Cafe and restaurant in Basque
A table, the menu, what you cannot eat, and a compliment to the kitchen. Play the ten Basque words against the clock, with a note on how locals really use each one after every answer. All ten are written out below.
All 10 Basque phrases in this lesson
- Bi pertsonarentzako mahai bat, mesedezbee per-tso-na-ren-TSA-ko ma-HAI bat, me-SE-des
- A table for two
- Menua, mesedezME-noo-a, me-SE-des
- The menu, please
- Zer gomendatzen duzu?zer go-men-DAT-sen DOO-zoo
- What do you recommend?
- Ez dut ... jatenez doot ... YA-ten
- I don't eat...
- Alergia dut...a-LER-gee-a doot
- I'm allergic to...
- Haragiaa-RA-gee-a
- Meat
- Oilaskoaoy-las-KO-a
- Chicken
- Arrainaa-RRAI-na
- Fish
- Goxoa dago-SHO-a da
- It's delicious
- Topa!TO-pa
- Cheers
This is a longer phrase; if it feels daunting, hold up two fingers and say "mahai bat, mesedez." Staff in tourist areas will understand immediately.
In the Basque Country, "menua" often refers to the fixed-price set menu (starter, main, dessert, drink), which is typically excellent value at lunchtime.
Basque cuisine is world-famous and chefs are proud of it. Asking this question often unlocks off-menu specials or the freshest catch of the day.
"Ez dut haragirik jaten", I don't eat meat.
Literally "I have an allergy". Name the food after it.
The txuleta, a huge grilled rib steak, is the cider-house classic.
Hake and salt cod dominate. The coast lives on fish.
"Goxo" means delicious or sweet. Saying this to a Basque cook or server is one of the kindest things you can do and will almost always produce a big smile.
The Basque toast, shouted with enthusiasm. Txakoli wine is traditionally poured from a height into wide glasses to aerate it before the toast. Join in enthusiastically.