Peanut and shellfish allergy — how do I say it clearly in Sinhala or Tamil at a beach cafe?

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Not asking for medical advice — need communication. Menus are often verbal. I carry an English card but want a short spoken line so kitchen staff actually hear it. Is pointing at a translation phone screen enough, or do cafes expect a few local words? Terrified of hidden shrimp paste in a curry.

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4 Answers from travellers

Accepted Answer

Use a short card in English plus Sinhala and Tamil if you can, and say the key words out loud while showing it: allergy, no peanut, no prawn/shrimp/crab. Simple dishes help — plain rice, grilled fish you chose, fruit — and ask staff to confirm with the kitchen, not only the waiter. Phone translation screens work when the font is large and you point. I am not prescribing treatment; I am saying clear repetition beats hoping the menu is safe. If a place cannot understand or seems casual about it, eat elsewhere. Learn please and thank you; kindness helps attention.

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H
Hemal Allergy Note1840 rep

Laminated card with no peanut / no shellfish in English and Sinhala. Showed it every meal. One cafe sent the cook to nod yes — that felt real.

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Made a big-font phone note tonight. Will practice saying no prawn and no peanut with a smile tomorrow.

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From the kitchen side: we take allergy cards seriously when guests show them early, before ordering.

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