催一下菜。

Catch a server's eye and say the phrase. You can add 麻烦 (má fan) at the start for extra politeness. It is a short, punchy request. You don't need a long explanation about your hunger. Just three words and a smile usually work. If you are in a rush, say it with a bit more energy. Most servers will understand immediately and head to the kitchen.

You use this when the table next to you gets their food first. Or when 20 minutes have passed and you only have tea. It is perfect for busy lunch hours. Use it when you have a movie to catch. It is also common in large group dinners. If one dish is missing, this phrase saves the day. It is a standard part of the dining experience in China.

Don't use it five minutes after ordering. That just makes the staff grumpy. Avoid using it at very high-end, slow-paced fine dining. In those places, patience is expected. Never scream it across the room. That is considered quite rude. Also, don't use it if the restaurant is clearly understaffed and struggling. A little empathy goes a long way.

Dining in China is often fast-paced and social. Kitchens are loud, chaotic, and high-energy. Sometimes, a paper slip gets lost in the steam. 催菜 (cuī cài) is a recognized 'ritual' of eating out. It is so common that servers expect it. It is not seen as an insult to the chef. It is just a way to keep the flow moving. In fact, a quiet table might be forgotten!

You can say 帮我催一下 (Help me urge them). Or simply 菜还没齐 (The dishes aren't all here yet). If you are really in a hurry, try 快一点 (A bit faster). For a very polite version, use 请问菜还要多久？ (How much longer for the food?). But for daily life, 催一下菜 is the gold standard.