【Learn Chinese】Order Like a Local: Your Guide to Eating Out in China

Eating out is one of the greatest joys of living in or visiting China. With a culinary culture stretching back thousands of years, every meal can feel like an adventure. But for language learners, walking into a cāntīng (餐厅 – restaurant) can sometimes feel intimidating. Fear not! With a few key phrases and an understanding of how things work, you will be ordering like a local in no time.

Step 1: Entering and Seating
When you arrive at a restaurant, you will likely be greeted by a cheerful fúwùyuán (服务员 – waiter/waitress) calling out, "Huānyíng guānglín!" (欢迎光临 – Welcome!). If you have a preference, you can ask for a table by saying, "Qǐngwèn, yǒu kào chuāng de zuòwèi ma?" (请问，有靠窗的座位吗？ – Excuse me, are there seats by the window?). In smaller eateries, you can simply find an empty seat and sit down.

Step 2: The Menu and Ordering
In many traditional Chinese restaurants, the menu is a thick book filled with pictures. However, the modern trend—especially in chain restaurants—is sǎo mǎ diǎncān (扫码点餐 – scan to order). A small QR code will be on the table. Simply scan it with your WeChat, and a digital menu appears on your phone. You can browse, select your dishes, and pay all without speaking a word. It is incredibly efficient!
If you prefer a paper menu or need help, flag down a fúwùyuán with a polite "Nǐ hǎo!" (你好 – Hello!). If you have dietary restrictions, these phrases will be essential:
Wǒ chī sù. (我吃素。 – I eat vegetarian.)
Bù yào là. (不要辣。 – No spicy.)
Wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn. (我对花生过敏。 – I am allergic to peanuts.)

Step 3: Must-Know Dishes and Drinks
If you are unsure what to order, here are three safe and delicious classics:
Xiǎolóngbāo (小笼包) – Soup dumplings
Gōngbǎo jīdīng (宫保鸡丁) – Kung Pao chicken
Yúxiāng ròusī (鱼香肉丝) – Fish-flavored shredded pork (it contains no fish!)

For drinks, tea is usually served automatically. If you prefer water, ask for kāishuǐ (开水 – hot water). Drinking room-temperature or cold water is less common, though many restaurants now offer bīng shuǐ (冰水 – iced water) upon request.

Step 4: The Bill
When you are finished, do not wave your hand for the check as you might elsewhere. Instead, catch your server's eye and make a writing gesture with your hand, or simply say, "Mǎidān, xièxie!" (买单，谢谢！ – Bill, please!). In casual restaurants, you will often pay at the front counter by the door rather than at your table.
Tipping is not traditionally practiced in China. If you try to leave a tip, the staff will likely chase after you to return it.