China practical guide
How to Order Food in China Without Getting Lost
Ordering food in China is easier when you stop trying to translate every menu line. The better method is to know a few dish names, use photos, compare recent local app posts, and ask simple questions. Restaurants move quickly; clear choices beat perfect language.
Best For
Ordering Flow
Pick the dish, not just the shop
Know what you want to eat before choosing a restaurant. Search the Chinese dish name and compare photos, prices, and recent comments.
Use photos and short phrases
If the menu is only Chinese, show dish names or photos. Staff often understand a clear picture faster than a translated paragraph.
Ask before ordering
Use bu la for not spicy, shao la for less spicy, or wei la for mild. In Sichuan and Chongqing, mild can still carry heat.
Expect QR ordering
Some restaurants use table QR codes for ordering and payment. If stuck, ask staff to help you place the order.
Useful Habits
- Save Chinese dish names before you arrive.
- Use recent photos rather than old blog lists.
- Order fewer dishes first, then add more if needed.
- Keep allergies or dietary restrictions written in Chinese.
Mistakes to Avoid
- Do not rely only on English menu names; they can be vague.
- Do not order all famous dishes at once if portions are unknown.
- Do not assume less spicy means no chili.
- Do not ignore opening hours and queue timing.
Useful Chinese Terms
These phrases help in restaurants and local app searches.
Practical Note
A short Chinese dish name plus a photo often solves more problems than a long translation. Keep it simple and the meal usually moves.