Ordering food in different languauges for a tastier dish

[Judgeneo]

Belongs in GD as much as La Cusine I think

When we go to Chinese restaurants, and speak in Chinese, we are often given a "special" chinese menu with much more authentic and far tastier and diverse food.

Now obviously this works for Chinese food, but does it work for other cuisines? Ideally Indian, how would I be best going about this considering I don't speak a word of Hindi, Gujarati or any other Indian language?

 

[bcjames]

Probably best to learn some Hindi, Gujarati or any other Indian language.

 

[Freefaller]

I've heard that before - it does make a difference if you can go to a restaurant with a speaker of the language.

I often ask for "authentic" or "non western" version of the food if I know the place and like it's quality.

 

[deuse]

Well start learning if you're going to brum as they serve food from 27 countries. But the balti was invented in brum so English will be ok for that

 

[Efour]

I often order a big mac with a Texan accent to get authentic gherkin slices

 

[EdwardTeach]

Regardless of cuisine I always use a French accent when ordering food, it makes me appear sophisticated with impeccable taste.

 

[Storm3y]

Never worked for us

I did however get one of the best meals I've ever had the other day in Belgium which was Rabbit.

 

[Freefaller]

Regardless of cuisine I always use a French accent when ordering food, it makes me appear sophisticated with impeccable taste.

I don't even have a French accent anymore

However, I do pronounce French named foods in French rather than the English pronunciation of it.

 

[Judgeneo]

I often order a big mac with a Texan accent to get authentic gherkin slices

Regardless of cuisine I always use a French accent when ordering food, it makes me appear sophisticated with impeccable taste.

This is what I get for choosing GD

I've heard that before - it does make a difference if you can go to a restaurant with a speaker of the language.

I often ask for "authentic" or "non western" version of the food if I know the place and like it's quality.

Does this actually work then? As in, you've ordered the same dish twice, and once asked for it "authentic"?

Seems like something worth trying anyway.

Has anyone got an "indian" version of a menu in the same way I can get a "chinese" version? Theres bound to be a few native speakers kicking around on here.

 

[ChroniC]

Why would a restaurant, who seemingly would like to be popular and make money, hide their tastier and better than the competition dishes, for only a select few?? There probably just handing you the same menu in Chinese, but your air of superiority is making you think it taste better. That or your going to a bad restaurant.

 

[tom_e]

I'm waiting for a certain poster to come in and start preaching about ordering the "Staff curry".

 

[krooton]

I don't even have a French accent anymore

However, I do pronounce French named foods in French rather than the English pronunciation of it.

Bah-ghhhhh-et
Ca-mum-bear
Sir-ren-duh

 

[tom_e]

Why would a restaurant, who seemingly would like to be popular and make money, hide their tastier and better than the competition dishes, for only a select few?? There probably just handing you the same menu in Chinese.

Because most people like and want the Westernised versions of the dishes and if they were handed something more like the traditional version would do their best Brit abroad impression and turn their nose up saying this isn't what I ordered!?!

 

[bitslice]

Works in Birmingham apparently, an Indian guy I was working with offered to show me around.

I'm not sure my taste buds are that sophisticated though, spicy foods are pretty complex.

 

[TheVoice]

Everyone knows the real delicacies are reserved for those who order in Klingon.

 

[ChroniC]

Because most people like and want the Westernised versions of the dishes and if they were handed something more like the traditional version would do their best Brit abroad impression and turn their nose up saying this isn't what I ordered!?!

Maybe that's the case up north.

 

[bitslice]

Why would a restaurant, who seemingly would like to be popular and make money, hide their tastier and better than the competition dishes, for only a select few??

Better dishes take time to make, and if you have a punter who can tell the difference then they are likely to come back to you.
Joe Whitey and his monthly curry trip isn't worth squat.

 

[Haggisman]

Has anyone got an "indian" version of a menu in the same way I can get a "chinese" version? Theres bound to be a few native speakers kicking around on here.

Not quite the same thing, but when my partner's Indian brother in law was over a few weeks ago, he ordered an indian takeaway (from the same place we usually get it), and had a good chat with them in their native language.

The order turned up with 3-4 free starters/sides and about 20 free poppadoms, plus a £5 off voucher for our next order.

 

[tom_e]

Maybe that's the case up north.

You're absolutely correct only people north of the Watford Gap have Westernised tastes in food I do apologise for my wholly incorrect and sweeping statement.

 

[glenimp617]

the food comes from the same cash and carry, how can it taste any different?