Menus and signage: dish names, spice levels, allergens
Route `menu-sign-translation` (translate_image.menu) covers backlit boards, chalk specials, and street signage. Dish names rarely have official translations—raw MT can misstate allergens or spice levels. Keep native names, use translations as hints, and confirm with staff. Vertical neon layouts may force manual typing of keywords to find official bilingual PDFs.
Menu photo translation cautions
- Shoot head-on with even lighting; crop one column of dishes per pass for cleaner OCR.
- Verify prices and units independently; photograph handwritten specials again if the first pass fails.
- Use translations for personal travel guidance; obtain restaurant permission before republishing menus commercially.
Image translation FAQ (menu)
What if there is no official English dish name in `menu-sign-translation`?
Retain the source language, add transliteration or descriptive text marked unofficial, or cite the venue’s bilingual PDF/QR menu.
Machine dish names look silly—then what?
Keep native names, mark translations unofficial, and prefer the venue’s bilingual PDF.
Can I trust MT for allergen lines?
No—ask staff or read compliant packaging; liability is real.
Vertical neon keeps failing?
Retake head-on or type keywords to find official bilingual assets.
Republishing translated menus online?
Get restaurant permission; avoid wholesale copying of photography.