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PhrasesDietary RestrictionsSenza cipolla, per favore.
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Senza cipolla, per favore.

Without onion, please.

Pronunciation

chee-POL-lah — stress on second syllable. 'ci' = 'ch' sound. Double 'l' is held slightly longer.

When to use it

Use alongside garlic restrictions, as onion is also a common soffritto ingredient. Particularly relevant when ordering sauces, soups, and stews.

What it means

Cipolla (onion) is a core ingredient in Italian cooking. The combination 'senza aglio e cipolla' (without garlic and onion) is well-understood by Italian kitchen staff and relates to FODMAP or allium sensitivities.

Variations

Sono intollerante alla cipolla.

I am intolerant to onion.

Medical framing.

Il sugo ha la cipolla?

Does the sauce have onion?

Checking a specific sauce before ordering.

Senza cipolla e aglio, per favore.

Without onion and garlic, please.

Combined exclusion — very common for FODMAP diets.

Mini Dialogue

Cliente: Scusi, questo spezzatino contiene cipolla? Cameriere: Sì, la cipolla è nella base del sugo. Cliente: Posso averlo senza cipolla? Cameriere: È difficile da separare, ma provo a chiederlo allo chef.

Client: Excuse me, does this stew contain onion? Waiter: Yes, onion is in the sauce base. Client: Can I have it without onion? Waiter: It's hard to separate, but I'll try asking the chef.

Cultural Note

The 'soffritto' — a slow-cooked mix of onion, carrot, and celery — is the aromatic base of Italian soups, stews, and sauces. Removing onion fundamentally changes these dishes, so the kitchen may offer limited options.