Ah Ming went to a restaurant.
How to Order Dim Sum in Cantonese
Practice the Cantonese phrases, choices, and short dialogues that make ordering dim sum feel easier.
Ask for a table and tea first, then order dishes by name or by pointing at the cart. Each lesson below is a short restaurant conversation you can read and listen to at your level.
- Ask for a table and tea.
- Order common dim sum dishes.
- Answer simple questions from restaurant staff.
- Ask for the bill politely.
Read a Real Lesson
This is a complete Bubblegum lesson, with the same tools you get in the app.
- Tap any word to see its meaning and how it is read.
- Open a note to see the grammar behind an underlined phrase.
- Hide the translation and check how much you understand on your own.
- Switch levels to read the same situation written for where you are.
Level 1: I know a few words, or I can sound out words but not much else.
Not sure? or pick the level where you understand most of the lesson but still meet a few new words.
Ordering at a Restaurant
Hello! What would you like to eat?
Hello! He and I will have shrimp dumplings, please.
Sure. Would you like some tea?
Yes, please. Thank you.
New to Cantonese? Start with the Level 1 lesson and play the audio line by line. You only need a handful of phrases to order well, and the notes explain each one.
About This Guide
Use the lessons below to hear several ways a dim sum conversation can unfold. Choose your level to see a version that fits what you are learning now.
More Level 1 Lessons(8)
Ordering Food and Drinks
Practice ordering cheese and coffee in a restaurant setting!
Going for Dim Sum
Join Siu Ming for a wonderful dim sum experience and learn how to order tea!
Enjoying Dim Sum at a Restaurant
Learn how to chat about favorite dishes and order delicious dim sum at a restaurant!
Buying Dim Sum
Join in to learn how to pick your favorite dim sum from the cart!
Going for Dim Sum
Join friends for dim sum and learn how to order your favorite tasty treats!
Ordering Drinks at the Tea House
Practice ordering your favorite hot tea in Cantonese!
Going for Dim Sum
Learn how to greet staff and order at a traditional Cantonese teahouse!
Shrimp Dumplings and the Bill
Enjoy dim sum with shrimp dumplings and learn how to ask for the bill!
Questions Learners Ask
How do I ask for the bill in Cantonese?
Say 唔該,埋單 (m4 goi1, maai4 daan1). 唔該 gets the staff's attention politely, and 埋單 means to settle the bill. You will hear it in the lessons at every level.
Do I order dim sum from a menu or a cart?
Both are common. Many restaurants give you a paper order sheet to tick, while older tea houses still push carts between tables. The lessons show phrases for both.
Which level should I read?
Pick the level where you understand most of the conversation but still meet a few new words. If you are unsure, start at Level 1 and move up when it feels easy.
Start With the Script
Learn to read Cantonese with pictures, real audio, and short practice.
Read at Your Level
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