Chinese Food Guide: What to Eat and How to Order

Chinese cuisine is one of the world's great culinary traditions — and eating your way across the country is one of the best parts of any trip. This guide helps you navigate restaurants, order with confidence, and discover the dishes you absolutely must try.

Regional Cuisines Overview

China has eight great culinary traditions (八大菜系). Here are the highlights for travellers:

Sichuan (川菜) — Chengdu & Chongqing

• Known for: Numbing-spicy (麻辣) flavours from Sichuan peppercorn and dried chilli.
• Must-try: Mapo Tofu (麻婆豆腐), Kung Pao Chicken (宫保鸡丁), Hot Pot (火锅), Dan Dan Noodles (担担面).

Cantonese (粤菜) — Guangzhou & Hong Kong

• Known for: Fresh, lightly seasoned ingredients; dim sum culture.
• Must-try: Dim Sum (点心), Char Siu (叉烧), Wonton Noodles (云吞面), Roast Goose (烧鹅).

Shanghainese (沪菜) — Shanghai

• Known for: Sweet-savory flavours; braised dishes; soup dumplings.
• Must-try: Xiaolongbao (小笼包), Red-Braised Pork Belly (红烧肉), Scallion Oil Noodles (葱油拌面).

Northern (鲁菜 / Beijing) — Beijing & Shandong

• Known for: Wheat-based staples (noodles, dumplings, buns); hearty flavours.
• Must-try: Peking Duck (北京烤鸭), Jianbing (煎饼), Hand-Pulled Noodles (兰州拉面), Dumplings (饺子).

Yunnan — Kunming & Dali

• Known for: Wild mushrooms, herbs, cross-border influences.
• Must-try: Crossing-the-Bridge Noodles (过桥米线), Steam-Pot Chicken (汽锅鸡), wild mushroom hot pot.

How to Order at Restaurants

QR Code Ordering (Most Common)

1. Sit at your table and scan the QR code on the table or wall.
2. A mini program opens in WeChat or Alipay showing the menu (often with photos).
3. Select items, confirm quantities, and submit your order.
4. Pay directly through the mini program when finished.

Tip: If the QR menu is only in Chinese, use your phone's camera translation feature to read it.

Paper Menu / Pointing Method

Some traditional restaurants still use paper menus:

• Look for pictures. Point and show the number of servings with your fingers.
• Use Google Translate's camera mode to read the menu.
• Write or show the Chinese name of dishes on your phone.

Useful Phrases for Ordering

Street Food Not to Miss

Chinese street food is legendary. Keep an eye out for:

• Jianbing (煎饼) — savoury crepe with egg, crispy cracker, and sauces. The perfect breakfast.
• Roujiamo (肉夹馍) — Chinese "hamburger" with braised meat in a flatbread.
• Chuanr (串儿) — grilled skewers of lamb, chicken, vegetables seasoned with cumin and chilli.
• Tanghulu (糖葫芦) — candied fruit on a stick; Instagram-worthy and delicious.
• Stinky Tofu (臭豆腐) — deep-fried fermented tofu. Smells terrible, tastes incredible.

Food Delivery Apps

Don't feel like going out? Food delivery in China is fast (often under 30 minutes) and incredibly affordable.

Meituan (美团)

• The largest platform; millions of restaurant listings.
• Browse by cuisine, distance, or rating.
• Pay with WeChat Pay or Alipay.

Ele.me (饿了么)

• Integrated into Alipay — no extra app needed.
• Regular promotions and discount coupons.

Tip: Delivery is available even to hotels. Just provide the hotel name and your room number, and meet the rider at the lobby.

Communicating Dietary Restrictions

If you have allergies or dietary restrictions, prepare a card in Chinese that explains your needs. Here are common phrases:

• I cannot eat gluten — 我不能吃含麸质的食物
• I have a nut allergy — 我对坚果过敏
• No dairy, please — 不要奶制品
• I don't eat pork — 我不吃猪肉
• Halal food — 清真食品
• Vegetarian / Vegan — 素食 / 纯素

Tip: Screenshot these phrases or print them out. Showing Chinese text is far more effective than trying to explain verbally.

Summary Tips

• Be adventurous — the best food is often at the smallest stalls.
• Use QR-code ordering; it often shows photos of each dish.
• Prepare a dietary-restriction card in Chinese.
• Try at least one regional hot pot experience.
• Download Meituan for delivery when you need a lazy evening.