A BILINGUAL guide to food allergens and dietary restrictions is helping small businesse in Bao’an District communicate with international customers.

Zhang Yuehan, a first-year English major at a Shenzhen university, spent two days compiling and designing the guide, which uses text and illustrations to explain eight common allergens and nut-based ingredients. She recently gave a copy to Wushi Coffee, a shop run by young entrepreneurs in Bao’an.

The shop owner, Du Qilong, said the guide would help staff explain ingredients to customers. The shop sells coffee and bread made with ingredients including milk and nuts, which can trigger allergies. Du plans to display the guide prominently and said he learned several new English words from Zhang.

Zhang got the idea while volunteering, when she learned that many young entrepreneurs’ businesses in Bao’an were updating bilingual menus and practicing English ahead of the APEC summit. She recalled seeing labels such as “gluten-free” while traveling abroad and wanted to make it easier for shop staff to discuss customers’ dietary needs.

After collecting information and using AI software to help with the design, Zhang delivered copies to several shops over the weekend. Wushi Coffee was the first to receive one.

Some shop owners in Bao’an have also requested foreign-language training. Songgang Subdistrict organized an English session for local businesses. Zhang volunteered to lead an oral English practice class for more than 20 shop owners.

“More and more foreign customers are coming to our shop, and we want to do our part for APEC,” said Li Huizhen, owner of a flower plant design store. She said the training was practical and would help her provide attentive service to international guests.

(SD News)