How to prepare a consistent multilingual menu

When preparing a menu for guests who speak different languages, the goal is to communicate the same information about the same product. Offering a language selector is a start; consistency between product names, descriptions and sizes also needs attention.

Complete the main menu first

Before translating, finalise category names, product descriptions and prices. Making many changes to the original text later requires repeated edits in every language. Also choose consistent wording for product sizes and portion names.

Select the menu languages and default language

Choose the menu languages you will use in the restaurant creation or editing form. Then select a default language from those languages. This setting helps determine which language guests see when they first enter the menu.

Selecting a language does not replace translation

After adding a language, check the category and product information in each language and fill in the available translation fields. Although some special dish names may need to remain unchanged, the description should explain what the product is. Do not confuse brand names with ordinary product names.

Compare size and price information

Check that options such as small, medium and large portions correspond to the same product in every language. Volume units, extras and the product’s main ingredients must not change during translation. Do not publish uncertain ingredient information before clarifying it.

Check every language separately on a phone

Switch between languages in the live menu. Check how long translations fit on cards, whether categories are readable and how product descriptions appear. After making a correction in one language, check whether the other languages are still up to date.

You can use a simple rule for everyday management: share a new product only after checking its name, price, image and information in all the languages you use. This helps the menu look complete and consistent.