How to Order Food in Small Local Restaurants in China: A Practical Survival Guide for First-Time Travelers
How to Order Food in Small Local Restaurants in China
A Practical Survival Guide for First-Time Travelers
For many travelers, eating in China is one of the most exciting parts of the journey — and also one of the most intimidating.
Outside of international hotels and tourist restaurants, small local Chinese eateries rarely have English menus, and staff often speak little or no English. Yet these modest, family-run restaurants are where you’ll find the most authentic, affordable, and memorable Chinese food.
After years of helping foreign travelers explore China and countless meals eaten in hole-in-the-wall restaurants across Beijing, Xi’an, Chengdu, Guilin, and beyond, this guide will walk you through exactly how to order food in small Chinese restaurants with confidence, even if you don’t speak Chinese.
1. First, Understand What a “Small Restaurant” in China Really Is
In China, a small restaurant doesn’t mean poor quality — often the opposite.
These places are usually:
Family-run or neighborhood eateries
Focused on one regional cuisine (no long fusion menus)
Popular with locals, especially at lunch and dinner rush
Fast, efficient, and no-nonsense
Don’t expect:
English menus
Waiters explaining dishes
Western-style service etiquette
What you get instead: honest food, big flavors, and prices that feel unreal compared to Western countries.
2. The Golden Rule: Look Around Before You Order
If there’s no English menu, your eyes are your best tool.
What to observe:
What are people at nearby tables eating?
Which dishes appear again and again?
Are plates coming out steaming hot from the kitchen?
Pointing is completely acceptable in China. Simply smile, gesture to a dish, and say:
“这个。” (Zhè ge.) — “This one.”
This single phrase can carry you through an entire meal.
3. Learn These 8 Survival Phrases (They Work Everywhere)
You don’t need to speak Chinese — just memorize a few sounds:
| Chinese | Pinyin | Meaning |
|---|---|---|
| 这个 | Zhè ge | This one |
| 那个 | Nà ge | That one |
| 我要这个 | Wǒ yào zhè ge | I want this |
| 有照片吗？ | Yǒu zhàopiàn ma? | Do you have photos? |
| 不辣 | Bù là | Not spicy |
| 微辣 | Wēi là | A little spicy |
| 米饭 | Mǐfàn | Rice |
| 买单 | Mǎidān | Check, please |
Even imperfect pronunciation is fine — effort matters more than accuracy.
4. When There Is No Menu at All
Yes, this happens.
Some ultra-local restaurants:
Write dishes on the wall
Only have a handwritten menu
Or simply cook “whatever is available today”
What to do:
Ask (or gesture): “有什么？” (Yǒu shénme?) — “What do you have?”
Let the staff recommend dishes
Trust the process
In China, letting the owner decide is often the best choice, especially in noodle shops and small stir-fry restaurants.
5. Use Your Phone — Locals Do
Using your phone is not rude in Chinese restaurants.
Helpful tools:
Google Translate (camera mode) — works surprisingly well on menus
Photos on Google Maps / Dianping — search the restaurant name
Saved screenshots of common dishes (kung pao chicken, dumplings, noodles)
Pro tip from experience:
Translation doesn’t need to be perfect — just enough to spot key ingredients.
6. Ordering Style: Fewer Dishes, Bigger Portions
Chinese portions are meant for sharing.
General rule:
1–2 people → 2–3 dishes + rice
3–4 people → 3–5 dishes
If you order too much, staff won’t stop you — but leftovers are normal and acceptable.
7. Dietary Needs: What You Should Know Honestly
Vegetarian
Possible, but not always obvious. Some “vegetable dishes” still contain:
Pork oil
Chicken stock
Say:
“不吃肉。” (Bù chī ròu.) — I don’t eat meat.
Halal / Muslim Travelers
Look for:
The word 清真 (Qīngzhēn)
Arabic signs or green halal symbols
Allergies
Be cautious. Cross-contamination is common in small kitchens.
If allergies are severe, consider:
Showing a written Chinese explanation
Choosing slightly larger, more modern restaurants
8. Paying Is Easy (Even Without Cash)
Most small restaurants accept:
WeChat Pay
Alipay
Foreign travelers can now link international credit cards to both apps.
If paying cash:
Have small bills
Say “买单” (Mǎidān) when finished
9. Don’t Fear “Making Mistakes” — Locals Appreciate You Trying
One important truth:
Chinese restaurant staff are not judging your Chinese.
They’re happy you’re eating there.
Smiling, pointing, and trying a few words is more than enough. Many travelers end up having their most memorable meals in places where they understood almost nothing on the menu.
Final Thought: This Is Where Real China Is
If you only eat in restaurants with English menus, you’ll miss a huge part of China.
Small local restaurants offer:
Real regional flavors
Human connection
Stories you’ll remember long after the trip
Ordering food in China isn’t about language skills — it’s about curiosity and confidence.
And once you’ve done it once, you’ll wonder why it ever felt intimidating.
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