Never Go Hungry How to Order Food in China with No Chinese

Thinking about how to order food in China with no Chinese can feel stressful. You are not alone! With over 94 million inbound tourists in the first three quarters of 2024, many visitors face the same challenge.

But you have a secret weapon: food-ordering apps! Meituan, which holds nearly 70% of the market, is your go-to solution.

This guide provides the essential tips to master these apps. We also have backup tips for ordering in person, preparing you for any delicious situation. 🌮

Key Takeaways

• Use food delivery apps like Meituan or Ele.me. They deliver many kinds of food to your door.

• Set up digital payment methods like Alipay or WeChat Pay. China uses these for most payments.

• Learn a few basic Chinese phrases. These help you order food and show respect.

• Use translation apps on your phone. They help you understand menus and talk to staff.

• Consider a guided food tour. A guide helps you find local foods without stress.

HOW TO ORDER FOOD IN CHINA WITH NO CHINESE: FOOD-ORDERING APPS

You are about to unlock the ultimate tool for eating well in China. Online meal-ordering services like Meituan (美团) and Ele.me (饿了么) are your best friends. They deliver almost anything you can imagine, right to your hotel door. Let's get you set up!

DOWNLOAD AND REGISTER

First, you need to get the apps on your phone. You can find Meituan and Ele.me in your phone's app store. The biggest hurdle is registration. These apps require a Chinese phone number for verification. Don't worry, you have options!

A great workaround is to ask your hotel's front desk staff for help. They are often happy to assist you with the process. If you prefer to be self-sufficient, you can get a virtual Chinese phone number before your trip. This is a fantastic solution for how to order food in China with no Chinese.

Pro Tip: Budgeting for a virtual number is simple. Costs typically range from $15 to $50 per month. Here are a few providers to check out:

Once you have your number, follow these steps to create your account:

1. Create an Account: Open the app and find the "My" (我的) section. Tap "Click to Login" (点击登录) and register using your phone number.

2. Set Your Delivery Address: You can drop a pin on the map or type your address. A great trick is to have your hotel's address saved in Chinese on your phone. You can just copy and paste it in.

3. Link a Payment Method: You will need to link a payment method like Alipay or WeChat Pay. Make sure you have already set up one of these with your foreign credit card.

TRANSLATE THE APP INTERFACE

The app will be in Chinese, but your phone has a superpower: screenshot translation. This feature makes navigating these online meal-ordering services a breeze.

Simply take a screenshot of any page in the app. Then, use your phone's built-in tool (like Google Lens on Android or the Translate feature on iOS) to instantly see what everything says. After a few orders, you'll start recognizing key icons, like a bowl for food or a shopping cart for your order. This simple translation trick is one of the most useful tips you'll learn.

FIND RESTAURANTS AND DISHES

Now for the fun part: choosing your food! The apps are very visual. Most dishes have pictures, so you can often just point and choose what looks good.

You can also search for specific cravings. Let's say you want beef noodle soup. Just copy the Chinese characters (牛肉面) and paste them into the search bar. You'll see all the nearby restaurants that offer it. You can also filter your search results. Ele.me and Meituan let you sort restaurants by cuisine type, price, distance, and even user ratings. This helps you quickly find exactly what you're in the mood for.

PLACE YOUR ORDER

You found a delicious-looking meal. It's time to place your order. The process is straightforward once you know the steps. These final tips will help you complete your purchase.

1. Add Items to Your Cart: Browse the menu. Tap the + button next to the dishes you want. You might see pop-ups for customization, like spice level (look for 不辣 for non-spicy) or portion size (小 for small, 中 for medium, 大 for large).

2. Check for "Must-Choice" Items: Some orders require you to add essentials like utensils or a base of rice. The app will prompt you with a message like 未点必选品 if you forget. Just tap it and add the required item.

3. Review and Pay: Click the button at the bottom right to go to the payment page. This is your last chance to review your order.

4. Submit Your Order: Once everything looks correct, tap the final button, often labeled "Submit Order" (提交订单), to pay.

Want to customize your order further? Use the "Notes" section! You can use your translation app to write simple requests. This is a key part of how to order food in China with no Chinese. For example, you can write "不要辣" (bú yào là) for "no spice" or "不要香菜" (bú yào xiāng cài) for "no cilantro."

