Looking for English food

Here are some phrases to help you find a traditional English meal…

Conversation

Tourist: Hello, we're looking for information on cheapish places to eat.

Information officer: Oh, there's plenty of choice. Here's our list of restaurants that offer good value for money. There's the Indian takeaway, the Chinese noodle bar and the Greek taverna.

Tourist: Er, haven't you got something a bit less ... exotic?

Information officer: Well, there's the pizza place, they do a very reasonable business lunch. Or there's the Danish café, but it's slightly more upmarket.

Tourist: No, I mean, we like to try the local cuisine when we're on holiday. Isn't there a traditional English restaurant?

Information officer: Well, er, no, there isn't. Nowadays, English food is a fusion of foreign ideas, so traditional cooking isn't very popular. I suppose you could try the fish and chip shop. They do excellent fish and chips, and they have a sit-in area. You won't find anything more traditionally English than that, or anything cheaper, and the fish is always freshly caught. In fact, perhaps it would be a good idea to add it to our list...

Vocabulary

The conversation

cheapish = pas trop cher

good value for money = un bon rapport qualité-prix

takeaway = endroit qui vend des plats à emporter

noodle = nouille

reasonable = bon marché

upmarket = chic

fish and chip shop = restaurant de poisson pané et frites (à emporter ou à manger sur place)

sit-in area = partie du restaurant où l'on peut s'asseoir

freshly caught = récemment pêché

Extra vocabulary

course = plat (entrée, dessert)

dish = plat

first/second sitting = premier/second service

helping, serving = portion

lunch = déjeuner

main course (GB)/entrée (US) = plat principal

meal to go (US)/takeaway meal (GB)/carryout meal (Scotland) = repas à emporter

menu = carte

pudding, sweet (GB), dessert = dessert

set menu = menu fixe, formule

starter (GB)/appetizer (US) = entrée