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Tiếng Việt
We’ve all experienced that moment when a waiter swiftly removes the menu right after we place our order. Sometimes, they don’t even ask if we’re done! Honestly, it can be quite annoying—at least for me!
Have you ever wondered why they take the menu away before bringing out the food? Well, there are several reasons for this. Let me share what I’ve learned from talking to dozens of waiter friends in Hungary and abroad.
Sit back, relax, and let me break it all down for you! By the way, did you know the word “menu” originates from the French word “menu” (meaning small)? It was initially called “menu de repas,” translating to “a little book of meals.”
Myth-Busting: It’s Not About Cheating You
First, let’s debunk the common misconception: they don’t take the menu to stop you from comparing prices on the bill to those on the menu. Come on! You can always ask for a new menu and check everything down to the last cent.
It’s definitely not about trying to scam customers.
Reason 1: To Enhance Your Dining Comfort
Taking away the menu is an unwritten rule that’s been practiced in restaurants for centuries. The belief is that leaving the menu on the table might clutter your space, making it less enjoyable to dine.
Menus can get in the way of placing your glasses, plates, or other items comfortably. Restaurant etiquette dictates that customers should feel as relaxed as possible at the table. In other words, fewer unnecessary items, more comfort.
In well-trained establishments, waiters are taught to remove menus almost instinctively. Leaving a menu on the table is considered a mistake that could earn them a scolding from their manager.
Reason 2: Practicality for the Waitstaff
A waiter balancing a tray of sizzling steaks in one hand and a bottle of wine in the other doesn’t have the extra hand to clear menus later. It’s much easier to take them away right after the order is placed.
Additionally, customers might spill food or drinks on the menu, or worse, tear or damage it. Imagine handing a dirty or damaged menu to the next guest—how unpleasant would that be?
In some cases, customers might even try to take the menu as a souvenir, especially if the restaurant is trendy or unique. And while menus may look simple, printing them isn’t cheap, particularly in high-end restaurants.
Reason 3: Limited Menu Availability
Another practical reason is that there might not be enough menus for every table, especially in busy cafeterias or dining halls. In larger restaurants with 100 tables, having 100 menus isn’t always feasible.
Where would they store so many menus? A library next door? Waiters often need to reuse menus for other tables, ensuring everyone has access to one when ordering.
Reason 4: Menus Need Regular Updating
Menus frequently undergo updates, whether for seasonal changes, price adjustments, or new dishes. Maintaining too many copies would make this process inefficient and costly.
In Summary
Waiters take away the menu to ensure nothing clutters your table, prevent potential damage or theft, and because most restaurants don’t have an abundance of menus to leave one at every table permanently.
So next time your menu disappears, just know it’s all part of creating a smoother dining experience!
This post is also available in:
Tiếng Việt
