house specials

Meanings

1. 1nounplural

   Dishes that a restaurant recommends as its best or most typical items, often at a set price.

   Grammar: Usually plural in this form; for one dish use the singular 'house special'.

   Patterns

   • the house specials are …
   • order the house specials
   • a list of house specials

   The waiter pointed to the house specials on the board.

   We tried two house specials: the fish curry and the lamb stew.

   House specials are usually cheaper than the regular menu.

2. 2nounplural

   A restaurant's signature dishes or drinks, especially ones it is known for.

   Grammar: Often used with 'the'; the singular 'house special' refers to one signature item.

   Patterns

   • known for its house specials
   • the house specials include …

   This café is famous for its house specials, especially the pancakes.

   The bar's house specials change every season.

Word forms

Common combinations

order the house specials

We ordered the house specials and shared them.

the house specials include

The house specials include a spicy noodle soup.

today's house specials

Today's house specials are written on the chalkboard.

a house specials menu

Ask for the house specials menu.

Synonyms and how they differ

specials

A shorter, very common word for the same idea; it can also mean temporary discounts, so context matters.

signature dishes

More formal and often used for a chef's famous creations, not just daily recommendations.

Word family

house special noun

One recommended dish or drink.

Commonly confused: house specials or special?

Practice

Make it your own

Write a sentence using “house specials”, then check it and compare it with the examples above.

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