How to Order at Cafes in Korea: Decaf, Milk Options and Takeaway

Found a cafe you like but unsure what to say? Work through three choices: eat in or takeaway, drink and options, then payment. Procedures vary, so follow the cafe’s own instructions.

1. Choose eat in or takeaway

“매장 이용” means drinking inside; “포장” or “테이크아웃” means takeaway. Tell staff first, as cups and prices may differ. Check whether to find a seat before ordering, whether each person must order, and where large bags can go.

2. Name the drink, temperature, size and quantity

Try “아이스 카페라테 한 잔, 매장에서 마실게요”—one iced cafe latte, to drink here. Hot drinks may be marked “핫”; cold ones, “아이스”. Sizes, prices and availability may differ by temperature. Point to the menu if size names are unfamiliar.

An extra shot adds espresso. Less ice does not automatically mean more drink.

3. Ask about decaf, milk and sweetness

• Decaf: ask which drinks can be changed and whether there is a surcharge. Starbucks Korea distinguishes half-decaf from full decaf. Decaf does not mean zero caffeine; tea and coffee-free lattes can also contain caffeine, depending on ingredients.
• Milk: ask about oat drink, soy milk and additional charges. Changing milk may leave dairy in cream or sauces.
• Sweetness: ask for less syrup or no syrup. Premixed bases may not be adjustable, and no syrup does not mean sugar-free.
• Allergies: explain the ingredient you must avoid, using a translation app. This is different from a preference. If staff cannot confirm ingredients, choose another item.

For something beyond coffee, look for black-sesame cream latte, grain latte or yuja tea, a citrus drink. Names alone do not establish ingredients. Ediya’s black-sesame cream latte description includes milk, condensed milk and sesame cream; check the individual branch’s menu and stock.

4. Check that kiosk payment is complete

• Look for a language option; ask staff if needed. Not every kiosk supports foreign languages.
• Check eat in/takeaway → menu, options and quantity → payment. Adding to a basket is not a completed order.
• Look for a non-member or skip option for coupons and membership; ask whether an app is necessary.
• If a foreign card or Korean phone-number field causes trouble, ask whether the order went through before paying again. Keep the order number on the receipt or confirmation screen.

5. Collect and return your drink

Check whether collection uses a pager, name or number. Confirm quantity and requested milk or decaf options, then follow the cafe’s instructions for returning cups, trays and leftover drinks.

Show a reusable cup before preparation. Size, condition and rewards vary. Features such as Starbucks personal-cup reward settings may require membership, so benefits are not automatic for visitors.

Korean phrases to show staff

• 매장에서 마실게요. / 포장해주세요. — For here. / Takeaway, please.
• 아이스로 한 잔 주세요. / 따뜻하게 한 잔 주세요. — One iced, please. / One hot, please.
• 이 메뉴에 커피가 들어가나요? — Does this contain coffee?
• 디카페인으로 변경할 수 있나요? 추가요금이 있나요? — Can I make it decaf? Is there a surcharge?
• 우유를 오트 음료나 두유로 바꿀 수 있나요? — Can I change the milk to oat drink or soy milk?
• 시럽을 적게 넣을 수 있나요? — Can you use less syrup?
• 이 개인 컵에 담아주실 수 있나요? — Can you use this reusable cup?
• 주문이 접수됐나요? 어디에서 받으면 되나요? — Did my order go through? Where do I collect it?

Show a menu photograph and ask about one option at a time. Short, specific requests are easier to understand.