“Menu” vs. “Dish”: What’s the Difference?

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The difference between “menu” and “dish”

  • The menu is a list of all the food and drink options available, while a dish is a specific item that can be chosen from the menu.
  • A menu can be multiple pages long and offer many options, while a dish refers to a single, specific item.
  • In South Korea, the term "menu" can refer to both a list of food and drink options and an individual dish, while in English-speaking countries, a menu does not refer to an individual dish.
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What is the definition of “menu” and “dish”?

Menu
  • A menu is a list of food and drink offerings available at a restaurant or other dining establishment.
  • It may also include information such as prices, descriptions of the dishes, and any dietary or allergy considerations.
  • The purpose of a menu is to provide customers with various options to choose from when ordering.
Dish
  • A dish refers to a specific item or preparation of food that is served as a meal or part of a meal.
  • It is typically prepared in a particular way using a combination of ingredients, techniques, and cooking methods.
  • A dish can range from simple to complex and may be influenced by regional or cultural traditions.

Which is the more popular variant on the Internet?

“Menu” is the more popular variant on the web.
More popular
Menu
9,110,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The restaurant menu had a wide variety of cuisines to choose from.
  2. Could I get the menu, please?
  3. The menu at the party consisted of appetizers and light finger foods.
Dish
476,000,000 results on the web
Examples
  1. The spicy chicken curry was my favorite dish at the restaurant.
  2. My grandmother always prepared her signature dish during the Thanksgiving holiday.
  3. The chef served the dish on a beautiful porcelain plate with garnish.
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