Lesson 36 – Discussing Dietary Requirements in Detail
🎯 Lesson goal
Practice explaining detailed dietary needs clearly and politely. Learn to ask precise questions and negotiate meal options confidently.
💬 Travel dialogue
🧳 Hello, I booked a meal plan, but I have some dietary restrictions I’d like to discuss.
🏨 Of course. Could you please specify what dietary requirements you have?
🧳 I have a gluten intolerance and also avoid dairy products. It’s important to me to have meals that completely exclude these.
🏨 Thank you for clarifying. Are there any other allergies or preferences we should know about?
🧳 No allergies beyond that, but I do prefer meals rich in protein, as I follow a high-protein diet.
🏨 I understand. We usually have a standard gluten-free option, but our dairy-free choices are limited.
🧳 Could you explain what ingredients are typically in the gluten-free meals? I need to be sure there’s no cross-contamination with dairy.
🏨 The gluten-free meals are prepared separately, but unfortunately, some dishes are cooked in a kitchen where dairy is present.
🧳 That could be a problem. What alternatives are available if strict dairy avoidance is essential?
🏨 We could arrange for special meals directly from an external provider who specializes in dairy-free recipes.
🧳 That sounds like a better solution. Would this option include high-protein meals as well?
🏨 Yes, they offer customizable plans. However, there might be an extra charge for this service.
🧳 I see. Can you confirm the additional cost and if I need to arrange this in advance for all my meals during the stay?
🏨 The extra cost is about fifteen dollars per meal, and we’ll need to know your final order at least two days before arrival.
🧳 Thank you. Please let me review this with my travel companions and get back to you soon with a decision.
🏨 Absolutely, take your time. Feel free to contact us anytime if you have more questions.
🧳 I appreciate your help and detailed explanation. It makes me feel confident about managing my dietary needs here.
🏨 We’re glad to assist. Ensuring your dietary needs are met is important to us.
🧠 Explanation
In this lesson, the traveler explains detailed dietary restrictions and asks precise questions about meal options. The conversation highlights polite negotiation, clarifying conditions, and comparing meal solutions. This skill helps learners communicate confidently to manage special dietary needs while traveling.
🧳 Survival English
🧳 Could you clarify if cross-contamination with allergens is possible? (Ask for detailed safety information.)
🧳 Is there an alternative meal option that fully meets my dietary needs? (Request a suitable alternative.)
🧳 Can I confirm the extra costs involved before making a decision? (Check for any additional charges.)
💡 Common English mistake
❌ I would like avoid dairy in my meals completely.
✅ I would like to avoid dairy in my meals completely.
🔊 Pronunciation
The word ‘dietary’ has no ‘th’ sound. Stress the first syllable: DIE-uh-ter-ee.
🌍 Travel tip
Always ask about cross-contamination and confirm any special meal arrangements in writing before your trip.
🎧 Listen and repeat
🎧 Hello, I booked a meal plan, but I have some dietary restrictions I’d like to discuss.
🎧 I have a gluten intolerance and also avoid dairy products.
🎧 Could you explain what ingredients are typically in the gluten-free meals?
🎧 What alternatives are available if strict dairy avoidance is essential?
🎧 That sounds like a better solution.
🎧 Would this option include high-protein meals as well?
🎧 Can you confirm the additional cost and if I need to arrange this in advance for all my meals during the stay?
🎧 Please let me review this with my travel companions and get back to you soon with a decision.
🎧 I appreciate your help and detailed explanation.
🧩 Mini Practice
Repeat these sentences aloud.
Say: Hello, I booked a meal plan, but I have some dietary restrictions I’d like to discuss.
Ask: Could you specify which ingredients are excluded in your gluten-free meals?
Say: I follow a dairy-free and gluten-free diet for health reasons.
Ask: Are there any dairy-free options prepared separately to avoid contamination?
Ask: What additional charges apply for special meal services?
Say: I need meals rich in protein, so alternatives must meet that requirement.
Ask: Can I arrange customized meal plans in advance for my entire stay?
Say: Please provide written confirmation of the meal details and costs.
Ask: Is it possible to speak with the chef or nutritionist about ingredients?
Say: Thank you for explaining the options clearly and helping me understand the choices.
🧳 Glossary
| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Dietary restrictions | Specific foods or ingredients a person must avoid when eating. |
| Gluten intolerance | A condition where a person cannot eat foods containing gluten. |
| Dairy-free | Food that does not contain milk or milk products. |
| Cross-contamination | When allergens accidentally mix into other foods during preparation. |
| High-protein diet | Eating meals that contain a lot of protein for health or fitness. |
| External provider | A different company or supplier that offers specialized services. |
| Customizable meal plans | Meal options that can be adjusted to meet a person’s specific needs. |
| Advance order | Submitting a request or booking before arrival for special services. |
| Additional charge | An extra cost added on top of the basic price. |
| Written confirmation | A document or message that clearly shows what has been agreed. |
✅ Quick check
Can you understand the dialogue and repeat the important sentences?