Korean Food Ordering Guide: Essential Phrases

Have you ever walked into a Korean restaurant, glanced at the menu, and felt a little overwhelmed? Don’t worry—everyone has been there at some point. Korean cuisine is brimming with vibrant flavors, communal dining customs, and delightful discoveries just waiting to be tasted. It’s okay to feel unsure, especially if you’re new to this culinary world. In fact, those small moments of uncertainty can make the experience even more memorable!

Exploring the Richness of Korean Cuisine

Korean food is often described as a zesty combination of sweet, spicy, salty, and tangy flavors. From fermented delights to shiny bowls of steaming rice, it has a distinct identity that entices food lovers around the globe. Below are some of the most beloved dishes you might find:

1. Bibimbap (비빔밥)

2. Kimchi (김치)

3. Bulgogi (불고기)

4. Samgyeopsal (삼겹살)

5. Japchae (잡채)

These special meals frequently come with side dishes called banchan (반찬), such as underlined kimchi (김치) and other pickled or marinated vegetables. In many Korean households, mealtime is not complete without at least a few of these tasty extras.

Common Korean Phrases for Ordering

Feeling brave enough to practice some Korean phrases at your next restaurant visit? Start with these:

• 이거 뭐예요? (igeo mwoyeyo?)

“What is this?” Use it to ask about a mysterious dish that catches your eye.

• 이거 주세요. (igeo juseyo.)

“Please give me this.” Polite and straightforward—perfect for pointing at menu items.

• 맵지 않게 해주세요. (maepji anke haejuseyo.)

“Please make it not spicy.” Ideal if you want to enjoy your meal without too much heat.

• 물 좀 주세요. (mul jom juseyo.)

“Can I have some water?” Essential for staying hydrated, especially if you’re eating spicy dishes!

• 계산서 주세요. (gyesanseo juseyo.)

“Check, please.” A handy phrase for wrapping up your dining experience.

A Handy Numbered Cheat Sheet

Let’s break down a few more practical expressions step by step:

1. 알레르기 있어요. (allereugi isseoyo.)

I have an allergy. 2. 이 음식에 뭐가 들어갔어요? (i eumsige mwoga deureogasseoyo?) What’s in this dish? 3. 더 주세요. (deo juseyo.) More, please. 4. 덜 맵게 해주세요. (deol maepge haejuseyo.) Make it less spicy, please. 5. 저는 채식주의자예요. (jeoneun chaesikjuuijayeyo.) I’m vegetarian.

When trying these out, remember that a friendly smile can help you feel more comfortable—even if you stumble a bit over pronunciation.

• Tip: Underlined gochujang (고추장) is a signature red pepper paste often added to many dishes. If you see it on the table, feel free to give it a go. Just be prepared—it can be spicy!

• Tip: Some restaurants serve large portions meant for sharing. Don’t hesitate to order a few plates and split them with your friends or family.

• Tip: If you see bap (밥) on the menu, that usually means “rice.” Pair it with soup (국, guk) or stew (찌개, jjigae) for a real taste of home-style Korean comfort.

The Heart of Korean Food Culture

One of the most fascinating parts of Korean dining is the communal aspect. People often share dishes, pass side plates around, and enjoy the conversation as much as the meal itself. By coming together at the dinner table, friends, family, and even strangers bond over bite-sized parcels of grilled meat or sizzling hot stone bowls of rice.

• It’s polite to say 잘 먹겠습니다 (jal meokkesseumnida) before you start eating.

• After you’re done, you can say 잘 먹었습니다 (jal meogeosseumnida) to express gratitude.

These customs reflect respect, underlined hospitality, and the joy that surrounds every Korean dining experience.

Final Thoughts

Korean cuisine is about more than just satisfying your hunger; it’s a celebration of flavors, seasonality, and togetherness. Sure, you might run into a few hiccups when ordering in Korean, but those minor mistakes and playful exchanges often lead to moments of real connection. Embrace the bold tastes, share plates with your companions, and don’t forget to try something new each time you dine out.

Enjoy your meal (맛있게 드세요, masitge deuseyo!) and savor the adventure. With every spoonful of soup or piece of kimchi, you’re taking part in a centuries-old tradition that continues to delight and bring people closer—one table at a time.

References - Cho, J. (2015). Korean Cuisine: A Cultural Journey. Seoul: Hollym International Corp. - Joo, H. (2020). Korean Home Cooking: Classic and Modern Recipes. New York: Clarkson Potter Publishers. - Kim, S., & Chun, J. (2012). The Korean Table: From Barbecue to Bibimbap. North Clarendon: Tuttle Publishing. - Lee, H. J., Chung, K. R., Yang, I. S., Cha, J. A., & Chung, L. (2010). Objective properties of Korean traditional soy sauce and commercial soy sauce. Korean Journal of Food Preservation, 17(1), 29-35. - Yoon, S. S., & Chung, K. R. (2017). Fermented Foods of Korea. Berlin: Springer Singapore.