ABSTRACT

In this chapter, students of Hindi will acquire the vocabulary, cultural knowledge, and reading skills necessary to understand and discuss menus and ordering a meal. People who dine out in India traditionally had the choice of eating at either a dhaba or a hotel. A dhaba serves inexpensive local dishes in an informal setting open to the street. You’ll find these facing railway and bus stations and other areas frequented by travelers. Compared with a dhaba, a hotel serves a wider range of dishes in a more exclusive, air-conditioned setting. The chapter includes pre-reading questions about the reader’s favorite Indian restaurant and dishes, a glossary of relevant vocabulary, and a menu from a dhaba. The notes on culture elucidate issues related to types of restaurants in India, and the activities guide students in their comprehension of the menu and in applying this knowledge to order a meal and check the bill.