饮食与就餐 Food

Whether you're at a restaurant, café, or snack bar, these words help you order food and understand menus.

Types of eating places:

• restaurant: full-service place with waiters
• café: serves drinks and light meals
• cafeteria: line up, get food yourself, pay
• fast food restaurant: quick service, takeout available
• bakery: bread and cakes
• food court: many food stalls together in mall

Meal times (一天三餐):

• breakfast: morning meal (before 10 AM)
• lunch: midday meal (11 AM - 2 PM)
• dinner / supper: evening meal (6 PM - 9 PM)
• brunch: late breakfast + lunch combined (weekends!)
• snack: small food between meals

Order of a Western meal:

1. appetizer / starter: first small dish (soup, salad)
2. main course / main dish: largest dish (meat + vegetables + potato/rice)
3. dessert: sweet dish at end (cake, ice cream, fruit)
4. drink: water, soda, juice, coffee, tea

Menu categories (菜单分类):

• appetizers / starters: first dishes
• salads: cold vegetable dishes
• soups: hot liquid food
• main courses: main beef/chicken/fish dishes
• side dishes: small dishes that go with main (fries, vegetables)
• desserts: sweet final dishes
• beverages / drinks: all liquids

Common ordering phrases:

• "I'd like the grilled chicken, please."
• "For here or to go?" → "For here, please." / "To go, please."
• "I'll have the fish and chips with a side salad."
• "Could I get more water, please?"
• "Check, please." (asking for bill)

Etiquette tips (餐桌礼仪):

• In most Western restaurants, you wait to be seated
• Fork in left hand, knife in right hand (British style)
• Keep napkin on lap while eating
• Tip 15-20% in USA restaurants (added to bill or left on table)

Practice: Write a restaurant dialogue between customer and waiter. Order an appetizer, main course, and drink.