caa4 gaai3茶芥
Jyutpingcaa4 gaai3
Yalechàh gaai
Definition
The basic minimum charge per person at a Cantonese restaurant, nominally covering tea and condiments.
colloquialdim sumfood
How it's used
Originally referring to the cost of tea and mustard, this fee is now a standard service charge in traditional dim sum restaurants. It is almost always calculated on a per person basis regardless of how much tea is actually consumed. Many restaurants offer promotions during off peak hours where they waive this fee to attract customers.
Examples
This restaurant has no tea and condiment charge, it's a great deal.
For the two of you, how much is the tea and condiment charge per person?
Related words
Common phrases
waive the tea and condiment charge
to charge for tea and condiments
Common mistake
Do not confuse this with a standard service charge or tip, as it is a specific fixed fee for the table setting and tea service. It is also not a menu item you order, but an automatic addition to your bill.
Grammar color guide
Noun
Verb
Adjective
Adverb
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Classifier
Particle
Connector
Grammar guides
- NegationHow to say no, not, didn't, and don't in Cantonese. The four main negation words and when to use each one.
- Numbers and moneyCounting, talking about money, and asking how much things cost. Includes the two words for two and the everyday words for dollars and cents.
- Aspect markersCantonese has no tenses, but it does have aspect markers. Learn how zo2, gwo3, gan2, and hai2 dou6 show completion, experience, and ongoing action.
