practice
Scan the QR Code to play the audio of the following words and phrases. Listen carefully and practice pronouncing them as you hear in the audio.
Menu Descriptions
- Appetizer /ˈæpɪtaɪzər/
- Main course /meɪn kɔːrs/
- Dessert /dɪˈzɜːrt/
- Grilled /ɡrɪld/
- Steamed /stiːmd/
- Baked /beɪkt/
- Spicy /ˈspaɪsi/
- Mild /maɪld/
Beverages
- Cocktail /ˈkɒkteɪl/
- Mocktail /ˈmɒkteɪl/
- Sparkling water /ˈspɑːrklɪŋ ˈwɔːtər/
- Freshly squeezed juice /ˈfreʃli skwiːzd dʒuːs/
Flavor Profiles
- Savory /ˈseɪvəri/
- Tangy /ˈtæŋi/
- Creamy /ˈkriːmi/
Practice Sentences
Listen to the following sentences and repeat after the audio:
- “Our special appetizer is a grilled shrimp cocktail.”
- “Would you like your salmon baked or steamed?”
- “This dessert is sweet and creamy, with a rich chocolate flavor.”
- “We recommend sparkling water or a mocktail to complement your meal.”
- “If you enjoy tangy flavors, the lemon dressing on this salad is perfect for you.”
B. Procedure in Explaining Menu Items
The procedure in explaining menu item is explained below.
| Procedure | Language Function |
| Introducing the menu. | – Greeting the guest politely (e.g., “Good evening, welcome to our dining room.”) |
| – Presenting the menu (e.g., “Here is the menu for today.”) | |
| Describing the dishes. | – Explaining the dish name (e.g., “This is our signature dish, grilled salmon.”) |
| – Describing the preparation method (e.g., “It is baked with fresh herbs.”) | |
| – Highlighting flavors (e.g., “It has a tangy and savory flavor.”) | |
| – Mentioning portion size (e.g., “This is a generous portion, suitable for sharing.”) | |
| Providing recommendations. | – Asking guest preferences (e.g., “Do you prefer something spicy or mild?”) |
| – Suggesting menu items (e.g., “I recommend the steamed lobster for tonight.”) | |
| Handling dietary inquiries. | – Addressing dietary needs (e.g., “Do you have any dietary restrictions or allergies?”) |
| – Confirming options (e.g., “We also have gluten-free and vegan options.”) | |
| Upselling items. | – Suggesting complementary dishes (e.g., “This pairs well with our house salad.”) |
| – Recommending beverages (e.g., “Would you like to try our signature mocktail?”) | |
| Confirming the order. | – Repeating the order (e.g., “Let me confirm your order: grilled salmon and a side salad.”) |
| Closing the interaction. | – Thanking the guest (e.g., “Thank you for your order! Enjoy your meal.”) |
| – Offering further assistance (e.g., “Please let me know if you need anything else.”) |
C. Manner
RULES OF MANNERS
In explaining the menu items, it is essential to consider proper hospitality etiquette. The following are some guidelines:
- Maintain a Friendly Tone
- Always greet the guests warmly and use polite phrases like “Good evening” or “Welcome.”
- Smile genuinely to make guests feel comfortable.
- Be Clear and Professional
- Speak clearly and avoid using overly complex terms or jargon when explaining menu items.
- Use descriptive but concise language to describe dishes.
- Show Attentiveness
- Listen carefully to the guests’ preferences or inquiries without interrupting them.
- Maintain eye contact while interacting to show engagement.
- Be Knowledgeable
- Familiarize yourself with the menu, including ingredients, preparation methods, and dietary options.
- Be ready to answer detailed questions about specific dishes.
- Respect Dietary Needs
- Always confirm guests’ dietary restrictions or allergies before making recommendations.
- Use reassuring phrases like, “We can accommodate your dietary needs.”
- Avoid Making Assumptions
- Do not assume guests’ preferences based on appearances or previous orders.
- Politely ask, “Do you have any particular preferences for today?”
- Upsell Thoughtfully
- Suggest complementary items without pressuring the guest (e.g., “This dish pairs wonderfully with our house wine.”).
- Offer special menu items subtly and professionally.
- Be Courteous and Patient
- Allow guests to take their time deciding on their orders without rushing them.
- Use polite phrases like, “Take your time, I’ll be here to assist you.”
- Handle Complaints Gracefully
- If a guest raises a concern, respond with understanding and professionalism.
- Use phrases like, “I’m sorry to hear that. Let me address this for you right away.”
- Express Gratitude
- Thank the guest after explaining the menu and once they’ve made their order.
- Use polite closing statements like, “Thank you for your order. Enjoy your meal!”
D. Samples of Conversation
Audio is available for each of the following conversations. Please listen to the audio and practice them with your partner!
Sample 1: Guest Asking About a Spicy Dish
Situation: A guest wants to know if a dish is spicy.
Guest : Hey there! Is that chicken dish, like, super spicy or what?
