Azerbaijan.US
An increasing number of restaurants in Baku are offering menus exclusively in foreign languages, a trend that has sparked debate over consumer rights, language policy, and compliance with local regulations.
English and Russian are the most commonly used languages in such menus, particularly in restaurants located in central areas of the city. Restaurant representatives often explain the practice by pointing to a high share of foreign tourists among their customers.
However, consumer advocates and industry representatives say the absence of menus in Azerbaijani raises legal and practical concerns. Under national regulations, consumers have the right to receive clear and accurate information about goods and services in the state language.
According to consumer rights advocates, menus are not merely a design choice but a form of essential information. When food descriptions, ingredients, or prices are presented only in foreign languages, local customers may be deprived of full and transparent information about what they are ordering.
Current regulations require that information in public service establishments — including restaurants – be provided primarily in Azerbaijani. Other languages may be used in parallel, but they should not replace or overshadow the state language.
Industry representatives note that bilingual or multilingual menus are widely accepted practice in tourist-oriented cities, but emphasize that foreign-language versions should complement, not substitute, the Azerbaijani-language menu.
Legal experts warn that restaurants failing to comply with language requirements may face administrative penalties if violations are reported and confirmed. While enforcement has been uneven, the issue highlights a broader challenge facing Baku’s service sector: balancing international tourism with domestic legal standards and consumer protection.
As tourism continues to grow, observers say the debate is likely to intensify, raising questions about how cities adapt to global visitors without sidelining local language norms and consumer rights.
