The waiter's job is to help you and make you comfortable. Don't be afraid to ask questions. The waiter will be glad to explain the dishes to you. You can ask questions: "I like chicken, what do you suggest?" "Do you have any fish dishes?"

Here's what I always do when I'm curious about a dish whose name/description I can't understand: - do a quick google search (simply type "what is ..." in the search bar) to find out what the dish name means or what the dish contains. - do a google image search to see what it looks like, if the menu does not have pictures. If you don't have an internet connection, just ask the waiter, like Dan suggests! :)

That reminds me of when I was in South America. I still don't know what Sancachao is. Or Chicharron. I think there's an app you can download to your phone. You then use your phone's camera, and it translates the words for you. Try that.