Food & Dining
How to order food, handle dietary restrictions, and navigate Chinese dining culture.
The New Reality: QR Code Ordering
In 99% of casual and mid-range restaurants in China, you will not be handed a physical menu, nor will a waiter come to take your order. You order and pay entirely through your phone.
Step-by-Step Guide
- 1
Sit down
Find the QR code sticker on the corner of your table. - 2
Scan it
Use the scanner in WeChat (Top right + → Scan)Note: While Alipay also works, WeChat is the most widely supported app for restaurant menus in China. - 3
Browse the menu
A "Mini-Program" for that restaurant will open. It will automatically know your table number. - 4
Translate if needed
If it's in Chinese, take a screenshot and use Google Translate or WeChat's built-in translation tool to read it. - 5
Add to cart & pay
Select your dishes, tap checkout, and pay immediately through WeChat. - 6
Wait for food
The food will be brought to your table. You don't need to speak to anyone!
If you cannot get the QR code menu to load (sometimes they require a Chinese phone number to log in), flag down a waiter and say “Diǎncān” (Menu/Order) or point to your phone and shake your head. They usually have a backup paper menu for the elderly or foreigners.
Dining Culture & Table Manners
No Tipping
Tipping is strictly not practiced anywhere in China. It may even cause confusion if you leave money on the table.
Bill Splitting is Uncommon
In Chinese culture, one person usually treats the whole group. If you’re with fellow travelers, try having one person pay the total and split it amongst yourselves later via your own apps. You can ask the restaurant to split, but most are not used to it — keep your expectations flexible.
Hot Water Only
You will be served hot water or hot tea, even in the dead of summer. Cold water is considered bad for digestion. If you want cold water, you must explicitly ask for “Bīng shuǐ” (ice water), though many small restaurants don’t have ice.
Family Style
Food is meant to be shared. Dishes are placed in the middle of the table (often on a Lazy Susan).
Loud is Normal
Chinese restaurants are loud, bustling, and chaotic. People will shout to get the waiter’s attention (“Fúwùyuán!”). This is entirely normal and not considered rude. You can also simply raise your hand while making eye contact, but don’t be afraid to speak up — it’s the standard way to get service.
Food & Water Safety
Never Drink Tap Water
Always drink bottled water (costs ~$0.30 everywhere) or boil tap water in the hotel kettle.
Street Food is Generally Safe
Look for stalls with long lines of locals — high turnover means fresh food.
Be Careful with Raw Food
Avoid pre-cut fruit from street vendors and be cautious with raw salads, as they may have been washed in tap water.
Dietary Restrictions & Allergies
Show these directly to the waiter or chef. Chinese cuisine uses hidden ingredients (like pork fat or peanut oil), so being explicit is crucial. For more phrases, see Survival Chinese.