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Phrases for this situation

Jamaican Patwa for restaurants and food

Navigate ordering, preferences and common Jamaican food words.

Bill, please.

Safe to say respectfully

Meaning: The bill, please.
Pronunciation: bill please
You may hear: “Bill, please.”
English: The bill, please.
Possible response: Coming.
Tone: neutral
Visitor guidance: No Patwa performance is needed for this universal request.

Di food nice.

Understand it first

Meaning: The food tastes good.
Pronunciation: di food nice
You may hear: “Di food nice bad.”
English: The food is very good.
Possible response: Respect.
Tone: informal
Visitor guidance: Reviewer should explain intensifier usage if retained.

It spicy?

Understand it first

Meaning: Is it spicy?
Pronunciation: it spice-ee
You may hear: “It spicy bad?”
English: Is it very spicy?
Possible response: Likkle bit.
Tone: neutral
Visitor guidance: Review wording and meaning of intensity.

Mi can get some wata?

Understand it first

Meaning: Can I get some water?
Pronunciation: mee can get some wah-tah
You may hear: “Mi can get some wata, please?”
English: Can I get some water, please?
Possible response: Sure.
Tone: neutral
Visitor guidance: Polite request; standard English is equally appropriate.

Mi full.

Understand it first

Meaning: I’m full.
Pronunciation: mee full
You may hear: “Di food nice, but mi full.”
English: The food is good, but I’m full.
Possible response: Alright.
Tone: informal
Visitor guidance: Casual statement after eating.

Mi nuh eat meat.

Understand it first

Meaning: I don’t eat meat.
Pronunciation: mee nuh eat meat
You may hear: “Mi nuh eat meat—yuh have fish?”
English: I don’t eat meat—do you have fish?
Possible response: Yeah.
Tone: neutral
Visitor guidance: Dietary needs should also be stated clearly in standard English.

Mi waan order.

Understand it first

Meaning: I would like to order.
Pronunciation: mee waan or-der
You may hear: “Mi waan order now.”
English: I would like to order now.
Possible response: Wah yuh waan?
Tone: neutral
Visitor guidance: A visitor may prefer standard English; review tone.

Wah yuh recommend?

Understand it first

Meaning: What do you recommend?
Pronunciation: wah yuh reh-koh-mend
You may hear: “Wah yuh recommend fi lunch?”
English: What do you recommend for lunch?
Possible response: Try di…
Tone: informal
Visitor guidance: Friendly in relaxed settings.

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