How to Order Food in China Without Stress
A calm restaurant workflow for foreign visitors—menu scanning, ordering phrases, QR payment, and allergy communication.
Key takeaway
Most sit-down restaurants use **paper or wall menus** (often Chinese-only), **counter ordering**, or **scan-to-order mini-programs** inside WeChat. Before you sit: confirm **how to order** (waiter vs counter vs QR), use your **translation app** on the menu photo, order **2–3 anchor dishes** plus rice/noodles, state **allergies in Chinese**, then pay with **Alipay or WeChat Pay** at the table QR or counter. Keep **¥ cash** if mobile pay fails.
Full guide
Food Hub — What To Read First
| If you are asking… | Open this |
|---|---|
| Which translate app? | Translation essential |
| WeChat-only table QR | WeChat Pay question |
| Pay at restaurant | Payment hub |
| First meal after landing | First day guide — convenience store first |
| Spice / etiquette | Etiquette guide |
This guide is the restaurant workflow—ordering mode, allergy card, table QR.
Who this is for
- Travelers who do not read Chinese and feel stuck at busy restaurants
- Anyone allergic to peanuts, shellfish, or gluten who needs a repeatable script
- Visitors who already set up mobile payments but have not ordered solo yet
What to do next
Step 1 — Pick the restaurant type (30 seconds)
| Situation | Best move |
|---|---|
| First night, tired | Chain with photos (e.g. mall food court) or hotel restaurant |
| Want local flavor | Busy local spot with menu photos visible |
| Allergy-sensitive | Sit-down with staff you can flag (avoid mystery buffets) |
Step 2 — Understand the ordering flow
- Enter — staff may ask “几位? (jǐ wèi, how many people?)” Hold up fingers or say “一位 (yī wèi, one person).”
- Get seated or queue — if there is a number ticket, wait until called.
- Menu — open camera translate on the full menu page; favorite 2–3 dishes by photo.
- Order — point at photo + say dish name from translation app, or show phone screen to waiter.
- Allergies — show allergy card (see below) before they confirm the order.
- Pay — scan table QR with Alipay/WeChat, or pay at counter; match amount to receipt.
Step 3 — Allergy card (save on phone)
Copy this block; edit for your needs:
我对 [花生/海鲜/麸质] 过敏，请不要放。
Wǒ duì [huāshēng/hǎixiān/fūzhì] guòmǐn, qǐng búyào fàng.
I am allergic to [peanuts/seafood/gluten]. Please do not include it.
Show the screen; do not rely on spoken English alone.
Step 4 — Useful phrases
| English | Chinese | Pinyin | |---------|---------| | No spicy | 不要辣 | bú yào là | | Less spicy | 微辣 | wēi là | | This one (pointing) | 这个 | zhège | | Bill / check | 买单 | mǎi dān | | Water | 水 | shuǐ |
Step 5 — Mini-program ordering (WeChat QR on table)
- Scan with WeChat (not always Alipay).
- Browse categories; tap items; confirm cart.
- Pay inside WeChat Pay when prompted.
- Food arrives to table number on your sticker—do not switch tables mid-order.
If you only have Alipay, ask staff “可以用支付宝吗? (kěyǐ yòng zhīfùbǎo ma?)” or choose another restaurant.
How to do it
Save allergy phrases on phone
Photo-translate menu before ordering
Confirm pay QR matches table sticker
Practice QR pay at convenience store first
Watch for
English-only assumption
WeChat-only QR with Alipay only
No allergy communication
Paying wrong QR
What may vary
Counter vs table service and mini-program requirements vary by venue.
Backup plan
Problem Fix Cannot read menu Photo → translate → point; or pick visible photo dish WeChat-only QR Switch restaurant or ask staff for counter pay Pay fails Second wallet → ¥ cash → ask hotel for restaurant recommendation Wrong dish arrives Politely show order screen; most staff will fix if caught early Hotel concierges can write “please help us order” in Chinese for high-stakes meals (hot pot, banquet).
FAQ
Do I need to tip?
Usually no in mainland casual dining; high-end hotels may add service charge—check the bill.
Is street food safe?
Choose busy stalls with high turnover; avoid raw seafood if your stomach is sensitive. Pay with mobile or small cash.
Can vegetarians eat easily?
Possible with “不要肉 (bú yào ròu, no meat)” and vegetable dishes—confirm no oyster sauce or lard in broths if strict.