By Jing (based in China) + Kai | Last verified: March 2026
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95% of restaurants in China use QR code ordering as of 2026. Here's the step-by-step:
- Scan the QR code on your table using WeChat or Alipay
- Select your language (some tourist restaurants have English; most don't — use a translation app)
- Browse the menu (主食 = staple food, 荤菜 = meat dishes, 素菜 = vegetable dishes, 饮品 = drinks)
- Tap to add items and adjust quantities
- Confirm your order and double-check the table number
- Pay via WeChat/Alipay, or select "pay after meal"
- Add more items by re-scanning the QR code anytime during your meal
If you don't have WeChat/Alipay, ask the waiter for a paper menu — almost all restaurants have one.
- Camera translation: Use Google Translate (download offline Chinese pack before your trip) or Apple Translate's camera mode to scan the menu in real time
- Point and order: Look at tables around you, point to what others are eating, hold up 1 finger for 1 serving
- Photo reference: Save photos of dishes you want to try on your phone and show them to the waiter
- Tourist restaurants: Beijing Wangfujing, Shanghai Bund, Xi'an Muslim Quarter — many have picture menus or English translations
Save these pre-written cards to your phone or print them out:
| Allergy | Show this to the waiter |
|---|---|
| Nut allergy | 我对坚果过敏，不要放任何坚果、花生或者坚果酱。 |
| Shellfish allergy | 我对海鲜过敏，不要放任何虾、蟹、贝类或者海鲜调料。 |
| Gluten allergy | 我对麉质过敏，不要放小麦、面条、酱油、饺子或者任何面粉做的食物。 |
| Dairy allergy | 我对乳制品过敏，不要放牛奶、奶酪、黄油或者奶油。 |
| Vegetarian | 我是素食主义者，不吃任何肉、鱼、海鲜，只吃蔬菜、米饭和面条。 |
| Halal | 我只吃清真食品，不要放猪肉、猪油或者非清真的肉。 |
Wait for the waiter to confirm they understand (“好的” = okay) before ordering.
- Chain restaurants: 100% safe, strict hygiene standards
- Local family restaurants: Generally very safe — fresh food daily, repeat local customers keep them accountable
- Street food: Safe if the stall has lots of local people lining up. Avoid empty/unclean stalls.
- What to avoid: Tap water (drink bottled only), ice from small street stalls, raw vegetables at very cheap restaurants
Tip: Stick to cooked food served hot for the first few days. Bring over-the-counter anti-diarrheal medication just in case as your gut adjusts.
Meituan and Ele.me deliver almost anything in 30 minutes for very low prices (¥20–50 / $2.78–$6.94 per meal). Workarounds if you don't read Chinese:
- Trip.com or Traveloka: English-language food delivery that uses Meituan's backend
- WeChat mini-programs: Some international-friendly programs have translated menus
- Ask your hotel front desk: Most will help you order
China has no tipping culture. Do not tip waiters, taxi drivers, hotel staff, or delivery workers. Tipping can cause confusion or embarrassment — most people will refuse. Service is included in all prices.
- Sharing dishes: Chinese meals are always shared from the middle. Order 1 dish per person plus 1 staple (rice/noodles).
- Lazy Susan: Spin so the dish is in front of you. Don't spin while someone is taking food.
- Chopstick rules: Never stick chopsticks upright in rice (resembles funeral incense). Rest on the holder.
- Tea etiquette: Tap index and middle finger on the table twice to say thank you when someone pours tea.
- Paying the bill: One person usually pays for the whole table. To split, send your share via WeChat transfer after the meal.
| Type | Price (CNY) | Price (USD) | Examples |
|---|---|---|---|
| Street food | ¥10–30 | $1.39–$4.17 | Jianbing, roujiamo, dumplings, grilled skewers |
| Local casual | ¥30–80 | $4.17–$11.11 | Noodle shops, stir fry, dumpling houses |
| Mid-range | ¥100–300 | $13.89–$41.67 | Hot pot, dim sum, seafood |
| Western food | ¥35–200 | $4.86–$27.78 | Big Mac meal ¥35, Starbucks latte ¥32 |
| High-end | ¥300+ | $41.67+ | Fine dining, Michelin-starred |
Drinks: bottled water ¥2, local beer ¥8, soda ¥5.
- Fast food chains: McDonald's, KFC, Burger King, Starbucks, Pizza Hut, Subway in every major city. Try KFC's egg tarts and spicy chicken burger!
- Imported grocery stores: Ole, Freshippo, Carrefour — cheese, bread, cereal, snacks from Western countries
- Western restaurants: Search "Western food [city]" on Xiaohongshu or Amap
- Breakfast (7:00–9:00 AM): Soy milk + youtiao, congee, baozi, noodles, jianbing
- Lunch (11:30 AM–1:30 PM): Go at 11:00 AM or 1:30 PM to avoid crowds
- Dinner (5:30–7:30 PM): Peak hours, busy restaurants
- Late night: Night markets open until 11 PM+, 24-hour convenience stores (7-Eleven, FamilyMart) everywhere
This guide is maintained by Jing (living in China) and Kai (AI partner). If something changed since we wrote this, let us know: [email protected]
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