Essential Dim Sum Phrases

Learn common phrases for ordering and enjoying dim sum

Ordering Food

Learn these essential phrases for ordering

Ordering Food

你想食乜嘢呀?

Néih séung sihk māt yéh ā?

What would you like to eat?

Mandarin: 你想吃什麼? (Nǐ xiǎng chī shénme?)

Server/Host
我想食...

Ngóh séung sihk...

I would like to eat...

Mandarin: 我想吃... (Wǒ xiǎng chī...)

Customer/Guest
我想要菜單

ngóh séung yiu choi dāan

I'd like a menu.

Customer/Guest
我食素

Ngóh sihk sou

I'm a vegetarian

Mandarin: 我吃素 (Wǒ chī sù)

Customer/Guest
您有薦荐嗎

Néih yáuh tēui jin ma

Do you have a recommendation?

Mandarin: 您有什么薦荐的嗎 (Nín yǒu shé me tuījiàn de ma)

Customer/Guest
買一贈一

máaih yāt jahng yāt

Buy one get one free.

Server/Host

Tips for Using These Phrases

Practice Out Loud

Cantonese tones are crucial. Practice saying each phrase multiple times.

Use in Context

Try using these phrases next time you visit a dim sum restaurant.

Don't Be Shy

Native speakers appreciate when you try to speak Cantonese!