How to Order Korean Food Like a Local (Without Pointing!)

Ordering food in Korea can be intimidating if you're not fluent — especially if there’s no English menu or the staff speaks no English. But don’t worry! In this post, I’ll teach you easy Korean phrases and cultural tips to help you order like a pro — no pointing needed.

🍲 Step 1: Know What You Want to Eat

Start by learning menu item names or common dishes. Some essential Korean food terms:

• 김치찌개 (kimchi-jjigae) – Kimchi stew
• 불고기 (bulgogi) – Marinated grilled beef
• 삼겹살 (samgyeopsal) – Pork belly (BBQ style)
• 비빔밥 (bibimbap) – Mixed rice with vegetables

🗣️ Step 2: Use This Phrase to Order

[Dish] 하나 주세요 > (____ hana juseyo) → “One [dish], please.”

Examples:

• 불고기 하나 주세요 — One bulgogi, please
• 비빔밥 두 개 주세요 — Two bibimbap, please

Want to sound extra polite? Add “감사합니다” (thank you) at the end!

🙋‍♀️ Step 3: Ask Questions Like a Local

• 이거 뭐예요? (igeo mwoyeyo?) — What’s this?
• 매워요? (maewoyo?) — Is it spicy?
• 추천 메뉴 있어요? (chucheon menyu isseoyo?) — Do you have a recommendation?

📄 Bonus Tip: Use the Table Bell or Call for Service

Most Korean restaurants have a table bell. If not, you can say:

저기요! (jeogiyo!) — Excuse me!

It’s totally normal in Korea — not rude at all!

✨ Final Thoughts

Ordering in Korean doesn’t require fluency — just confidence and a few key phrases. Practice a couple dishes before you go, and soon you’ll be impressing locals with your ordering skills. 💪