Buying Street Food
Use these practical phrases to confidently order street food, ask about ingredients, and handle payment like a local.
Key Phrases
Prendo una porzione, grazie.
casualI'll take one portion, thanks.
A direct and common way to order without needing complex verbs.
Per me un panino, per favore.
neutralA sandwich for me, please.
A standard, verbless way to order that works well for any item.
Cosa c'è dentro?
casualWhat's inside it?
Very natural when pointing at food on display.
Che ingredienti ci sono?
neutralWhat ingredients are in it?
A clearer way to ask if you have allergies or dietary needs.
È molto piccante?
neutralIs it very spicy?
Crucial for Italian street food, which sometimes uses strong chili.
Metti un po' di maionese?
casualCan you put a bit of mayo?
Uses informal 'tu' ('metti'); normal for younger stall staff.
Può aggiungere la salsa piccante?
politeCan you add the spicy sauce?
Uses formal 'Lei' ('può'); safest choice with older vendors.
Pago in contanti.
neutralI'm paying cash.
Many small street stalls still prefer cash over cards.
Dove possiamo sederci?
neutralWhere can we sit?
Useful if the stall has a hidden seating area.