How to send food back politely in English
Sorry, I think my soup is a little cold.
“Sorry, I think my soup is not hot enough.”
When: When the server comes to your table or you catch their eye
The moment
You are having lunch at a diner in Midtown Manhattan. Your soup is cold and your friend got the wrong sandwich, so you need to tell the server politely and get both fixed.
A2 · Unit 1 · Eating out
The lines
Soften it first
Start with 'Sorry' and 'I think' so it sounds friendly: 'Sorry, I think my soup is a little cold.' 'A little' makes the problem sound small, and the server will be happy to help.
Sorry, I think my soup is a little cold.
“Sorry, I think my soup is not hot enough.”
When to use it: When the server comes to your table or you catch their eye
What you’ll hear back: Oh, I'm so sorry! Let me take that back for you.
Not what I ordered
For the wrong dish, say what came and then what you wanted: 'I think this isn't what I ordered. I asked for the turkey club.' Use 'I asked for' or 'I ordered' in the past.
I think this isn't what I ordered. I asked for the turkey club.
“I think you brought the wrong food. I ordered the turkey club.”
When to use it: When a plate arrives that is not your dish
What you’ll hear back: My bad! I'll get the right one out to you. (Sorry, my mistake. I will bring the correct one.)
Words for this scene
| Word or phrase | Say it | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| Could you heat it up a bit? | KUD-juh HEE-duh-DUP uh BIT | Can you make it warmer, please? |
The fries are fine, but could you heat up the soup a bit? The fries are OK, but please make the soup warmer. Tip: Asking for a fix is normal; staff expect it, no drama. | ||
| How's everything tasting? | HOWZ EV-ree-thing TAY-sting | Is your food good? |
Hi guys, how's everything tasting? Can I get you anything else? Hello, is the food good? Do you need anything more? Tip: Servers check in soon after food arrives. Speak up then. | ||
| No worries, it happens. | noh WUR-eez, it HAP-unz | It's OK, mistakes are normal. |
No worries, it happens. Thanks for fixing it so fast. It's fine, everyone makes mistakes. Thank you for making it right quickly. Tip: Staying friendly matters; still tip normally if they fixed it. | ||
Your objective
Tell the server politely that one dish is cold and another isn’t what was ordered, and ask them to fix both.
- the cold dish
- the wrong dish
- asking them to fix it
Lines that get it done
- Sorry, I think my soup is a little cold.
- I think this isn't what I ordered. I asked for the turkey club.
In the live scene the objective stays on screen, and the Replay afterwards says whether you got it done.
Check yourself
1. Your soup is cold. What is the most polite and natural thing to say to the server?
- Sorry, I think my soup is a little cold.
- This soup is cold. Bring another one now.
- Excuse me, your soup is very bad temperature.
- Sorry, I think my soup has a little cold.
Show the answer
Sorry, I think my soup is a little cold.
'Sorry, I think...' and 'a little' keep it friendly. The soup 'is' cold, it doesn't 'have' cold.
2. The server brings chicken, but you ordered fish. What do you say?
- I think this isn't what I ordered. I asked for the fish.
- I think this isn't what I order. I ask the fish.
- This is not my ordering. I wanted fish yesterday.
- I think you order wrong. My fish is where?
Show the answer
I think this isn't what I ordered. I asked for the fish.
Use the past: 'what I ordered' and 'I asked for'. 'I think' keeps it polite.
3. The server says, 'How's everything tasting?' What is the server really asking?
- If you like your food and need anything.
- If you want to taste a new dish for free.
- If you are ready to pay now.
- If you cooked food like this at home.
Show the answer
If you like your food and need anything.
This is the server's check-in. It's the best moment to mention a problem.