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Asking for Menu Recommendations

Choosing Between Two Options with Help

A customer has narrowed down their choice to two dishes and asks the waiter for an opinion on which one to choose.

Dialogue

Listen and follow along with the conversation

1
Emily (Female)
Excuse me, I'm trying to decide between the Pad Thai and the Green Curry. Do you have a recommendation?
2
Michael (Male)
Both are excellent choices. The Pad Thai is a classic, very popular, with a good balance of sweet, sour, and savory. Our Green Curry is a bit spicier, and very rich with coconut milk.
3
Emily (Female)
Hmm, I like a little spice, but not overly spicy. How does the spice level of the green curry compare to other Thai restaurants?
4
Michael (Male)
I'd say it's medium spice. It has a kick, but most people find it enjoyable. If you're nervous, we can always make it milder for you.
5
Emily (Female)
Okay, that's good to know. And what about the a-la-carte options for the Pad Thai? Can I add chicken to it?
6
Michael (Male)
Yes, absolutely. The Pad Thai comes with your choice of protein: chicken, beef, shrimp, or tofu.
7
Emily (Female)
Okay, considering all that, I think I'll go with the Green Curry, but a little milder please.
8
Michael (Male)
Excellent choice! One milder Green Curry coming right up.

Vocabulary

Essential words and phrases from the dialogue

recommendation

A suggestion or advice on what to choose, often used when asking for help in deciding something like food.

spicy

Describes food with a hot, burning taste from spices like chili; useful for discussing food preferences in restaurants.

milder

Less spicy or strong in flavor; the comparative form of 'mild,' used when requesting adjustments to food heat level.

a-la-carte

Means ordering individual dishes from the menu separately, not as part of a set meal; common in restaurant contexts.

protein

Refers to the main ingredient like meat, fish, or tofu in a dish; helps when customizing orders in meals.

classic

Something traditional and well-known, like a popular dish; used to describe reliable favorites in food or culture.

kick

A sudden strong taste or effect, often referring to spice in food; informal way to describe a bit of heat.

Key Sentences

Important phrases to remember and practice

Do you have a recommendation?

This polite question asks for advice on choices; useful in restaurants or shops when unsure. It uses 'do you have' for possession of an idea.

I'm trying to decide between the Pad Thai and the Green Curry.

Expresses indecision between two options; 'trying to decide between A and B' is a common pattern for seeking help. Good for everyday choices.

I like a little spice, but not overly spicy.

Describes personal food preferences; 'a little' means a small amount, 'overly' means too much. Useful for customizing orders without grammar complexity.

How does the spice level of the green curry compare to other Thai restaurants?

Asks for comparison using 'how does...compare to'; helps evaluate options. 'Spice level' is a practical phrase for food discussions.

Can I add chicken to it?

Requests a modification to an order; simple yes/no question with 'can I' for permission. Essential for personalizing meals in restaurants.

I'll go with the Green Curry, but a little milder please.

States a final choice with a request; 'I'll go with' means 'I'll choose,' and 'but' adds a condition. Polite way to order with adjustments.

One milder Green Curry coming right up.

Server's response confirming the order; 'coming right up' idiomatically means 'soon' or 'immediately.' Shows positive, efficient service language.