Ordering food in China can be an exciting part of your travel experience, especially with the country’s diverse and delicious cuisine. Whether you’re at a bustling street stall, a local restaurant, or a more upscale eatery, here’s a practical guide to help you navigate the process smoothly—even if you don’t speak much Mandarin.

1. Choose Your Dining Spot

• Street Food Stalls: Great for quick bites like dumplings (饺子, jiǎozi), skewers (串儿, chuànr), or steamed buns (包子, bāozi). Look for busy stalls—crowds often signal quality.
• Local Restaurants: These range from small family-run spots to larger establishments. Menus might be in Chinese, but some have pictures or English translations.
• Upscale Restaurants: Common in cities like Beijing or Shanghai, these often cater to tourists and may have bilingual staff or menus.

2. Getting Seated

• At smaller places, simply find an open seat or wait for the staff to guide you. In busier spots, you might need to queue or take a number (common in popular chains like hot pot restaurants).
• If there’s a host, you can say:
  • “几位?” (Jǐ wèi?) – “How many people?”
  • Reply with: “X位” (X wèi), where X is the number (e.g., “两位,” Liǎng wèi, for two people).

3. Understanding the Menu

• Picture Menus: Many restaurants offer menus with photos—pointing works wonders if you don’t speak Chinese.
• No Pictures?: Look for key dishes or ask for recommendations. Common options include:
  • 炒饭 (Chǎofàn) – Fried rice
  • 面条 (Miàntiáo) – Noodles
  • 饺子 (Jiǎozi) – Dumplings
  • 宫保鸡丁 (Gōngbǎo jīdīng) – Kung Pao chicken
• Spicy or Not: If you’re sensitive to spice, say “不要辣” (Bù yào là) – “No spicy.” For spicy lovers, “加辣” (Jiā là) means “Add spice.”

4. Placing Your Order

• Point and Smile: If language is a barrier, point at the menu item or a dish on another table and nod politely.
• Basic Phrases:
  • “我要这个” (Wǒ yào zhège) – “I want this” (pointing at something).
  • “请给我…” (Qǐng gěi wǒ…) – “Please give me…” (add the dish name).
  • “多少钱?” (Duōshǎo qián?) – “How much is it?”
• Quantity: Use fingers or say “一份” (Yī fèn) for one portion, “两份” (Liǎng fèn) for two, etc.

5. Special Requests

• Dietary Needs:
  • “我不吃肉” (Wǒ bù chī ròu) – “I don’t eat meat.”
  • “有素菜吗?” (Yǒu sùcài ma?) – “Do you have vegetarian dishes?”
  • “不加味精” (Bù jiā wèijīng) – “No MSG.”
• Takeaway: Say “打包” (Dǎbāo) if you want your food to go.

6. Paying the Bill

• Ask for the Check: Say “买单” (Mǎidān) – “The bill, please.”
• Payment: Cash is widely accepted, but mobile apps like WeChat Pay or Alipay dominate in cities. Some places take cards—look for Visa/Mastercard signs or ask “可以刷卡吗?” (Kěyǐ shuākǎ ma?) – “Can I use a card?”
• Tipping: Not expected in China; the price is what you pay.

7. Handy Tips

• Apps: Use translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco to scan menus or speak phrases.
• Body Language: A smile and gestures go a long way if you’re stuck.
• Timing: Lunch is typically 11:30 AM–2:00 PM, dinner 5:30 PM–9:00 PM. Street vendors may operate late into the night.

Sample Scenario

You’re at a noodle shop. You sit down, point at a picture of beef noodle soup, and say:

• “我要这个，一份” (Wǒ yào zhège, yī fèn) – “I want this, one portion.”
  The waiter nods, brings your steaming bowl, and later you say “买单” (Mǎidān) to pay. Simple and delicious!

Ordering food in China is an adventure in itself. Embrace the experience, and don’t hesitate to try something new—you might just discover your favorite dish! For more travel tips or to plan a food-focused trip, check out HelloChinaTrip.com.