There are two ways to ask for something politely or to say what you want in German.

 

Ich hätte gern...
Ich möchte...

Both mean I'd like..., and are always followed by a noun.

When you're asking for unspecified amounts the word some is omitted.

 

Ich hätte gern Kartoffelsalat                                                      I'd like some potato salad
Ich möchte Brot                                                                         I'd like some bread
Ich hätte gern Suppe                                                                 I'd like some soup