10 HANDY Russian phrases to use in a café!
Do you want to grab a quick bite, sit by the window with a cup of tea or try real Russian ‘blini’ (pancakes)? Here are 10 simple Russian phrases that will help you easily place an order, ask about allergens and get the bill on time!
1. “Столик на двоих / троих, пожалуйста!” [“Stolik na dvoikh / troikh, pozhaluysta!”] – “A table for two / three, please!”
Say this when you enter a café and want to get a table.
2. “У меня бронь на имя…” [“U menya bron na imya…”] – “I have a reservation under the name…”
Say this if you booked a table in advance. Then say your name and you’ll be shown to your table.
3. “Можно меню, пожалуйста?” [“Mozhno menyu, pozhaluysta?”] – “Can I have the menu, please?”
This is a polite request to the waiter when you’re already seated and haven’t received the menu yet.
4. “Что вы посоветуете?” [“Chto vy posovetuyete?”] – “What do you recommend?”
Say this if you’re unsure what to order and want the waiter’s advice. It’s especially useful in places serving Russian cuisine!
5. “У меня аллергия на… (орехи / молоко / глютен)!” [“U menya allergiya na… (orekhi / moloko / glyuten)!] – “I have an allergy to… (nuts / milk / gluten)!”
If you have a food intolerance, say this right away and the waiter will inform the kitchen.
6. “Можно чай / кофе, пожалуйста?” [“Mozhno chay / kofe, pozhaluysta?”] – “Can I have some tea / coffee, please?”
Say this when you’d like a drink after your meal or just want to sit with a cuppa. Tea in Russia is often served with lemon and sugar; coffee, meanwhile, is usually espresso or americano.
7. “Можно добавки?” [“Mozhno dobavki?”] – “Can I have some more?”
Say this when you’ve really enjoyed the dish and want an extra portion. Works especially well in canteens with soups or side dishes.
8. “Заверните с собой” [“Zavernite s soboy”] – “Can I get a doggy bag for this?”
Say this if you haven’t finished your meal and want to take the leftovers. The waiter will bring a container or wrap it in foil – it’s perfectly normal.
9. “Можно счет, пожалуйста?” [“Mozhno schyot, pozhaluysta?”] – “Can I have the bill/check, please?”
Say this when you’ve finished eating and want to pay. In Russia, bills/checks are often not brought without a gentle reminder – so you’ll definitely need this phrase.
10. “Можно оплатить картой / наличными?” [“Mozhno oplatit’ kartoy / nalichnymi?”] – “Can I pay by card / cash?”
Most establishments accept both cards and cash. The choice is yours!
And remember, you can always plan your dream trip to Russia on the ‘Discover Russia’ portal!
