Menu Translator by Photo
Snap the menu, see every dish in your language. Handy for restaurants, markets and street food stalls.
Text found in image
Translation
Read any menu before you order
Ordering blind is part of the fun of travel, until a dish arrives that you did not expect. A quick photo lets you read the menu in your own language and choose with confidence.
How to do it
- Photograph one section of the menu at a time, holding the phone directly above it.
- Pick the language of the menu in the first dropdown.
- Press Translate and scan the result for the dishes that interest you.
Food words that trip people up
Menus are full of terms that translate poorly word for word. Cooking methods, regional dish names and local ingredients may come out as a literal phrase that makes little sense. When a name looks odd, search it along with the word “dish” to see a photo, or ask the staff.
Allergies and dietary needs
If you have an allergy, a translated menu is a helpful first check, but it should not be your only safeguard. Ingredient lists are often incomplete, and sauces and fillings may hide items. Learn the local word for your allergen, show it to the server and ask directly. Machine translation can also misread small print, so confirm anything that matters for your health.
Better photos of menus
- Avoid glare from glossy laminated pages by tilting the menu slightly.
- Turn off the flash and use natural light when you can.
- For chalkboards, stand straight on and move close enough for the letters to fill the frame.
- For long menus, take several photos instead of one wide shot.
You may also like our screenshot translator for online menus, or the image to English page for general photos.
Quick answers
Can I translate a handwritten menu board?
Sometimes. Neat block letters work well, while cursive often needs a manual check.
Is the translation safe for food allergies?
Use it as a first check only. Always confirm allergens directly with restaurant staff.
Does it work on menus in Japanese, Chinese or Korean?
Yes, select the language in the first menu. Clear, large print gives the best results.
Can I save the translated menu?
Use the Copy button to paste the text into your notes app.