1. Reading Menus in China

When you first sit down in a restaurant, you’ll likely be handed the menu (菜单, cài dān, /tseye-dan/). If you’re lucky, the menu may include pictures or an English translation, but that’s not always the case. Here are some ways to handle the situation:

Menus with Pictures

If the menu includes pictures, ordering becomes easier. Just point to the dish you want and say “Yí fèn” (一份 /ee fnn/), which means “one portion”. You can also use this phrase to order dishes you see on other people’s tables (though this might feel a bit awkward). In northern China, the pronunciation of “one portion” is “Yí fènr” (一份儿 /ee frrh/).

Menus without Pictures

If there are no pictures or English translations, it can be a bit challenging, but you can rely on your knowledge of Chinese or use a phrasebook to point to the Chinese characters. Here are some common dishes that you might encounter:

2. Useful Phrases for Ordering Food in Chinese

Knowing a few essential phrases will make your dining experience in China much easier. Here are some key expressions:

• Do you have …?: 有没有 (yǒu méi yǒu, /yoh may yoh/)
  If you want to inquire about a dish, ask “Yǒu méi yǒu”. If the dish is available, the answer will be “Yǒu” (yes), and if not, the reply will be “Méi yǒu” (no).

• I don’t want chili: 我不要辣 (Wǒ bù yào là, /wor boo-yaoww laa/)

• I don’t want MSG: 我不要味精 (Wǒ bù yào wèijīng, /wor boo-yaoww way-jing/)

• I don’t want it too salty: 我不要太咸 (Wǒ bù yào tài xián, /wor boo-yaoww teye sshyen/)

3. Cultural Tips on Ordering Dishes

Avoid the Number 4

In Chinese culture, there is a superstition surrounding the number 4, as it sounds similar to the word for “death” (死, sǐ). As a result, ordering four dishes is generally avoided in favor of other numbers.

Order Too Much Food

It’s customary in China to order more food than necessary to show generosity and hospitality. It’s not unusual for guests to leave food behind as a sign of abundance, though it’s polite to eat a reasonable amount. For larger groups, try to order a variety of dishes, such as different meats, vegetables, and soup (汤, tāng, /tung/).

Dumplings: A Special Delicacy

Dumplings (饺子, jiǎozi) are beloved across China, and many restaurants specialize in them. You can order dumplings by the tray, which typically holds 10 or 20 pieces. Use the phrase “Yī lóng” (一笼, /ee-long/) to ask for a tray, followed by the filling you prefer, such as pork (zhū ròu, /joo-roh/), beef (niú ròu, /nyoh-roh/), or garlic chives (jiǔ cài, /jyoh-tseye/).

4. Ordering Steak in China

While steak is not as common in Chinese cuisine, larger cities often have steak restaurants with English menus. Here’s how to order your steak:

5. Ordering Fast Food in China

Fast food chains like McDonald’s and KFC are widespread in China, but the food may differ from what you’re used to. Here are some common fast food items:

Conclusion: Embrace the Experience

Ordering food in China may seem challenging at first, but with a few basic phrases and a little patience, you can dive deep into Chinese culture and cuisine. Whether you’re enjoying dumplings with friends, savoring a spicy dish, or exploring regional flavors, this experience will undoubtedly be one of the highlights of your trip. Remember to be patient and enjoy the adventure of navigating local food customs!