การสั่งกาแฟ - How to Order Coffee in English: Useful Phrases and Questions for Thai Learners
Introduction
Coffee culture is growing around the world, and knowing how to order your favourite drink in English can be a fun and useful skill. Whether you're ordering a cappuccino at a local café or visiting a coffee shop while traveling abroad, these simple phrases will help you confidently place your order.
Tips for Ordering Coffee in English:
Be polite: Adding "please" to your requests is important in making a polite and friendly impression.
Know your coffee types: Familiarize yourself with the different types of coffee (e.g., espresso, latte, cappuccino, Americano, etc.) so you can confidently place your order.
Size matters: Coffee sizes can vary from place to place, but generally, "small," "medium," and "large" are commonly used.
Useful Vocabulary
Here’s a list of 20 useful words you should know when making orders at a café:
Cappuccino – A type of coffee made with espresso, steamed milk, and foam.
Latte – A coffee drink made with espresso and steamed milk.
Americano – A coffee made by diluting espresso with hot water.
Espresso – A strong coffee made by forcing hot water through finely-ground coffee beans.
Mocha – A chocolate-flavored coffee made with espresso, steamed milk, and cocoa powder.
Iced – Describes a coffee served cold with ice.
Milk – The liquid used in many coffee drinks, can be whole, skim, or plant-based (like almond, soy, or oat milk).
Sugar – A sweetener that can be added to coffee (can also be asked for in different types, such as white or brown sugar).
Cream – A dairy product that can be added to coffee for a richer flavor.
Shot – A serving of espresso; you can ask for "extra shots" for a stronger flavor.
Tall – A size for coffee, usually a smaller one.
Grande – A medium size for coffee.
Venti – A large size for coffee.
Takeaway/To go – Coffee that you want to take with you, rather than drinking it at the café.
Dine-in – Drinking your coffee at the café rather than taking it to go.
Barista – The person who prepares and serves coffee at a café.
Blend – A mixture of coffee beans that determines the flavor of the coffee.
Decaf – Coffee made without caffeine, for people who don’t want a stimulant.
Foam – The frothy part of milk, often used in drinks like cappuccinos.
Syrup – A sweet liquid, such as vanilla or caramel, that can be added to coffee for extra flavor.
8 Useful Phrases
1. "Can I have a [coffee type], please?"
This is one of the easiest and most polite ways to order any type of coffee. You simply say what kind of coffee you want.
Example:
"Can I have a cappuccino, please?"
You can use this for any coffee drink, such as espresso, Americano, or latte.
Can I have a cappuccino, please?
2. "I’d like a [coffee type] with [milk type], please."
If you have a preference for a specific type of milk, this is a great way to let the barista know. You can specify if you want regular milk, almond milk, oat milk, or soy milk.
Example:
"I’d like a latte with almond milk, please."
This allows you to personalize your coffee order.
I’d like a latte with almond milk, please.
3. "What’s the most popular drink here?"
If you're not sure what to order, asking the barista for recommendations is a good idea. It helps you discover the café's bestsellers or popular options.
Example:
"What’s the most popular drink here?"
This way, you can try something that other customers love!
What’s the most popular drink here?
4. "Can I get that to go?"
If you want to take your coffee with you, not drink it at the café, this phrase is essential. It’s commonly used when you’re in a hurry or just want your drink in a takeaway cup.
Example:
"Can I get that to go?"
The barista will understand that you want your coffee in a to-go cup.
Can I get that to go?
6. "How much is a [coffee type]?"
It’s always a good idea to check the price before you order, especially if you’re on a budget. You can ask how much a specific coffee is before making a decision.
Example:
"How much is a cappuccino?"
This question is helpful for knowing the price of your drink in advance.
How much is a mocha?
6. "Could I get a [size] [coffee type]?"
Sometimes, you want to specify the size of your coffee. This phrase helps you ask for the right size (small, medium, or large).
Example:
"Could I get a medium-sized Americano?"
You can also say “small” or “large” if that’s what you prefer.
Could I get a medium-sized americano?
7. "No sugar, please."
If you prefer your coffee without sugar, simply say this to let the barista know you don’t want any sweetener added.
Example:
"No sugar, please."
This is an easy way to avoid having sugar added to your coffee if you prefer it unsweetened.
No sugar, please.
8. "Can I have an extra shot of espresso?"
For coffee lovers who enjoy a stronger taste, asking for an extra shot of espresso is a great way to boost the flavor and caffeine content of your drink.
Example:
"Can I have an extra shot of espresso?"
This will give your coffee a stronger, bolder taste.
Can I have an extra shot of espresso?
Now that you have these useful phrases and questions, you're ready to confidently order your favourite coffee in English. Whether you're in Thailand or abroad, knowing how to ask for your drink in English will make the experience easier and more enjoyable.
Happy coffee ordering! ☕😊
