Welcome to the Table: Ukrainian Language in a Restaurant
Here is an adapted gastronomic guide for foreigners who want to savor Ukrainian dishes and feel at ease in our restaurants. The text has been redesigned so that the foreigner can see the English context while learning the correct Ukrainian equivalents.
Welcome to the Table: Ukrainian Language in a Restaurant
Traveling through Ukraine, you will definitely want to try the legendary borscht, varenyky (dumplings), or Chicken Kyiv. But how do you communicate with the waiter if your Ukrainian is still in the learning stage? This guide will help you book a table, order the most delicious items, and even handle the bill.
Contents:
- How to book a table
- How to order food and drinks
- How to complain politely
- Paying the bill
- "Tasty" Ukrainian idioms
Booking a Table (Замовити столик)
In popular establishments in Kyiv, Lviv, or Odesa, it is better to book places in advance, especially on Friday evenings.
- Я би хотів зарезервувати столик, будь ласка. – I would like to book a table, please.
- На котру годину? – For what time?
- На скількох осіб? – For how many people?
- Столик на двох. – A table for two.
- Зал для тих, хто не палить. – Non-smoking area.
- Ваше ім’я? – Your name?
Dialogue
- Customer: Добрий вечір! Я би хотів замовити столик у вашому ресторані. (Good evening! I'd like to book a table in your restaurant.)
- Hostess: Буду радий допомогти. На коли ви хочете зарезервувати? (I'll be happy to help. When would you like it for?)
- Customer: На середу, на шосту вечора, на п'ятьох осіб. Моє прізвище — Сміт. (For Wednesday, at 6 p.m., for five people. My name is Smith.)
- Hostess: Добре, пане Сміт. Чекаємо на вас! (Great, Mr. Smith. We are waiting for you!)
Ordering Food (Замовити їжу)
Once you are at the establishment, it’s time to move on to the most interesting part. If you have an allergy, be sure to say: "У мене алергія на..." (I’m allergic to...) or "Я не їм..." (I don’t eat...).
- Принесіть, будь ласка, меню. – Could you bring the menu, please?
- Ви готові замовляти? – Are you ready to order?
- Що ви порадите? – What do you recommend?
- Я буду... (борщ, каву). – I’ll have... (borscht, coffee).
- Які у вас є фірмові страви? – What specials do you have?
- Скільки часу це займе? – How long will it take?
- Смачного! – Enjoy your meal!
Dialogue
- Waiter: Ви готові зробити замовлення? (Are you ready to order?)
- Guest: Так, я буду борщ і вареники з вишнею. (Yes, I’ll have borscht and dumplings with cherries.)
- Waiter: Бажаєте якісь напої чи десерт? (Would you like any drinks or dessert?)
- Guest: Так, принесіть ще узвар. Дякую! (Yes, bring some uzvar too. Thanks!)
Complaining (Поскаржитися)
Even in the best places, minor mishaps can occur. It is important to know how to resolve them.
- Ця страва холодна. – This food is cold.
- Це занадто солоне. – This is too salty.
- Ми вже дуже довго чекаємо. – We’ve been waiting a long time.
- Можна покликати адміністратора? – Can I see the manager?
- За рахунок закладу. – On the house.
Діалог / Dialogue
- Guest: Вибачте, мій суп занадто солоний. (Excuse me, my soup is too salty.)
- Waiter: Перепрошую, я зараз же його заміню. (I'm sorry, I'll change it right now.)
Paying the Bill (Оплата рахунку)
In Ukraine, it is customary to leave a tip of about 10% if you enjoyed the service.
- Рахунок, будь ласка. – The bill, please.
- Можна розрахуватися карткою? – Can I pay by card?
- Ви приймаєте готівку? – Do you take cash?
- Обслуговування включене у рахунок? – Is service included?
- Решти не треба. – Keep the change.
Ukrainian Food Idioms (Українські ідіоми про їжу)
To sound like a true Ukrainian, learn these expressions:
- Передати куті меду – To overdo something (literally: to put too much honey in the ritual porridge).
- Як вареник у маслі – To live in luxury or comfort (literally: like a dumpling in butter).
- Пекти раків – To blush from embarrassment (literally: to blush/bake crayfish).
- Не з медом – Not easy, difficult (literally: not with honey).
We hope these phrases help you feel confident in Ukrainian establishments. Смачного! (Enjoy your meal!)