How to Order Food in Any Country (Even If You Can’t Read the Menu)

One of the best parts of traveling is trying new food, but what happens when you can’t read the menu? Whether you're in a tiny street-side café in Tokyo, a local diner in Morocco, or a countryside bistro in France, ordering food in an unfamiliar language can feel overwhelming. But don’t let the language barrier stop you from enjoying an incredible meal. With the right tricks, you can order like a pro—without needing to understand every word.

Use Your Eyes—Look at What Others Are Eating

Sometimes, the best way to order is to see what looks good and point at it. If you notice a dish that looks amazing at another table, politely gesture to it when the waiter comes by. Many restaurants—especially in Asia—are used to this and won’t mind if you simply say, "I’ll have what they’re having."

Rely on Pictures, Displays, and Sample Dishes

Many restaurants, especially in tourist-friendly areas, have picture menus, food displays, or even plastic models of dishes in their windows. These can be lifesavers when you don’t recognize anything on the written menu. Just pointing at a picture or display dish makes ordering easy and avoids any language confusion.

Use a Translation App (But Be Ready for Weird Results)

Apps like Google Translate can scan menus and translate text instantly, but translations aren’t always perfect. "Grilled chicken" might turn into "burned bird," and "stewed beef" could become "boiled cow." If the translation seems off, try searching for individual words instead of full sentences.

Learn a Few Key Food Words

Even if you can’t learn a whole new language, memorizing basic food terms can be a game-changer. Words like "chicken," "beef," "fish," "spicy," or "vegetarian" can help you recognize key menu items. Writing them down or saving a screenshot on your phone can make ordering easier.

Ask the Staff for Recommendations

Even if you don’t speak the language, waiters and restaurant staff often love to help. A simple smile and a polite attempt to ask for their recommendation—using hand gestures or basic words—can lead to great results. Many locals are happy to suggest their favorite dishes.

Trust Set Menus and Daily Specials

Many restaurants offer "set menus" or daily specials that include local favorites. These options take the guesswork out of ordering and often give you a more traditional experience. If you're not sure what to choose, ordering the special is usually a safe bet.

Be Open to Surprises

When traveling, the best meals often come from stepping outside your comfort zone. Even if you’re not exactly sure what you ordered, embrace the experience. As long as you check for dietary restrictions or food allergies, letting go of expectations can lead to some of the most memorable meals of your trip.

Ordering food in another country doesn’t have to be stressful. By using visuals, technology, and a little curiosity, you can enjoy incredible meals—without needing to read the menu like a local.