Restaurant English · Ingredients · Food allergies · Real-life speaking
Have a food allergy? Say it clearly before you order.
You are eating at a new restaurant. The menu looks great, but you are not sure what is in the sauce or how the food is prepared. Don’t guess and don’t treat an allergy as a simple preference. Tell the staff about your allergy, ask about every relevant ingredient, check with the kitchen about shared equipment, and decide whether you have enough reliable information to order.
Start with: “Before I order, I need to tell you that I have a serious peanut allergy. Could you check the ingredients with the kitchen, please?”
Explain the allergy
“I have a serious allergy to peanuts.”
Say exactly which ingredient you must avoid, and make clear that it is a food allergy, not a preference.
Ask about preparation
“Could it come into contact with peanuts in the kitchen?”
Ask about sauces, oils, garnishes, shared pans, grills, fryers and utensils—not only the dish’s main ingredients.
Ten useful English phrases about ingredients and allergies
| What to say | When to use it |
|---|---|
| “I have a serious allergy to peanuts.” | Tell staff about the allergy before ordering. |
| “Does this dish contain peanuts?” | Ask about a specific ingredient. |
| “Are there peanuts in the sauce or garnish?” | Check less obvious ingredients. |
| “What kind of oil is used?” | Ask about cooking ingredients. |
| “Could you check with the chef, please?” | Ask staff to verify rather than guess. |
| “Is the same pan or fryer used for foods with peanuts?” | Ask about shared equipment and cross-contact. |
| “Has the recipe or ingredient list changed?” | Check whether prior information is still correct. |
| “Could I speak with the manager or chef?” | Ask for someone who can clarify your requirements. |
| “Can you confirm how this meal will be prepared?” | Ask for a clear explanation of the process. |
| “If you can’t confirm, I won’t order this dish.” | Make a safe decision when answers are uncertain. |
Real restaurant conversation: checking before you order
Traveller: Excuse me. Before I order, I have a serious peanut allergy.
Server: Thank you for telling me. What would you like to know?
Traveller: Does this noodle dish contain peanuts, peanut sauce or peanut oil?
Server: I’m not sure about every ingredient. Let me check with our chef.
Traveller: Thank you. Could you also ask if the same wok or utensils are used for dishes with peanuts?
Server: The kitchen does use shared cooking equipment, and we can’t confirm that cross-contact can be avoided.
Traveller: Thanks for checking. In that case, I won’t order this dish.
Server: I understand. I’m sorry we can’t verify it for you.
Traveller: I appreciate your honesty. Thank you for your help.
Four steps before ordering food
“I have a serious peanut allergy. I need to avoid peanuts.”
“Does this contain peanuts, including the sauce or garnish?”
“Could it touch peanuts through shared equipment?”
“If you can’t confirm, I won’t order this dish.”
Allergy vs preference: “I don’t like peanuts” expresses a preference. “I am allergic to peanuts” communicates a medical concern. If you have an allergy, use the second phrase and explain the importance clearly.
Hidden ingredients: Sauces, dressings, oils, marinades, garnishes and desserts may contain ingredients that are not obvious from the menu. Ask about the whole recipe and any recent substitutions.
Cross-contact matters: Even when peanuts are not listed as an ingredient, food may come into contact with them through shared fryers, utensils, work surfaces or cooking equipment. Ask the chef or manager how food is prepared.
Important safety rule: A polite answer is not a guarantee. If the restaurant cannot reliably confirm the ingredients and preparation or does not understand your allergy, do not eat the dish. Follow your own allergy care plan and carry prescribed emergency medication if applicable.
If staff don’t understand your question
You: Sorry, this is a food allergy, not just a preference. Could I speak with the manager or chef?
Staff: Of course. What ingredient must you avoid?
You: Peanuts. Could you check the ingredients and whether shared cooking equipment is used?
Staff: We’ll need to check before giving you an answer.
You: Thank you. I’ll wait for that information before deciding whether to order.
Problem → Need → Request
I have a peanut allergy, and the ingredients aren’t clear.
I need verified information about the food and its preparation.
Could you check with the kitchen before I order, please?
Put it together: “I have a serious peanut allergy, and I’m not sure what’s in this dish. Could you check the ingredients and shared equipment with the chef before I order?”
Your 60-second Practice Mission
- State it: “I have a serious peanut allergy.”
- Ask: “Does this dish contain peanuts or peanut oil?”
- Check: “Could it come into contact with peanuts during preparation?”
- Choose: “If you can’t confirm, I won’t order it. Thank you.”
Surprise round: the server says, “I think it’s okay.” Ask for a confirmed answer from the kitchen rather than accepting a guess. Practise with your own allergen instead of peanuts.
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