With these online meal-ordering services, a world of flavor is just a few taps away. You are now ready to eat like a local!

TIPS FOR ORDERING AT A RESTAURANT IN CHINA

While delivery apps are amazing, you will definitely want to experience the buzz of a local restaurant. Don't let the language barrier stop you! Ordering at a restaurant in China is easier than you think. These simple tips will give you the confidence to walk in, sit down, and enjoy a fantastic meal.

POINT AND GESTURE

This is the oldest trick in the book, and it works wonders. Many restaurants in China, especially in tourist-friendly areas, have menus with pictures. This is your golden ticket.

• Simply point to the picture of the dish you want.

• Hold up your fingers to show how many you want. One finger for one dish, two for two.

• Give a friendly nod and a smile to the server.

You can also look at what other diners are eating. If something looks delicious on a nearby table, you can politely point to it and signal to your server that you would like the same thing. It’s a simple but effective part of how to order at a restaurant in china.

USE TRANSLATION APPS

Your smartphone is your most powerful tool for ordering at a restaurant in China. Before you go, it's a great idea to download a translation app.

Many people think of Google Translate first. It has great features like photo and audio translation. However, Google services can be blocked in China, so it might not work. A fantastic alternative is Microsoft Translator, which is excellent at understanding spoken Chinese.

Here are some quick tips for using your app’s camera feature on a menu:

• Get a clear shot: Aim your phone's camera directly at the menu text.

• No obstructions: Make sure your hand or a shadow isn't blocking the words.

• Go offline: Download the Chinese language pack before you leave your hotel's Wi-Fi. This lets you use the translation feature even without an internet connection.

For real-time conversations, apps like JotMe can provide live translation on your screen, making back-and-forth communication with staff much smoother. This level of translation support is a game-changer.

PREPARE KEY PHRASES

Knowing a few basic Chinese phrases can make a huge difference. It shows respect and can make the process of ordering at a restaurant in China much smoother. You don't need to be fluent! Just having these on your phone or written down is enough.

Here are some of the most important basic Chinese phrases to know:

These simple words will help you navigate the entire meal. The staff will appreciate your effort, and it makes the experience more fun for you. These are some of the best tips for your trip.

STATE DIETARY NEEDS

Communicating dietary restrictions is crucial for a safe and enjoyable meal. This is another area where your translation app and some prepared basic Chinese phrases are essential. This is a key part of learning how to order food in china with no chinese.

If you are a vegetarian, you can use these phrases:

• 我是素食者 (wǒ shì sùshí zhě): "I am a vegetarian." This is the most direct way to state your dietary preference.

• 我不吃肉 (wǒ bù chī ròu): "I don't eat meat." This is very clear and easy for kitchen staff to understand.

Pro Tip: Have a card or a note on your phone with your dietary needs written in Chinese. You can show this to the server when you order. Include any allergies you have, like "我对花生过敏 (wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn)" for "I am allergic to peanuts." These extra tips can prevent any mix-ups.

THE ULTIMATE SOLUTION: A GUIDED CULINARY TOUR

You have the apps and phrases to survive, but what if you want to truly thrive? For a completely stress-free and deeply authentic food adventure, nothing beats a guided culinary tour.

WHY A TOUR ELIMINATES HASSLE

All the planning and potential stress simply disappear with a tour. Remember the challenges travelers like Thom face with language barriers and navigation? A guided tour solves them all. You get a knowledgeable local guide who handles everything.

• No more struggling with translation apps in a noisy restaurant.

• Your guide orders the best regional specialties for you.

• You can explore hidden corners of a city without getting lost.

You just get to relax and enjoy the journey. Your guide can even adapt the tour to your interests, ensuring you have a personalized and unforgettable experience.

EXPERIENCE AUTHENTIC FLAVORS WITH CHINA EXPLORER TOUR

At China Explorer Tour, we believe you should understand the culture by living it. Our tours take you beyond the tourist traps to discover authentic local life. Your guide is your key to unlocking China’s culinary secrets. They know the family-run restaurants and hidden food stalls that you would never find on your own. You can sample amazing local treats without any ordering stress. These expert tips from a local guide make all the difference.

With a guide, you can really experience China, its history, culture, and cuisine. It’s the most immersive way to travel.

