How to Order Food in China Without Speaking Chinese

Many restaurants use a table QR code; others have a paper menu, wall photos, or display dishes. Ask staff for help if the QR menu requires a local phone number, mini-program, or payment method you cannot use.

Camera translation can help with names and ingredients, but translations may be incomplete. Point to the dish and confirm the quantity, spice level, and any dietary requirement with staff.

Keep the Chinese characters in a note or screenshot so staff can read them.

• 我不要辣 — I do not want it spicy
• 我吃素 — I eat vegetarian food
• 我对……过敏 — I am allergic to …
• 这个是什么？— What is this?

Repeat the number of dishes by pointing, then check the order screen or paper slip. At a shared table, clarify portion size before adding more.

For delivery, start with the live options available in Alipay or a recognized delivery app. Current Shanghai government guidance shows Alipay’s Takeout entry for Ele.me and separate ordering steps for Meituan; icons, labels and availability can change by app version and city.

Set the hotel as the delivery location and follow its delivery policy. Use the full address, building or entrance, contact name and reachable phone number. Add 请送到酒店前台，谢谢。 (“Please deliver to the hotel front desk, thank you.”) when front-desk handoff is allowed.

• Confirm the hotel accepts food deliveries before ordering.
• Check the restaurant, items, quantity, delivery fee and estimated time.
• Use camera translation for the menu, then review the order before payment.
• Keep the order page open because the rider may call or message when arriving.

Some delivery flows ask for a mainland Chinese phone number. If the service will not accept the number you have, do not enter a stranger’s number or keep repeating payment. Ask the hotel concierge or front desk whether they can help place or receive the order, or choose a nearby restaurant instead.

If a rider calls and you cannot communicate, keep the exchange short, use translation, and send the hotel name plus 请送到酒店前台，谢谢。 if that matches the hotel’s policy. When payment fails, first check for a completed or pending charge before trying one prepared alternative.