Lesson 21 – Explaining Dietary Requirements and Allergies
🎯 Lesson goal
You will practise explaining your dietary needs and allergies clearly. You will learn how to ask questions and make polite requests about food.
💬 Travel dialogue
🧳 Hello, I have some dietary requirements. Can I explain them to you?
🍽️ Of course, please tell me about your requirements.
🧳 I am allergic to nuts, so I cannot eat foods with almonds or peanuts.
🍽️ Thank you for telling me. Do you have any other allergies or preferences?
🧳 Yes, I also prefer gluten-free meals because gluten can make me feel sick.
🍽️ We have gluten-free options. Would you like me to recommend some dishes?
🧳 Yes, that would be very helpful. Are there any desserts without nuts or gluten?
🍽️ Our fruit salad and sorbet may be suitable, but I’ll check the ingredients and preparation with the kitchen first.
🧳 Great! Can you please make sure my meal does not have any nuts or gluten?
🍽️ Absolutely. I will inform the kitchen about your allergies and preferences.
🧳 Thank you for your help. Do you have a menu with allergen information?
🍽️ Yes, here is a menu with details about allergens for each dish.
🧳 That is very useful. I feel more confident ordering now.
🍽️ Please ask if you have more questions. Your safety is important to us.
🧠 Explanation
In this lesson, the traveler explains their dietary needs and allergies to a waiter. The learner practises clear communication and polite questions about food safety. This language helps avoid problems when ordering meals.
🧳 Survival English
🧳 Do you have gluten-free options? (Ask about food choices)
🧳 Is this dish free from nuts? (Check about allergens)
🧳 Can you recommend something safe for me? (Ask for advice)
💡 Common English mistake
❌ I prefer gluten-free meals because gluten make me feel sick.
✅ I prefer gluten-free meals because gluten can make me feel sick.
🔊 Pronunciation
The word ‘allergic’ has the stress on the second syllable: al-LER-gic. Say it clearly to be understood.
🌍 Travel tip
Always inform the restaurant staff about your allergies before ordering. It is polite and helps keep you safe.
🎧 Listen and repeat
🎧 Hello, I have some dietary requirements. Can I explain them to you?
🎧 I am allergic to nuts, so I cannot eat foods with almonds or peanuts.
🎧 Yes, I also prefer gluten-free meals because gluten can make me feel sick.
🎧 Yes, that would be very helpful. Are there any desserts without nuts or gluten?
🎧 Great! Can you please make sure my meal does not have any nuts or gluten?
🎧 Thank you for your help. Do you have a menu with allergen information?
🎧 That is very useful. I feel more confident ordering now.
🧩 Mini Practice
Repeat these sentences aloud.
Ask: I have a nut allergy. Can you help me?
Ask: Do you have any dairy-free dishes?
Say: Please make sure my food does not contain peanuts.
Say: I cannot eat gluten because it makes me sick.
Ask: Are there safe options for people with allergies?
Ask: Can you recommend a meal without nuts or gluten?
Say: Please check with the chef about my dietary needs.
Ask: Is this dish free from eggs and nuts?
Say: I appreciate your help with my allergy information.
Ask: Could you give me a list of allergen ingredients?
🧳 Glossary
| English | Meaning |
|---|---|
| allergy | A health problem when your body reacts badly to certain foods |
| dietary requirements | Specific food needs because of health or personal choice |
| gluten-free | Food that does not contain gluten, a protein found in some grains |
| nuts | Foods such as almonds and walnuts; peanuts are legumes but can also cause serious allergic reactions. |
| allergen information | Details about ingredients that may cause allergies in food |
| safe choice | A food option considered suitable after checking relevant ingredients and allergen information. |
| menu | A list of food and drinks available at a restaurant |
| make a polite request | To ask for something in a respectful and kind way |
✅ Quick check
Can you understand the dialogue and repeat the important sentences?