A TASTE OF THE 9-DAY GUIZHOU CULINARY TOUR

Imagine a journey designed entirely around flavor. Our 9-Day Tour in Guizhou, China: Culinary and Cultural Pleasures is the perfect example. This trip is a deep dive into the region's unique food culture. You will taste iconic dishes like Miao sour soup fish, a cultural totem so important that a local saying goes, "Three days without sour food, and you'll walk in circles." These are the kinds of cultural tips and tastes you can only get on an immersive tour. You get a true window into the life of the Miao people through their food.

ESSENTIAL PREPARATION TIPS

A little prep work before your trip makes everything smoother. These essential tips will have you ready for anything, from paying your bill to communicating your needs. Let's get you prepared!

SET UP DIGITAL PAYMENTS

China is a nearly cashless society, so you need a digital wallet. Alipay and WeChat Pay are the kings of mobile payment. Setting them up is your first step for paying the bill at a chinese restaurant.

You can link your international credit card directly to Alipay. Here’s how:

1. Download the Alipay app and sign up with your phone number.

2. Choose the "International Version" during setup.

3. Go to Me > Bank Cards and tap Add a Card.

4. Enter your card details and complete the verification.

Pro Tip: Alipay has limits for foreign cards. Knowing these is one of the most useful tips for managing your budget.

This setup is the answer to how to pay for the bill at a china restaurant. You just scan a QR code, and you're done!

SAVE YOUR ADDRESS IN CHINESE

This is one of the simplest yet most effective tips you'll use. Before you leave, ask your hotel for its address in Chinese characters. Save it in your phone’s notes app. 🏨

You can copy and paste this directly into food delivery apps, making sure your delicious meal finds its way to you. It's also incredibly helpful for showing taxi drivers exactly where you need to go. No confusion, no stress.

LEARN YOUR ALLERGIES IN CHINESE

Communicating dietary needs is critical for your safety. Don't rely on verbal translations alone. A professionally translated allergy card is your best tool. Services like SelectWisely or Allergy & Anaphylaxis Australia offer reliable cards that clearly state your allergies in Chinese.

Showing this card to the restaurant staff ensures they understand your needs perfectly. Many travelers find this gives them peace of mind.

I have been using your food allergy cards for at least 8 years... These food allergy cards give me a great deal of confidence when eating out and the Chinese here in Shanghai have been very attentive to my dietary concerns. - Barbara, Shanghai

Having this card is one of the most important safety tips for your culinary adventure.

You now have the best tools for how to order food in china with no chinese. Delivery apps are your secret weapon for easy meals. Simple tricks like pointing and using translation apps make ordering in person a breeze. You are ready to explore China's food scene with confidence.

For a truly deep and hassle-free culinary adventure, consider a guided journey with China Explorer Tour. We handle all the details so you can focus on the flavors.

Now you have the tools to explore China's incredible food scene. So get out there and eat well! 🍜

FAQ

### Which food delivery app should I use?

You can use either Meituan (美团) or Ele.me (饿了么). Meituan is more popular, but both are excellent. We suggest you download both apps. This lets you compare restaurant options and delivery times in your area. You can then pick the best one for each meal.

### Can I pay with cash at restaurants?

You will find that most places prefer digital payments like Alipay or WeChat Pay. While some smaller, traditional restaurants might accept cash, you should not rely on it. Setting up a digital wallet is your best bet for a smooth payment experience everywhere you go. 💵

### Do I need to tip in China?

No, you do not need to tip in China. Tipping is not a common practice in restaurants, cafes, or for delivery drivers. The price you see on the menu or in the app is the final price you pay. Simply pay your bill and say "谢谢" (xièxie)!

### How can I make sure my food isn't spicy?

You can easily ask for non-spicy food. Use the phrase 不要辣 (bú yào là), which means "no spice." You can say this to the server or type it into the notes section of your food delivery app. It's a very useful phrase to know

See Also

Essential Shanghai Street Eats: A First-Timer's Culinary Journey

Crafting Soup Dumplings: An English-Friendly Culinary Experience in Shanghai

Beijing's Best Street Bites: Five Must-Try Delights for Newcomers

Effortless Dumpling Making: A Beijing Cooking Class for Visiting Tourists

Discovering Hidden Halal Gems Near Shanghai's Yu Garden