How to Order Food at a Korean Restaurant
- How you order Kiosk, table tablet or call bell
- Paying At the counter on your way out
- Tipping Not expected
- Menus Papago or Google Lens camera
Kiosks, tablets on the table, the call button, side dishes you can refill and self-service water — here is how a Korean restaurant works, plus phrases for allergies and vegetarian food.
On this page (8)
Kiosk, tablet or call bell
- Kiosk at the entrance: order and pay first, then wait for your number or bring the receipt to the counter. Many kiosks have an English button; some only accept cards.
- Tablet on the table: order through the screen during the meal; you usually pay at the counter when you leave.
- Call bell: press the button on the table and a server comes over. Without a bell, raise your hand and say “Yeogiyo!” (excuse me).
- Waitlists: popular places may use a tablet queue at the door — see apps without a Korean number.
Portions and minimum orders
Menus often list dishes per portion (inbun, one serving). Some restaurants — especially Korean barbecue and hot-pot places — ask for at least two portions, or one portion per person. It differs by restaurant, so check the menu or ask before you sit down if you are eating alone.
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Side dishes and water
- Side dishes (banchan) come free with the meal and are usually refillable — ask politely, or look for a self-service bar.
- Water is often self-service: look for a water dispenser and cups, or a sign that says “물은 셀프” (water is self-service).
- Cutlery and napkins are often in a drawer at the side of the table.
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Paying: at the counter, no tip
Unless you paid at a kiosk, take the bill to the counter by the door when you leave — staff rarely bring it to the table. Tipping is not expected. Cards are widely accepted; see Paying in Korea for when to carry cash. If a group wants to split, ask before paying — some places can split by card, some can’t.
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Menu translation apps
Papago and Google Lens translate a photo of the menu into your language; Papago can also translate what you say. Download offline language packs before you fly, and get mobile data ready so the camera translation works anywhere.
Allergies and vegetarian food
Many Korean dishes use fish sauce, anchovy stock or meat broth even when they look vegetable-only. Show these phrases to the staff — and if your allergy is serious, ask about ingredients every time.
| Meaning | Korean | Say it |
|---|---|---|
| I’m allergic to peanuts. | 땅콩 알레르기가 있어요. | Ttangkong allereugi-ga isseoyo. |
| I can’t eat seafood. | 해산물을 못 먹어요. | Haesanmul-eul mot meogeoyo. |
| I’m vegetarian. | 저는 채식주의자예요. | Jeoneun chaesik-juuija-yeyo. |
| Without meat, please. | 고기 빼 주세요. | Gogi ppae juseyo. |
| Less spicy, please. | 덜 맵게 해 주세요. | Deol maepge hae juseyo. |
| Does this have meat in it? | 이거 고기 들어가요? | Igeo gogi deureogayo? |
Common mistakes
- Waiting for the bill at the table — go to the counter.
- Ordering one portion of barbecue for a group where the menu asks for more.
- Leaving a tip on the table — it isn’t expected.
- Waiting for water or cutlery that is self-service.
- Assuming a dish is vegetarian because it looks it.
Last checked: October 2026. Rules, prices and facilities differ by place — follow the signs and ask the staff.
FAQ
Do you tip in Korean restaurants?
No. Tipping is not expected in Korean restaurants; you pay the price on the bill.
Can I eat Korean barbecue alone?
Some barbecue places ask for at least two portions, others serve one. It differs by restaurant — check the menu or ask before you sit down.
Are side dishes free?
Yes, banchan come with the meal and are usually refillable. Ask politely or use the self-service bar if there is one.
How do I say I’m vegetarian in Korean?
Say “Jeoneun chaesik-juuija-yeyo” (저는 채식주의자예요) and ask “Igeo gogi deureogayo?” — does this have meat in it?