Karawhiua - Give it a go: te reo tidbits for diners

Peter Calder. Photo / Brett Phibbs

Te Mahi Kai - the language of food - is the theme of Maori Language Week. Well-known Auckland restaurant reviewer Peter Calder has some handy te reo tidbits for diners:

1. E hia te utu mo tetahi karaehe o te waina ma/whero o te whare? Kia kotahi te karaehe maku/Kia rua nga karaehe ma maua. Katahi te waina pai. Te kawa hoki!

How much is a glass of the house white/red? I'll have one/two glasses. That's a lovely drop. Terrible!

2. E pai ana kia rua nga punu mo te purini? He pai ki ahau te pepa kauoro ki runga i tenei.

Can I have two spoons with the desert? I'd love some cracked pepper on this.

3. Kaua e kaha rawa te tunutunu i taku miti. Kia waiwai tonu e hoa.

I don't like my steak overcooked. I like it juicy please.

4. E pai ana kia noho maua i te taha o te matapihi?

Can we have a table by the window?

5. Ki taku mohio kei te he to nama!

I think you've made a mistake with the bill!