Back to Situations

Recommendations Based on Dietary Preferences

A customer with specific dietary preferences (e.g., vegetarian, no nuts, gluten-free) asks for recommendations that fit their needs.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Emily (Female)
Excuse me, I'm trying to decide what to order. Do you have any recommendations?
2
John (Male)
Certainly! We have many popular dishes. Are you looking for anything in particular?
3
Emily (Female)
Yes, I am. I'm actually vegan, so I need something plant-based. And I also have a nut allergy, so no nuts, please.
4
John (Male)
Ah, understood. Vegan and nut-free. Let me check the menu for you.
5
John (Male)
Okay, for vegan and nut-free options, I recommend our 'Mediterranean Veggie Platter.' It's very fresh, with hummus, falafel, and a variety of roasted vegetables. The hummus is made without nuts.
6
Emily (Female)
That sounds delicious! Is there anything else you'd suggest, perhaps something a bit more substantial?
7
John (Male)
In that case, our 'Spicy Lentil Curry' would be perfect. It’s hearty, packed with flavor, and naturally vegan and nut-free. We can also make our 'Garden Stir-fry' vegan upon request, and it's always nut-free.
8
Emily (Female)
The Spicy Lentil Curry sounds appealing. I think I'll go with that. Thank you so much for your help!
9
John (Male)
You're very welcome! I'll put that order in for you. Enjoy your meal!

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

recommendations

Suggestions for what to choose, like food options in a restaurant. Use it when asking for advice on what to order.

vegan

A type of diet that includes only plant-based foods, no animal products like meat, dairy, or eggs. Common in health or ethical eating discussions.

plant-based

Made from plants, without animal ingredients. It's a key term for vegan or vegetarian options in menus.

nut allergy

A health condition where eating nuts can cause a serious reaction. Always mention it when ordering to avoid risks.

nut-free

Without any nuts or nut products. Use this to describe safe food for people with nut allergies.

substantial

Something large or filling, like a big meal. Useful when you want more than a light snack.

hearty

A meal that is satisfying and filling, often warm and flavorful. Good for describing comforting food.

upon request

When something is done only if you ask for it. Common in services like customizing a dish in a restaurant.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Do you have any recommendations?

This is a polite way to ask for suggestions. It's useful in restaurants or shops to get advice. The question form with 'any' makes it open-ended and friendly.

I'm actually vegan, so I need something plant-based.

Here, 'actually' adds emphasis to share personal info. This sentence explains dietary needs clearly. Use it to specify preferences; 'so' shows the reason for the request.

I also have a nut allergy, so no nuts, please.

This politely states a health issue and a direct request. 'So' connects the allergy to the instruction. Essential for safety in food situations; 'please' keeps it courteous.

Ah, understood. Vegan and nut-free.

'Ah, understood' shows you comprehend the request. Repeating key terms confirms details. Use this to acknowledge and summarize in service conversations for clarity.

That sounds delicious! Is there anything else you'd suggest?

This expresses positive interest and asks for more options. 'Sounds delicious' is a common compliment. Useful for continuing the conversation; the question encourages further recommendations.

In that case, our 'Spicy Lentil Curry' would be perfect.

'In that case' responds to a previous request, like wanting something more filling. 'Would be perfect' suggests a strong match. Good for giving tailored advice in customer service.

We can also make our 'Garden Stir-fry' vegan upon request.

This offers customization. 'Upon request' means it's adjustable if asked. Useful for explaining menu flexibility; shows politeness in accommodating needs.

I think I'll go with that. Thank you so much for your help!

'Go with that' means to choose it. This finalizes an order politely with thanks. 'So much' emphasizes gratitude. Use at the end of decisions to wrap up positively.