a / an: order one thing

Use a or an when you order one thing you can count. Use an before a vowel sound: an apple, an egg.

I'd like + a / an + noun, please.

• I'd like a burger, please.
• I'd like an omelette, please.
• Can I have a fork, please?

I'd like = I would like. It is more polite than I want.

some: food and drink you cannot count

Water, bread, rice and cheese are things you cannot count. Do not use a or an with them. Use some.

• I'd like some tea, please.
• Can I have some soup?
• We'd like some chips, please.