Korean for Ordering a Full Meal: Appetizer, Main, and Dessert
Learn to order a multi-course meal in Korean, from appetizer to dessert. Master polite phrases for each course, ask staff questions, and navigate a restaurant meal smoothly.
By MarcusFood & cafés · Yapr Learn
Ordering a full meal in Korean involves more than just naming dishes. You need to sequence your requests, use appropriate politeness levels, and interact with staff at each stage. This lesson teaches you the essential phrases for ordering an appetizer, main course, and dessert, along with questions to ask staff. You'll learn the difference between casual and polite forms, and how to handle common situations like asking for recommendations or requesting the check. By the end, you'll be able to confidently order a complete meal in a Korean restaurant.
By the end, you can…
- order an appetizer, main course, and dessert in Korean using polite language.
- ask staff for recommendations and request the check.
Listen once. Try it slowly. Then say it without looking.
Checking available voices…
에피타이저로 뭘 추천해 주시겠어요?
What do you recommend for an appetizer?
Epitijeoro mwol chucheonhae jusigesseoyo?
Use this polite question to ask staff for an appetizer recommendation. '에피타이저' is a loanword; you can also say '전채 요리' for a more formal term.
메인 요리는 이걸로 할게요.
I'll have this for the main course.
Mein yorineun igeollo halgeyo.
Point to the menu item while saying this. '이걸로' means 'this one'. The verb '할게요' expresses your decision politely.
디저트는 뭐가 있나요?
What do you have for dessert?
Dijeoteuneun mwoga innayo?
Use this to ask about dessert options. '뭐가' means 'what' as the subject. The polite ending '-나요' makes the question soft.
주문할게요.
I'd like to order.
Jumunhalgeyo.
Say this to get the server's attention when you're ready to order. It's polite and direct.
계산서 주세요.
The check, please.
Gyesanseo juseyo.
Use this to ask for the bill at the end of the meal. '계산서' means 'check' or 'bill'. '주세요' means 'please give'.
Pronunciation guides are approximate. Slow playback keeps the original pitch.
Make it make sense
Useful pattern
To order a specific dish, use the pattern 'Noun + 주세요' (please give me Noun). For example, '김치찌개 주세요' means 'Kimchi stew, please.' To specify the course, you can add '로' to the course name: '에피타이저로 ~ 주세요' (Please give me ~ as an appetizer). For the main course, '메인 요리로 ~ 주세요' works similarly. For dessert, '디저트로 ~ 주세요'. This pattern is polite and widely used in restaurants.
When to use it
Use these phrases when you are ready to order each course. It's common to order appetizers and mains together, then dessert later. If you're unsure, ask for recommendations: '뭘 추천해 주시겠어요?' (What do you recommend?). When you want the check, say '계산서 주세요.' If you need to call the server, you can say '여기요' (Excuse me) to get their attention. Always use polite language with staff, especially if you're not familiar with them.
Listen to each line, then take one part and reply out loud.
주문할게요. 에피타이저로 뭘 추천해 주시겠어요?
I'd like to order. What do you recommend for an appetizer?Jumunhalgeyo. Epitijeoro mwol chucheonhae jusigesseoyo?해물파전을 추천해 드릴게요. 메인 요리는 뭘로 하시겠어요?
I recommend the seafood scallion pancake. What would you like for the main course?Haemulpajeoneul chucheonhae deurilgeyo. Mein yorineun mwollo hasigesseoyo?그럼 해물파전 주시고, 메인 요리는 불고기로 할게요. 디저트는 뭐가 있나요?
Then please give me the seafood scallion pancake, and I'll have bulgogi for the main course. What do you have for dessert?Geureom haemulpajeon jusigo, mein yorineun bulgogiro halgeyo. Dijeoteuneun mwoga innayo?디저트로는 아이스크림과 과일이 있어요. 주문 도와드릴게요.
For dessert, we have ice cream and fruit. I'll help you with your order.Dijeoteuroneun aiseukeurimgwa gwairi isseoyo. Jumun dowadeurilgeyo.A little context goes a long way
In Korean restaurants, it's common to order appetizers and mains together, and dessert may be ordered later. Staff may bring shared side dishes (banchan) automatically. Tipping is not customary in Korea. Using polite language (존댓말) with staff is standard, even in casual settings. If you're dining with others, the eldest often orders first, but you can politely place your own order.
One thing to watch for
Using the casual verb ending '해' instead of polite '해요' when ordering, e.g., '주문해' instead of '주문할게요'.
Try this instead: With staff, use polite forms. '주문할게요' is appropriate. '주문해' is casual and can sound rude to strangers. For example, say '김치찌개 주세요' not '김치찌개 줘'.
Your turn
Try answering out loud before checking a possible answer.
1How would you ask for the check in Korean?
Show a sample answer
계산서 주세요.
This is the standard polite way to ask for the bill. '계산서' means check, and '주세요' means please give. You could also say '계산해 주세요' (Please calculate), which is also correct.
2What phrase would you use to order an appetizer, specifying the course?
Show a sample answer
에피타이저로 김치전 주세요.
This means 'Please give me kimchi pancake as an appetizer.' The pattern '에피타이저로' marks the course. You can replace '김치전' with any appetizer.
3How do you ask for a dessert recommendation?
Show a sample answer
디저트로 뭘 추천해 주시겠어요?
This asks 'What do you recommend for dessert?' The structure is similar to asking for appetizer recommendations. You can also say '디저트는 뭐가 맛있어요?' (What's good for dessert?).
Ordering a full meal in Korean is straightforward with a few key phrases. Start with '주문할게요' to signal you're ready, use '~로 주세요' to order each course, and don't forget '계산서 주세요' at the end. Always use polite language with staff.
Progress is saved on this browser.
Practice real time conversations on Yapr for faster learning.
Put today’s Korean into a conversation with an AI tutor. Speak, make mistakes, and try again.
Practice on Yapr