Sandy's Language Lab #7 - Ordering Coffee

In Korea, cafes are popular hangout spots for younger generations to catch up with their friends. Cafes are often designed with certain themes (e.g., related to webtoon, BTS, Kakao etc.), and the beautiful latte art in their coffee make them a must-visit and photo-worthy location.

Coffee Figure 1: Barista Lee Kang Bin’s latte art. Image source. Figure 2: BT21 Café. Photo by Sandy.

Here’s how you can order your favourite coffee at these cafes:

  • STEP 1: PICK YOUR COFFEE & THE SIZE
    These are the most common drinks you will find on the menu.
    Menu
  • STEP 2: DON’T FORGET TO SELECT THE TEMPERATURE:
    Temperature
  • STEP 3: PLACE YOUR ORDER

바리스타: 주문하시겠어요?

나 (손님): 네, 아이스 라떼 라지 사이즈로 주세요.
[Rule: “Coffee name + how many (Note: use pure Korean numbers. You can also use noun counter ‘잔’ for cups) + please (polite form).]

바리스타: 여기서 드실 거예요?

나: 네. OR 아니요, 가져갈 거예요.

바리스타: 네. 더 필요하신 거 있어요?

나: 아니요, 그거면 돼요.

바리스타: 오천 원입니다. 감사합니다. 잠시만 기다려주세요.

나: 감사합니다.

Barista: Are you ready to place your order?

Me (customer): Yes, can I please get a large ice latte.

Barista: To have here?

Me: Yes. OR  No, take out please.

Barista: Okay. Did you need anything else?

Me: No that’s all.

Barista: That is 5000 won. Thank you. Won’t be too long (lit. Please wait a minute).

Me: Thank you.

[Note: If you are ordering more than one drink you can use ‘하고; and’ or ‘{이}랑; and’ between the nouns. E.g. 라떼 하나랑 녹차 주세요.]

  • EXTRA STEP: HOW TO CUSTOMISE YOUR COFFEE

    • Ingredients you can add, change or remove: 휘핑크림 whipping cream, 샷 (expresso) shot, 시럽 syrup, 두유 soy milk, 아몬드 우유almond milk etc.

    To remove: (ingredient) +빼 주세요.
    E.g., 시럽 빼 주세요. Please remove the syrup.

    To add: (ingredient) +추가/넣어 주세요
    E.g., 휘핑크림 추가/넣어 주세요. Please add whipping cream.

    To change the milk: 우유 말고 +(type of milk)로 주세요.
    E.g., 우유 말고 두유로 주세요. Can I have it with soy milk instead of milk please.

    Learn some new slangs for ordering Americano!!

    아아 (아이스 아메리카노) - Ice Americano;  뜨아 (뜨거운 아메리카노) - Hot Americano

    Cafe MinamdangFigure 3: KBS2’s Café Minamdang episode 1 screenshot.