When dining out in the Netherlands or any Dutch-speaking region, understanding some key phrases can enhance your experience. Here, we explore essential Dutch vocabulary for restaurant and dining scenarios, making it easier for you to order, interact with staff, and enjoy your meal.
Menu – The list of food and drink options available in a restaurant.
Kunt u mij het menu laten zien, alstublieft?
This translates to “Can you show me the menu, please?”
Bestellen – To order food or drinks at a restaurant.
Ik zou graag willen bestellen.
This means “I would like to order.”
Ober – Waiter.
Ober, kunt u mij helpen?
This is used to say “Waiter, can you help me?”
Bediening – Service; often used to refer to the restaurant staff collectively.
De bediening hier is uitstekend.
This translates to “The service here is excellent.”
Rekening – Bill; the check in a restaurant.
Mag ik de rekening, alstublieft?
This means “Can I have the bill, please?”
Fooi – Tip; extra money given for good service.
Is de fooi inbegrepen?
This question asks “Is the tip included?”
Voorgerecht – Appetizer; a small dish before the main course.
Wat raadt u aan als voorgerecht?
This is used to ask “What do you recommend as an appetizer?”
Hoofdgerecht – Main course.
Ik neem de steak als mijn hoofdgerecht.
This translates to “I’ll have the steak as my main course.”
Nagerecht – Dessert.
Heeft u een nagerecht menu?
This means “Do you have a dessert menu?”
Dranken – Drinks.
Wat voor dranken heeft u?
This asks “What drinks do you have?”
Wijn – Wine.
Kunnen we de wijnkaart zien?
This means “Can we see the wine list?”
Bier – Beer.
Welk soort bier heeft u?
This is used to ask “What kind of beer do you have?”
Water – Water; often ordered in still (stil) or sparkling (bruisend) forms.
Een fles bruisend water, alstublieft.
This translates to “A bottle of sparkling water, please.”
Speciale wensen – Special requests; dietary restrictions or preferences.
Heeft u gerechten voor mensen met speciale wensen?
This means “Do you have dishes for people with special requests?”
Vegetarisch – Vegetarian.
Ik ben vegetarisch. Wat kunt u aanbevelen?
This is used to say “I am vegetarian. What can you recommend?”
Glutenvrij – Gluten-free.
Heeft u glutenvrije opties?
This asks “Do you have gluten-free options?”
Allergie – Allergy.
Ik heb een allergie voor noten.
This means “I have a nut allergy.”
Smakelijk eten – Enjoy your meal; similar to “bon appétit.”
Smakelijk eten!
This is commonly said before starting the meal, wishing others a good meal.
Klaar – Finished; used to indicate that you are done with your meal.
Ik ben klaar. Dank u wel!
This translates to “I am finished. Thank you!”
Reserveren – To reserve; making a reservation.
Ik wil graag een tafel reserveren voor vanavond.
This means “I would like to reserve a table for tonight.”
Annuleren – To cancel; used in the context of canceling reservations.
Ik moet mijn reservering annuleren.
This is used to say “I need to cancel my reservation.”
By familiarizing yourself with these common Dutch phrases and words, you can navigate dining experiences more smoothly and enjoyably while in a Dutch-speaking region. Remember, practicing these phrases will not only help you in restaurants but also in understanding and engaging with the local culture more deeply.
