Share

“I’ll Have the Special, Thanks”

So there you are—staring at a menu item that reads “Prawns Human Taste” (ah: Hunan Taste?)   According to Atlas Obscura’s fantastic piece, “Why Menu Translations Go Terribly Wrong,” these aren’t just typos. Translating the names of dishes that exist within a cultural context can be next to impossible. Some entertaining (and delicious) examples:

  • Steak on the Way Home
  • Battered Brains
  • Vegetarian Meat Floss
  • Climbing with a Hen
  • Sautéed Happy Family
  • Sad Cold Noodles
  • Lamp, Immaculately Grilled
  • Mediterranean Risotto with Smallpox
  • Nuts of Saint Jacques
  • Chicken with Special Needs

Get WineSpeed

Join tens of thousands of other wine lovers. Get each week’s edition of WineSpeed delivered to your inbox every Friday. It’s fast. It’s free. It’s the smartest way to stay up to speed on wine.
Email address
First Name
Last Name
Other Way You Heard About Us
Be sure to check your inbox to confim your subscription.