How to translate menu dish names, and what to leave alone
A badly translated menu is funny online, but mostly it means guests don't order. These simple rules work in any language.
1. Keep the dish name, add a description
Don't just turn “Pulpo a la gallega” into “Galician-style octopus”. Keep the original name, which guests search for and remember, and add a translated line underneath: “Boiled octopus on potato with paprika and olive oil”.
2. Describe ingredients and cooking, not adjectives
“Homemade” or “spectacular” doesn't help anyone choose. “Fried”, “grilled”, “with cream”, “spicy” does.
3. Watch for false friends and literal translations
- A Spanish “tortilla” is not a Mexican one: write “tortilla de patatas (Spanish potato omelette)”.
- Machine translation struggles with proper names (wines, cheeses, protected names): “Ribera del Duero” or “Parmigiano Reggiano” stay as they are.
4. Allergens in every language
Translating dishes but leaving allergens in one language fails the guests who need it most. The 14 EU allergens are the same everywhere, so icons plus translated text work across languages.
5. Have a native speaker check once
Ask a regular guest or a friend to review your best-sellers. Machine translation is a good draft, not a final text.
How it works
- Upload your menu as PDF, Excel or text (or send it to us and we upload it for free). Review it and publish.
- MenuDoro translates it into 10 languages: English, Spanish, German, French, Italian, Portuguese, Polish, Russian, Greek and Chinese.
- Print one QR code per table. Guests scan it with their camera, no app to download, and see the menu in their language.
- They order from their phone. The ticket reaches the kitchen screen in your language, with table and dishes in writing.
Frequently asked questions
- How many languages should I translate into?
- Those your guests actually speak. Look at where your reviews and bookings come from.
- Should prices change per language?
- No. Only the format changes (€9.50 / 9,50 €).
- How does MenuDoro handle it?
- It translates names and descriptions into 10 languages automatically and lets you correct any translation; names you want to keep stay as they are.
Price
One plan per restaurant: €79.90 a month, or €598.80 a year (€49.90 a month). VAT included. No commission per order, unlimited tables, no lock-in. The first month is free and we don't ask for a card.
Related guides
No made-up numbers: MenuDoro is a new product and this page describes what it does today. Updated: 2026-10-13.