Words (Core Vocabulary)
- vegan / vegetarian / plant-based (no animal products / no meat)
- halal-certified / zabiha / non-halal / alcohol-free
- gluten-free / celiac / cross-contamination (cross-contact)
- broth / gelatin / lard / rennet (hidden animal ingredients)
- contains / may contain / prepared in a facility with…
- dedicated fryer / separate utensils / separate prep area
- certification / symbol / disclosure
- allergy / intolerance / sensitivity
Phrases (Ask clearly, stay respectful)
Vegan/Vegetarian
- Is this dish fully vegan, including the sauce and bread?
- Could you swap the butter for olive oil?
Halal
- Is the meat halal-certified, and is it prepared separately?
- Does any item contain alcohol (in sauce or marinade)?
Gluten-free
- Is this item prepared in a dedicated area, or is there a risk of cross-contact?
- Do you have a separate fryer for gluten-free items?
General
- Could you please check with the kitchen and note it on the ticket?
Contextual Examples (Natural, everyday)
- Vegan: I’m vegan—is the pesto made with cheese, or do you have a dairy-free option?
- Halal: Is the chicken halal and grilled on a separate surface?
- Gluten-free: I have celiac disease—is there a separate fryer for the fries?
Collocations & Phrases (bold the key words)
Clarity & safety
- ask for ingredients
- confirm preparation
- avoid cross-contact
- note it on the ticket
- use separate utensils
Substitutions
- swap dairy for plant milk
- replace bread with lettuce wrap
- choose a gluten-free bun
Verification
- look for certification
- request written allergen info
- flag a medical condition (e.g., celiac)
Canadian Cultural Context (How to sound natural & polite)
- Many menus use icons (vegan, GF) but kitchen practices vary—ask to confirm.
- Halal options are increasingly common; politely request details on sourcing and preparation.
- Servers often check with the kitchen; a quick thank you helps.
Extra Mini-Patterns (plug-and-play)
- Vegan verify: “Is this fully vegan, including the dressing? If not, could you swap to olive oil?”
- Halal check: “Is the beef halal-certified and prepared separately from non-halal items?”
- GF safety: *“I have celiac—is there a risk of cross-contact, or *do you have a dedicated fryer?”