Dietary & Allergies

1. I am vegetarian.

   Usage

   The most basic way to declare you don't eat meat; use upon ordering or as a host's guest

   Grammar Note

   "I'm a vegetarian" with an article is equally common. Distinct from vegan (no dairy/eggs)

2. I am vegan. I don't eat any animal products.

   Usage

   Use when you avoid all animal-derived foods including dairy, eggs, and honey

   Grammar Note

   "any" with negation emphasizes "none at all"

3. I have a nut allergy.

   Usage

   Declares a nut allergy; peanuts are legumes, mention them separately for safety

   Grammar Note

   "I'm allergic to nuts" is an equally common alternative

4. Do you have a gluten-free menu?

   Usage

   Standard phrase for those with celiac disease or gluten intolerance at restaurants

   Grammar Note

   "gluten-free options" works equally well

5. I keep halal. I don't eat pork.

   Usage

   Declares Muslim dietary observance; avoids pork, alcohol, and non-halal meat

   Grammar Note

   "keep halal" implies ongoing religious observance

6. I am lactose intolerant.

   Usage

   Indicates inability to digest dairy products like milk and cheese

   Grammar Note

   Distinct from a dairy allergy; caused by enzyme deficiency, not immune reaction

7. I'm allergic to shellfish.

   Usage

   Declares allergy to crustaceans and mollusks; often severe so emphasize clearly

   Grammar Note

   "shellfish" is invariant in number; you can specify shrimp/crab/lobster individually

8. What ingredients are in this dish?

   Usage

   Standard way to verify components before ordering; key for allergy management

   Grammar Note

   Shortened form "What's in this?" is also natural

9. Can you make it without onions?

   Usage

   Used to request omission of a specific ingredient; substitute as needed

   Grammar Note

   Use "Could you" or "Would it be possible to" for a more polite register

10. I have an egg allergy.

    Usage

    Important since eggs are hidden in many baked goods, noodles, and sauces

    Grammar Note

    Synonymous with "I'm allergic to eggs"

11. Do you have an allergen menu?

    Usage

    Asks for documentation listing allergens; standard in EU and many countries

    Grammar Note

    "allergen information" or "allergen chart" are also accepted

12. This allergy is life-threatening. Please be very careful.

    Usage

    Emphasizes anaphylaxis risk; ensures staff treat it with maximum care

    Grammar Note

    Adding the medical term "anaphylaxis" makes the severity unambiguous

13. Does this contain peanut oil?

    Usage

    Common check at Asian restaurants where peanut oil is frequently used

    Grammar Note

    Replace "contain" with "have" for a more casual tone

14. Does your kitchen use separate equipment for allergen-free dishes?

    Usage

    Checks for cross-contamination prevention; critical for severe allergies

    Grammar Note

    Saying "cross-contamination" directly is clearest with trained staff

15. Thank you for accommodating my dietary needs.

    Usage

    Polite gratitude after special accommodation; courteous to staff and hosts

    Grammar Note

    "Thank you for + gerund" thanks someone for a specific action

16. I cannot eat beef for religious reasons.

    Usage

    Explains religious avoidance of beef, e.g. for Hindus

    Grammar Note

    "for religious reasons" is a respectful, widely understood explanation

17. Pork

    Usage

    For religious restrictions or allergies — show it while pointing at the dish

18. Beef

    Usage

    Often avoided for religious reasons; use it to check whether a dish contains it

19. Chicken

    Usage

    Point to it when checking which meat is in a dish

20. Fish

    Usage

    For a fish allergy; note it also hides in stock and fish sauce

21. Egg

    Usage

    For an egg allergy; it is also used in noodles and sauces

22. Dairy

    Usage

    Covers milk, butter, and cheese; also the word to use for lactose intolerance

23. Peanuts

    Usage

    A common cause of anaphylaxis; watch for peanut oil too

24. Nuts

    Usage

    Tree nuts in general; peanuts are legumes but are usually handled together with them

25. Shellfish

    Usage

    Covers shrimp, crab, and molluscs — a frequent severe allergen

26. Wheat

    Usage

    For avoiding gluten; it can also be in soy sauce

27. Soy

    Usage

    The base of soy sauce, tofu, and miso; the UK also writes "soya"

28. Sesame

    Usage

    Often present as oil or paste rather than as visible seeds

29. Alcohol

    Usage

    Includes cooking wine and spirits used in sauces — for religious restrictions

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