Food is the best part of visiting China. Every city has its own flavors, every neighborhood has hidden gems, and eating out is incredibly affordable.
The challenge for tourists isn't the food itself. It's figuring out how to order it.
How Ordering Works
Most restaurants in China now use QR code ordering. There's a code on the table. Scan it with WeChat and a digital menu appears on your phone. (Need help setting up mobile payment first?)
QR code ordering
Sit down and find the QR code on the table
Open WeChat and scan the code. It opens the restaurant's ordering mini-program
Browse the menu (most have photos), select what you want
Submit your order. Payment is deducted through WeChat Pay automatically
Wait for your food to arrive at the table
💡 Tip: Can't read the menu? Take a screenshot and send it to us on WhatsApp. We'll translate it and recommend dishes within minutes.
⚠️ Heads up: Some mini-programs require a Chinese phone number. If the QR code doesn't work for you, get the server's attention and point at the menu or at what other tables are eating.
Eating Without Speaking Chinese
Not speaking Chinese won't stop you from eating well. Here are five reliable methods.
5 ways to order without Chinese
Look at pictures. Most menus have photos. Just point at what looks good
Point at other tables. See something delicious? Point at it. The server will understand immediately
Use a camera translator. Pleco or WeChat's built-in translate can read menus through your camera
Screenshot trick. Search the restaurant on Xiaohongshu or Dianping beforehand and screenshot popular dishes
Ask us. Photo the menu on WhatsApp and we'll help you pick and order
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| I want this | 我要这个 | wǒ yào zhè ge |
| No spicy | 不要辣 | bú yào là |
| A little spicy | 微辣 | wēi là |
| The bill please | 买单 | mǎi dān |
| One more | 再来一个 | zài lái yī gè |
| Vegetarian | 素食 | sù shí |
| No meat | 不要肉 | bú yào ròu |
What to Eat (and Where)
China has eight major regional cuisines, and the flavors vary dramatically from city to city. Here's what to look for.
Street Food
The cheapest, most authentic food in China. Most items cost ¥5-20 (under $3). Look for busy stalls with long lines.
- Jianbing (煎饼) — Savory breakfast crepe. A northern China staple
- Chuan'r (串儿) — Skewered meat and vegetables, grilled over charcoal
- Roujiamo (肉夹馍) — Braised meat in flatbread, often called "Chinese hamburger"
- Xiaolongbao (小笼包) — Soup dumplings. Shanghai's famous contribution
- Liangpi (凉皮) — Cold noodle sheets with chili oil. A Xi'an specialty
💡 Tip: Not sure where to find good street food? Tell us which city you're in and we'll recommend spots where the locals eat.
Restaurant Types
| Type | Price per person | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Street stall / snack shop | ¥5-20 | Quick bites, solo dining |
| Regular restaurant | ¥30-80 | Meals with friends, local dishes |
| Hot pot restaurant | ¥60-120 | Social dining, must-try experience |
| Upscale restaurant | ¥150+ | Special occasions |
Dietary Restrictions
Awareness of vegetarian, vegan, and allergy-friendly dining is growing in China, but it's not as widespread as in Western countries. Communicating clearly is important.
| English | Chinese |
|---|---|
| I'm allergic to peanuts | 我对花生过敏 |
| I don't eat pork | 我不吃猪肉 |
| I'm vegetarian (no meat, no seafood) | 我是素食者，不吃肉和海鲜 |
| No MSG | 不要味精 |
| I'm allergic to shellfish | 我对贝类/虾蟹过敏 |
| No dairy | 不要奶制品 |
💡 Tip: If you have serious allergies, send us the details on WhatsApp. We'll prepare a Chinese-language allergy card that you can save on your phone and show at any restaurant.
Food Delivery (Meituan / Ele.me)
Food delivery in China is fast. 30-minute delivery is normal, even for sit-down restaurant quality food. The two big platforms are Meituan and Ele.me.
The catch: both apps are entirely in Chinese. Most foreign tourists can't use them independently.
💡 Tip: Want food delivered to your hotel? Tell us what kind of food you're craving and your hotel address. We'll handle the order on our end. You just wait for the delivery person to knock.
Quick Summary
- ✅ QR code ordering — scan the code on the table with WeChat
- ✅ Point at pictures — you don't need Chinese to eat well
- ✅ Try street food — cheap, delicious, and safe
- ✅ Save useful phrases — "不要辣" (no spicy) can save your meal
- ❌ Don't fear street stalls — food safety is better than most people think
- ❌ Don't stick to tourist restaurants — local spots are tastier and cheaper
Need help ordering food?
Send us a photo of the menu or tell us what you're craving. We'll translate, recommend, and even help you order delivery.
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