Prepare a clear message
List the foods you must avoid and how they affect your meal choices. For a serious allergy, prepare a professionally checked translation card and discuss travel preparation with your clinician. Keep your personal response plan and prescribed treatment accessible.
Show the message to the person taking the order and ask them to check with the kitchen. Repeat the requirement when the food arrives rather than assuming every member of staff has seen the original conversation.
Useful phrases to save
These phrases can start a conversation. Replace the blank with the ingredient and explain any additional preparation requirements. A medical allergy card should describe your own needs in more detail.
- 我吃素。— I am vegetarian.
- 我吃纯素，不吃肉、鱼、蛋或奶制品。— I am vegan; I do not eat meat, fish, eggs or dairy.
- 请不要放肉、肉汤、猪油或蚝油。— Please do not use meat, meat stock, lard or oyster sauce.
- 我对___严重过敏。— I have a severe allergy to ___.
- 这个菜和酱料里有___吗？— Does this dish or its sauce contain ___?
Ask beyond the main ingredient
A vegetable dish may use meat stock or animal-based seasoning. A sauce, garnish or dipping mixture can contain ingredients that do not appear in the dish name. Ask about the broth, condiments, oil and shared preparation when relevant to your needs.
Requests such as no chili or no pork are narrower than vegetarian, vegan, halal or allergy requirements. Explain which ingredients and preparation standards matter instead of relying on one general label.
Leave time to find a suitable meal
Look for restaurants before everyone is hungry and keep a backup nearby. A quieter ordering time can make it easier to discuss the food. Carry suitable snacks for long transfers, within airline and customs rules.
For severe allergies, a menu label or translation app cannot guarantee that a meal is safe. If staff cannot explain the ingredients or preparation, choose another dish or venue. Follow your clinician’s plan if a reaction occurs and seek emergency help when needed.
Tell us before the outing
When arranging a food walk, private outing or longer journey, describe the restrictions and the level of care needed. We can discuss restaurant choices and English–Chinese communication as part of the travel arrangements.
Interpretation helps communicate a request; the kitchen still has to be able to prepare the meal as required. Keep your written message with you even when local support is arranged.
Common questions
Does “no meat” also exclude meat stock?
Do not assume it does. Name stock, lard and animal-based seasonings separately if you need them excluded.
Can you guarantee an allergy-free restaurant meal?
No. Discuss your requirements with the kitchen and follow your personal medical advice. We can help with the language needed to explain them.