Menu for international guests: allergens, currency and clarity

What international guests need

A menu for tourists must primarily answer three questions: What kind of dish is it, can I eat it, and how much does it cost? For locals, the answers are obvious, but for guests from abroad, they are often not. A "Tafelspitz" or a "Brettljause" means little to a guest from Lyon or Chicago at first.

A complete translation of each menu is not always necessary. Often, a combination of clear descriptions, understandable allergen information, and staff who are happy to explain upon request is sufficient.

Allergens that everyone understands

Allergy sufferers are particularly careful abroad – rightly so. But not everyone knows the Austrian letters A to R or the Italian numbers 1 to 14. The legend is crucial: if it only says “H = tree nuts,” it does not help an English-speaking guest.

• Label allergens uniformly with abbreviations or terms.
• Offer the legend in at least German and English.
• Prepare staff to answer allergen questions in English as well.

On a digital menu from Same-QR, the allergen legend appears in the language set on the guest's mobile phone - German, English, French, Italian or Spanish. In English, the designations commonly used in the USA are used, such as "Tree nuts" or "Crustacean shellfish". The dishes themselves remain in the language in which you entered them.

Prices and currency

In the Eurozone, it is straightforward; in Switzerland, the Czech Republic, or Hungary, it is less so: tourists want to know clearly which currency a price refers to. Therefore, include the currency symbol instead of just providing bare numbers.

With Same-QR you set the currency for each menu, with options including Euro, Swiss Francs, US Dollars, Pounds, Crowns, and Forints. The currency of your country is suggested; the symbol then appears in the standard local position, such as “12,50 €” or “CHF 12.50”. No conversion takes place: the price remains exactly as you entered it.

Dishes explain instead of just naming

Regional dishes are a reason why tourists come to you. Keep the names and add a short, neutral description of the most important ingredients:

• Tafelspitz – boiled beef with apple horseradish, chive sauce and rosti
• Kasnocken – Spätzle with mountain cheese and fried onions
• Germknödel – yeast dumplings with plum jam, poppy seeds, and butter

Avoid words that lose their meaning when translated, such as "in the style of the house". A note on spiciness or on pork, however, helps many guests make a decision.

Images and symbols

Icons for vegetarian, vegan or spicy are well understood internationally. Photos also help, as long as they show what actually ends up on the plate. A few good images are better than a photo for every dish: The menu remains clear and loads quickly on mobile devices.

An English paper menu at the pass is still useful in tourist locations. Not every traveler has mobile internet or wants to use it abroad.

Prepare the team

The best menu is of little help if no one knows the answer when questions are asked. A few simple preparations make the service easier for international guests:

• A list with short English explanations of the most important dishes at the checkout.
• The 14 allergens in English, so the team can answer questions safely.
• A note on how tipping and payment are typically handled when guests ask.
• If necessary, a translation app on the work phone for difficult cases.

Guests from abroad forgive much when they sense that effort is being made for them. A friendly Let me explain often works better than a perfectly translated sign.

Frequently asked questions