Ordering Food in Zulu: Phrases for Restaurants
By: Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
There’s something deeply satisfying about speaking the local language—especially when food is involved. Whether you’re dining in Durban, grabbing bunny chow at a township joint, or trying to impress your Zulu-speaking bae’s family, knowing a few phrases in isiZulu can go a long way (and might just earn you extra chakalaka).
Let’s walk through the essential phrases, vocab, and cultural tips for ordering food confidently—and respectfully—in isiZulu.
🍽️ Basic Restaurant Vocabulary
Restaurant — iresitshi
Menu — imenyu
Food — ukudla
Drink — isiphuzo
Waiter — insiza
Table — itafula
Plate — ipuleti
Fork — ifolokhe
Knife — ummese
Spoon — isipuni
🗣️ Key Phrases for Ordering Food
Ngicela imenyu.
(Can I have the menu?)Ngifuna ukudla kwasekhaya.
(I’d like traditional food.)Ngicela inyama yenkomo/inkukhu/impala.
(Can I have beef/chicken/impala?)Uyaconsa yini lokhu?
(Is this spicy?)Ngabe leli yisitsha esishisayo noma esibandayo?
(Is this a hot or cold dish?)Ngabe kukhona ukudla kwabantu abangadli inyama?
(Do you have vegetarian food?)Ngicela isiphuzo esibandayo.
(I’d like a cold drink.)Ngiyabonga.
(Thank you.)
😂 Ordering Like a Human Being (Not Google Translate)
Let’s be honest—no one wants to sound like a broken robot in a restaurant. Here’s how real people speak:
You walk in with confidence and say:
"Ngicela itafula labantu abane." (I’d like a table for four.)
Waiter hands you the menu. You don’t panic. You say:
"Yisiphi isidlo esithandwa kakhulu lapha?" (What’s the most popular dish here?)
Then, when it’s time to order, you add a little charm:
"Ngicela i-chakalaka, kodwa hhayi kakhulu ukushisa!" (I’d like chakalaka, but not too spicy!)
Boom. You just earned some street cred.
💡 Cultural Tip: Use Politeness Like Salt
Politeness is deeply valued in Zulu culture. Use "ngicela" (please/I’d like) rather than commands. Smile. Make eye contact. Greet first—always. A simple "Sawubona" goes a long way.
🧠 Useful Follow-Ups
Ngabe singadla lapha noma sithathe siphume?
(Can we eat here or is it takeaway?)Ngabe likhona ikhekhe noma iphudingi?
(Do you have cake or dessert?)Inani lilonke lingu-...?
(What’s the total price?)
📱 Learn More, Speak Better
Ordering food is just the beginning. With NKENNE, you can dive deeper into Zulu grammar, pronunciation, and cultural etiquette—so you sound less like a tourist and more like someone raised on pap and respect.