How to translate restaurant menus while traveling

Get the line and its context

Hold the phone steady, avoid glare and include the heading. Retake a blurred photo before trying to interpret a strange output. On a multi-column menu, a price may belong to the neighboring dish.

Keep sizes, units and symbols with the item. A translated word without its heading may lose whether the item is a starter, main dish or set meal.

A worked menu example

This small example shows the difference between reading the name and choosing a follow-up. It does not claim the pictured restaurant serves any particular recipe.

Ask for the missing fact

Point to the exact line, then ask one question about the ingredient, portion or preparation you need to know. If the staff reply is unclear, ask them to write the key word.

For an allergy, ask about both ingredients and cross-contact and use an accurately prepared allergy card. The FDA's allergen guidance describes cross-contact; a translated menu cannot rule it out.

Confirm the item and quantity

Show the original name when ordering and confirm how many portions you want. Before paying, compare the bill to the items and quantities you ordered; ask staff to explain an unfamiliar line.

Install Translate Us before the meal to try a menu photo and a short follow-up request. Preserve the original text whenever the translation is uncertain.