Staff : Hi! It’s not too spicy, just a little kick. If you like, we can tone it down for you.
Guest : Sweet! Can you, like, make it mild for me?
Staff : Of course! I’ll let the kitchen know to go easy on the spice. Anything else you’d like to pair it with?
Guest : Nah, I’m good. Thanks!
Staff : Awesome, your order will be ready soon. Enjoy!
Sample 2: Guest Asking for Recommendations
Situation: A guest is unsure about what to order and wants suggestions.
Guest : Yo, what’s good here? I can’t decide!
Staff : No worries! If you’re into seafood, the grilled salmon is a crowd favorite. It’s super fresh and full of flavor.
Guest : Hmm, sounds dope. What’s it come with?
Staff : It’s served with steamed veggies and garlic butter sauce. You’ll love it!
Guest : Alright, I’m sold. Throw in a mocktail too, something fruity.
Staff : Got it! I’ll get you a tropical breeze mocktail. Anything else?
Guest : Nope, I’m all set. Thanks a lot!
Staff : You’re welcome! I’ll be back with your order in a bit.
Sample 3: Guest Asking About Dietary Options
Situation: A guest asks if there are vegan options on the menu.
Guest : Hey, got any vegan stuff on the menu? I’m plant-based, you know?
Staff : Absolutely! We’ve got a vegan stir-fry with tofu and lots of fresh veggies.
Guest : Nice! What kinda sauce is on that?
Staff : It’s a soy-ginger sauce—totally vegan and super tasty.
Guest : Cool, I’ll take that. Can I add, like, a side of fries or something?
Staff : Sure thing! Anything else for you?
Guest : Nah, that’s it. Thanks, man!
Staff : You got it! I’ll have it out to you in no time.
Activity Questions
- What does the guest ask about the chicken dish in sample 1?
- How does the staff describe the spiciness of the dish in sample 1?
- What drink does the guest request to pair with the meal in sample 2?
- How does the staff ensure they meet the guest’s preferences in sample 2?
- What specific dietary preference does the guest mention in sample 3?
E. Check your Understanding
Please do the following exercises to confirm your understanding. When you have difficulties, please ask your teacher.
Create Your Conversation
Please create a conversation based on the following situations. Use polite and professional language as practiced in the samples.
Situation 1:
Mr. Alex Johnson is curious about the chef’s special dish for the evening. He wants to know how it’s prepared and whether it’s spicy.
Conversation Example:
Staff : Good evening, Mr. Johnson. Welcome to our dining room! Tonight’s special is the grilled salmon with herb butter.
Guest : That sounds nice! How is it prepared?
Staff : It’s grilled to perfection and served with steamed veggies and garlic herb butter. It’s not spicy at all.
Guest : Perfect! I’ll take that, thanks.
Situation 2:
Ms. Olivia Brown has a nut allergy and wants to know if the vegan stir-fry on the menu is safe for her to eat.
Conversation Example:
Staff : Good evening, Ms. Brown. Our vegan stir-fry is prepared with tofu and fresh veggies in a soy-ginger sauce, and it’s completely nut-free.
Guest : Oh, that’s great to hear! I’ll have that, thank you.
Staff : You’re welcome. I’ll make sure the kitchen is aware of your allergy.
Situation 3:
Mr. David Parker is celebrating his birthday onboard and asks for a dessert recommendation.
Conversation Example:
Staff : Happy birthday, Mr. Parker! For dessert, I’d highly recommend our chocolate lava cake. It’s rich, creamy, and perfect for a special occasion.
Guest : That sounds amazing! I’ll take it. Thanks!
Staff : My pleasure. Enjoy your dessert, and happy birthday once again!
F. Summary
In this chapter, we have studied the following language functions and expressions:
| Language Functions | Language Expressions |
| Introducing the Menu | – “Good evening, welcome to our dining room.” |
| – “Here is today’s menu.” | |
| Describing Menu Items | – “This dish is grilled to perfection with fresh herbs.” |
| – “It’s served with a tangy soy-ginger sauce.” | |
| Explaining Flavors | – “The flavor is mild and creamy.” |
| – “It has a spicy kick with savory undertones.” | |
| Recommending Dishes | – “I recommend the grilled salmon; it’s a guest favorite.” |
| – “If you enjoy spicy food, the chili prawns are a great choice.” | |
| Handling Dietary Restrictions | – “Do you have any dietary restrictions or allergies we should be aware of?” |
| – “This dish is vegan and gluten-free.” | |
| Upselling Food and Beverages | – “This dish pairs wonderfully with our house red wine.” |
| – “Would you like to try our signature cocktail with that?” | |
| Confirming Orders | – “Let me confirm your order: the grilled salmon with a side of fries.” |
| – “Can I repeat your order to make sure everything is correct?” | |
| Closing the Interaction | – “Thank you for your order! Please enjoy your meal.” |
| – “If there’s anything else you need, please don’t hesitate to ask.” |