How to Order Food in a Twi-Speaking Restaurant
By:Chimdindu Ken-Anaukwu
Imagine you’re in Ghana, walking into a cozy, Twi-speaking restaurant. The aroma of jollof rice, waakye, and banku fills the air. But then it hits you—you don’t know how to order in Twi! Don’t worry; with this guide, you’ll soon be confidently placing your order like a local.
Key Vocabulary
Food – Aduane
Rice – Ɛmo
Fish – Nsunam
Chicken – Akokɔ
Water – Nsuo
Soup/Stew – Nkwan/Stew a wɔde yɛ aduan
Palm wine – Palm Nsã a Wɔde Yɛ Nsã
Step 1: Greeting Your Server
Always start with a warm greeting. It sets the tone for a friendly interaction.
Good morning/afternoon. – Mema wo akye/Mema wo aha.
How are you? – Wo ho te sɛn?
I’m fine, thank you. – Me ho ye, meda wo ase.
Step 2: Asking for the Menu
Menus may not always be available, especially in smaller local spots. Be ready to ask.
Do you have a menu? – So wowɔ aduan a wɔde ma?
What do you have today? – Dɛn na wowɔ nnɛ?
Can I see the food options? – So metumi ahu nnuan a wobetumi apaw?
Step 3: Ordering Food
Now comes the fun part: choosing your dish. Here are some key phrases:
I want [dish]. – Mepɛ [dish].
Example: Mepɛ banku a wɔde spinach stew ka ho (I want banku with spinach stew).
Do you have rice? – So wowɔ aburow?
What soup do you have? – Soup bɛn na wowɔ?
I want spicy food. – Mepɛ aduan a ɛyɛ nnuhwam.
I don’t want spicy food. – Mempɛ aduan a ɛyɛ nnuhwam.
Step 4: Ordering Drinks
Pair your meal with a refreshing drink.
What drinks do you have? – Nsã bɛn na wowɔ?
I’ll have water, please. – Ma me nsuo, mesrɛ wo.
Do you have palm wine? – So wowɔ mmɛw bobesa?
I want a cold drink. – Mepɛ sɛ menom anonne a ɛyɛ nwini.
Step 5: Making Special Requests
Customize your order to suit your taste.
Please add more fish. – Yɛsrɛ sɛ fa mpataa pii ka ho.
I don’t eat meat. – Mempɛ nam.
I am allergic to [ingredient]. – Me ho yɛ me hyew wɔ [ingredient].
Step 6: Asking About Prices
It’s always wise to confirm the cost.
How much is [dish]? – [Dish] yɛ ahe?
Is there a cheaper option? – So ɔkwan bi wɔ hɔ a ne bo nyɛ den?
Can I pay with mobile money? – So metumi de mobile money atua ka?
Step 7: Showing Appreciation
End your meal on a kind note.
The food is delicious! – Aduanɔ no yɛ dɛ papa!
Thank you for the service. – Me da wo ase wɔ adwuma no ho.
I will come again. – Mɛba bio.
Pro Tips for Dining in a Twi-Speaking Restaurant
Practice Pronunciation: Twi is tonal, so practice with an app like NKENNE to nail your tone.
Be Patient: If you’re struggling, most servers are happy to assist.
Smile Often: A warm smile bridges any language gap.
FAQs
1. Do restaurants in Ghana usually have menus?
Not always, especially in smaller establishments. Be ready to ask about available dishes.
2. What if I can’t pronounce the dish name correctly?
Pointing to the menu (if available) or asking, Dɛn na ɛyɛ dɛ papa? (What’s very tasty?) can help.
3. Is tipping common in Ghanaian restaurants?
Tipping isn’t mandatory but is appreciated for excellent service.
4. What are some must-try dishes in Twi-speaking areas?
Banku with okra stew, fufu with light soup, and waakye are highly recommended!
5. Can I ask for smaller portions?
Yes! Use the phrase Mepɛ aduanɔ kakra (I want a small portion).
6. Are there vegetarian options?
Many restaurants offer bean-based dishes, plantains, or vegetable stews. Just say, Mempɛ nam (I don’t eat meat).
7. Can I get takeout?
Absolutely! Use the phrase: Mepɛ sɛ mefa aduanɔ no kɔ fie (I want to take the food home).
Final Words
With these phrases, you’re ready to confidently order food in any Twi-speaking restaurant. Whether you’re craving a traditional meal or just want to try something new, speaking in Twi adds a personal touch to the experience.
P.S. Start with Me pɛ banku ne nkwan (I want banku with soup)—you won’t regret it! 😋