Belarusian cuisine offers a wonderful array of flavors that are deeply rooted in the country’s history and culture. When visiting Belarus, it’s essential to know some key phrases and vocabulary to navigate the menu and enjoy the local food to its fullest. Here, we present some useful Belarusian terms related to dining, along with their definitions and example sentences to help you practice.
Меню (Menyu) – Menu
This is the list of food and drink items available at a restaurant.
Калі ласка, пакажыце мне меню.
Translation: Please, show me the menu.
Закускі (Zakuski) – Appetizers
These are small dishes served before the main course.
Я бы хацеў пачаць з закускай.
Translation: I would like to start with an appetizer.
Суп (Soup) – Soup
A liquid dish, often served hot, that is made by combining ingredients such as meat and vegetables with stock, juice, water, or another liquid.
Суп дня вельмі смачны.
Translation: The soup of the day is very delicious.
Асноўнае блюдо (Asnoŭnaye blyudo) – Main course
The primary dish around which the meal is built, usually containing protein.
Для майго асноўнага курса я хачу стэйк.
Translation: For my main course, I want a steak.
Гарнір (Garnir) – Side dish
An item that accompanies the main course.
Я папрасіў дадатковы гарнір з рысам.
Translation: I asked for an extra side dish of rice.
Дэсерт (Desert) – Dessert
Sweet course typically served at the end of a meal.
Ці магу я мець меню дэсертаў?
Translation: Can I have the dessert menu?
Напоі (Napoi) – Drinks/Beverages
Liquids for drinking, which may include water, soft drinks, or alcoholic drinks.
Якія напоі ў вас ёсць?
Translation: What beverages do you have?
Чак заказа (Chak zakaza) – Waiting for the order
The period of time one waits after placing an order for the food to be prepared and served.
Я доўга буду чакаць заказ?
Translation: Will I be waiting long for my order?
Рахунак (Rakhunak) – Bill/Check
The statement of charges for the meal consumed.
Магчыма, атрымаць рахунак, калі ласка?
Translation: May I have the bill, please?
Чайовыя (Chayovyia) – Tip
A sum of money customarily given to service staff for their services.
Колькі чайовых пакінуць у Беларусі?
Translation: How much should I leave for a tip in Belarus?
Я ем (Ya yem) – I eat
To take in food; to consume a meal.
Я ем і насоладжваюся кожным шматочкам.
Translation: I eat and enjoy every bite.
Смачна (Smachna) – Delicious/Tasty
Pleasing to the taste; flavorful.
Гэтая страва вельмі смачная!
Translation: This dish is very delicious!
Я алергік на… (Ya alergik na…) – I’m allergic to…
Used to inform others about one’s food allergies.
Ведаеце, я алергік на арахіс?
Translation: Do you know I’m allergic to peanuts?
Knowing these phrases and words will certainly enhance your dining experience in Belarus, and might just impress the local staff and diners as well. Remember to practice these terms and immerse yourself in the local culture for a truly delightful culinary journey.
