How to Order Food in China: Apps, Menus & Useful Phrases (2026)

Food delivery apps: Meituan and Ele.me

Meituan (美团) and Ele.me (饿了么) are China's two major food delivery platforms — think DoorDash or Uber Eats but faster and cheaper. Delivery typically arrives in 20-40 minutes and costs 3-8 CNY ($0.50-1 USD) in delivery fees.

The easiest way to access them: open Alipay, search for 'Meituan' or 'Ele.me' in the search bar, and use the mini-program (no separate download needed). The interface is in Chinese, but restaurant photos and prices are universal.

Pro tip: Look for restaurants with high ratings (4.5+) and high order counts (月售 1000+ means over 1,000 orders/month). Sort by '评分' (rating) for the best options.

Ordering at restaurants: QR code menus

Most Chinese restaurants now use QR code ordering. Scan the QR code on your table with WeChat or Alipay, browse the menu on your phone, select items, and pay. The order goes directly to the kitchen.

Here's the ugly truth nobody tells you: many QR ordering systems redirect to mini-programs that REQUIRE a Chinese phone number. Your foreign number won't work, and there's no workaround within the app. This is the single most frustrating thing for foreigners eating in China.

When QR ordering fails (and it will at some point), here's what works: ask a staff member to help you order (point at photos in the menu or on other tables), use Google Lens or Apple Translate to read the Chinese menu, or simply point at what other diners are eating and say '我要这个' (wǒ yào zhè ge — I want this one). Staff are usually very helpful once they realize you're a foreigner.

The menu will be in Chinese with photos. Don't stress about reading it perfectly — Chinese food photography is very accurate. What you see is what you get.

Essential Chinese food phrases

不要辣 (bù yào là) — No spicy. The single most important phrase for foreigners in China. Many dishes are spicy by default, especially in Sichuan, Hunan, and Chongqing cuisine.

打包 (dǎ bāo) — Takeaway / to-go. Say this if you want to pack up leftovers or order food to take with you.

买单 (mǎi dān) — Check please / bill please. Wave at your server and say this when you're done.

扫码点餐 (sǎo mǎ diǎn cān) — Scan QR to order. If you see this sign, look for the QR code on your table.

微辣 (wēi là) — Mildly spicy. A good middle ground if you enjoy some heat but not full Sichuan spice.

素的 (sù de) — Vegetarian. Point at a dish and add this to ask if there's a meatless version.

What to eat: top dishes for newcomers

If you're overwhelmed by Chinese menus, start with these crowd-pleasers: 小笼包 (xiǎo lóng bāo, soup dumplings — especially in Shanghai), 炒饭 (chǎo fàn, fried rice), 牛肉面 (niú ròu miàn, beef noodle soup), 宫保鸡丁 (gōng bǎo jī dīng, kung pao chicken), and 麻婆豆腐 (má pó dòu fu, mapo tofu — warning: spicy).

For breakfast, try 豆浆油条 (dòu jiāng yóu tiáo — soy milk and fried dough sticks) or 包子 (bāo zi — steamed buns with various fillings). Both are available at street stalls for 5-10 CNY.

Street food is generally safe in China. Look for stalls with high turnover (long lines = fresh food). Popular street foods include 煎饼果子 (jiān bǐng guǒ zi — savory crepe), 烤串 (kǎo chuàn — grilled skewers), and 臭豆腐 (chòu dòu fu — stinky tofu, an acquired taste).