Term | Pronunciation | Definition | Context/Example |
Add-on | ad-awn | An extra item was added to an order for an additional charge | "Bacon is a $3 add-on." |
Allergen | al-er-jen | A substance capable of causing an allergic reaction in sensitive individuals | "Please inform us of any allergens before ordering." |
Calorie count | kal-or-ee kownt | The total energy value of a dish, expressed in calories, is listed for nutritional transparency | "Calorie counts are listed on our menu." |
Chef's choice | shefs choys | Dishes or ingredients selected at the chef's discretion, often for tasting menus | "Try the chef's choice tasting menu tonight." |
Contains | kon-taynz | Allergen disclosure language used on menus to indicate the presence of specific allergens | "This dish contains nuts and dairy — please inform guests." |
Daily special | day-lee spesh-uhl | A limited-time menu item available only on a given day, often based on seasonal availability | "Today's special is pan-seared salmon with asparagus." |
Dairy-free | dair-ee free | A dish or product containing no dairy ingredients whatsoever | "This dessert is completely dairy-free." |
Dietitian approved | dy-eh-tish-un ah-proovd | Menu items reviewed and endorsed by a registered dietitian for nutritional suitability | "Our low-sodium dishes are dietitian-approved." |
Egg-free | eg free | A dish prepared without eggs or egg-derived ingredients | "The pasta is egg-free — made with semolina and water only." |
Farm-to-table | farm too tay-buhl | A philosophy of sourcing ingredients directly from local farms for freshness and traceability | "Our farm-to-table approach ensures the freshest ingredients." |
Fish-free | fish free | A dish containing no fish or fish-derived ingredients | "Confirm the dish is fish-free for the guest with a seafood allergy." |
Flexitarian | flek-sih-tair-ee-an | A primarily plant-based diet that occasionally includes meat or fish | "We have several dishes that suit a flexitarian lifestyle." |
Free-range | free raynj | Poultry or livestock raised with outdoor access rather than in confined conditions | "We use only free-range eggs and chicken." |
Garnish | gar-nish | A decorative or flavour-enhancing element added to a finished dish before service | "Finish with a parsley garnish." |
Gluten-free | gloo-ten free | A dish prepared without gluten-containing grains such as wheat, barley, or rye | "We have several certified gluten-free options." |
Halal | hah-lahl | Meat and food prepared in accordance with Islamic dietary law | "The chicken dish can be prepared halal upon request." |
Jain | jayn | A strict vegetarian diet from the Jain faith that excludes root vegetables and certain other produce | "The guest follows a Jain diet — no root vegetables or underground produce." |
Keto-friendly | kee-toh frend-lee | A dish low in carbohydrates and high in fat, suitable for a ketogenic diet | "We have several keto-friendly options on the menu." |
Kosher | koh-sher | Food prepared and handled in accordance with Jewish dietary law | "We do not currently operate a kosher-certified kitchen." |
Lactose intolerant | lak-tohs in-tol-er-ant | Unable to digest lactose, the sugar found in dairy products | "The guest is lactose intolerant — confirm the dish contains no dairy." |
Low-sodium | loh soh-dee-uhm | A dish prepared with reduced salt content for guests managing sodium intake | "We offer low-sodium preparations on request." |
Market price | mar-ket prys | A dish priced according to the current daily market cost rather than a fixed menu price | "Oysters are market price today — check with management." |
Modification | mod-ih-fih-kay-shun | A requested change to the standard preparation or ingredients of a dish | "We can accommodate most modifications with advance notice." |
Nut-free | nuht free | A dish prepared without tree nuts or peanuts is important for guests with nut allergies | "Our nut-free preparation prevents cross-contamination." |
Organic | or-gan-ik | Produce grown without the use of synthetic pesticides, fertilisers, or GMOs | "We use certified organic greens in our salads." |
Paleo | pay-lee-oh | A diet based on foods available to early humans, excluding grains, dairy, and processed foods | "The grilled salmon is fully paleo-compliant." |
Plant-based | plant bayst | A dish made entirely from plant-derived ingredients with no animal products | "Our plant-based burger is one of our most popular items." |
Plating | playt-ing | The art of arranging and presenting food on the plate before service | "Focus on clean, attractive plating for every dish." |
Portion size | por-shun syz | The standardised amount of food served in a single serving | "Our portion sizes are generous and consistent." |
Presentation | prez-en-tay-shun | The overall visual appearance of a completed dish as served to the guest | "Presentation matters — every plate leaving the kitchen must look perfect." |
Sauce on the side | saws awn thuh syd | A guest request for dressing, sauce, or condiment be served separately | "Can I get the dressing on the side?" |
Seasonal | see-zuh-nuhl | Ingredients or dishes available only during their natural growing or harvesting season | "Our seasonal menu features the best spring produce." |
Shellfish-free | shel-fish free | A dish containing no shellfish or shellfish-derived ingredients | "Confirm the risotto is shellfish-free before serving the guest." |
Signature dish | sig-nah-cher dish | A dish that defines the restaurant's identity and is closely associated with the chef or brand | "The lobster bisque is our signature dish." |
Side substitution | syd suhb-stih-tyoo-shun | Replacing a standard side dish with an alternative, sometimes at an additional charge | "Side substitutions may have an upcharge." |
Soy-free | soy free | A dish prepared without soy or soy-derived ingredients | "The guest has a soy allergy — confirm the sauce is soy-free." |
Sustainable | suh-stay-nah-buhl | Ingredients sourced using environmentally and ethically responsible practices | "We serve only sustainable seafood certified by a recognised body." |
Tasting menu | tay-sting men-yoo | A multi-course menu offering small portions of several dishes, designed to showcase the chef's range | "Tonight's tasting menu is seven courses with optional wine pairing." |
Vegan | vee-gan | A dish containing no animal products whatsoever, including meat, dairy, eggs, and honey | "The pasta primavera can be prepared fully vegan." |
Vegetarian | vej-ih-tair-ee-an | A dish containing no meat or seafood, but which may include dairy products and eggs | "Our vegetarian burger is very popular." |
Whole30 | hohl-ther-tee | A 30-day elimination diet excluding sugar, grains, dairy, legumes, and alcohol | "The guest is on Whole30 — check all ingredients carefully." |