Ordering at a Restaurant
These everyday phrases will help you get a waiter's attention, read the menu, order food and drinks, and pay at a Korean restaurant.
Key Phrases
뭐 먹어요?
neutralmwo meogeoyo?
What are you having?
Use with colleagues or acquaintances when deciding what to order.
뭐 먹어?
casualmwo meogeo?
What are you having?
Only use this casual form with close friends.
저는 이거요.
neutraljeoneun igeoyo.
I would like this.
A very natural way to state your choice while pointing at the menu.
난 이거.
casualnan igeo.
I would like this.
Only use this with close friends.
저기요.
neutraljeogiyo.
Excuse me.
Call this out to get the waiter's attention. It is completely normal and not rude in Korea.
메뉴판 주세요.
neutralmenyupan juseyo.
A menu, please.
뭐가 맛있어요?
neutralmwoga masisseoyo?
What do you recommend?
Literally means 'What is delicious?' and is the standard way to ask for a recommendation.
이거 매워요?
neutraligeo maewoyo?
Is this spicy?
불고기 하나 주세요.
neutralbulgogi hana juseyo.
One bulgogi, please.
Replace '불고기' with your dish, and '하나' (one) with the quantity.
물 좀 주세요.
neutralmul jom juseyo.
Some water, please.
Water is often self-service, but you can use this phrase to ask the staff.
얼마예요?
neutraleolmayeyo?
How much is it?
Use this when paying your bill at the counter by the exit.