Eat Like a Local
Chinese Food Guide
Food is the reason many people come to China. Here's what to eat, where to find it, and how to order without speaking a word of Chinese.
Must-Try Dishes by Region
Peking Duck
BeijingCrispy skin, tender meat, wrapped in thin pancakes with scallions and sweet bean sauce. A must-try in Beijing.
Soup Dumplings (Xiaolongbao)
ShanghaiThin-skinned dumplings filled with pork and hot broth. Bite a small hole, sip the soup, then eat.
Sichuan Hotpot
ChengduNumbing, spicy broth bubbling with meats, vegetables, and tofu. The ultimate group dining experience.
Biangbiang Noodles
Xi'anThick, hand-pulled belt noodles with chili oil, garlic, and vinegar. The character 'biang' is the most complex in Chinese.
Dim Sum
GuangzhouSmall plates of dumplings, buns, and pastries served in bamboo steamers. Best enjoyed for brunch with tea.
Guilin Rice Noodles
GuilinSpringy rice noodles in pork bone broth with pickled beans, peanuts, and chili. The local breakfast of choice.
Mapo Tofu
ChengduSilky tofu in a fiery, numbing sauce with minced pork. The dish that defines Sichuan cuisine.
Char Siu
GuangzhouCantonese BBQ pork with a sweet, sticky glaze. Red on the outside, juicy inside.
How to Order Without Speaking Chinese
Photo Menus
Most restaurants have picture menus. Point at what looks good. It works 90% of the time.
Scan & Order
Many restaurants use QR code menus on your table. Scan with WeChat or Alipay, browse photos, tap to order.
Translation Apps
Use Google Lens or Baidu Translate camera mode to scan Chinese menus in real time.
Street Food You Should Try
Jianbing
Chinese breakfast crepe with egg, crispy wonton, scallions, and hoisin sauce. Found at street carts everywhere.
Chuan'r (Lamb Skewers)
Grilled lamb skewers seasoned with cumin and chili. A late-night street food staple, especially in Beijing and Xi'an.
Stinky Tofu
Fermented tofu deep-fried and served with chili sauce. Smells strong, tastes amazing. Popular in night markets.
Tanghulu
Candied hawthorn berries on a stick. Sweet, sour, crunchy. Popular in winter.
Shengjianbao
Pan-fried pork buns β crispy bottom, soft top, juicy filling. Shanghai's best breakfast.
Food Safety Tips
- β’ Don't drink tap water β bottled water only
- β’ Street food is generally safe β look for stalls with long queues
- β’ Avoid raw vegetables and peeled fruit from street vendors
- β’ Hot, freshly cooked food is safest
- β’ Carry hand sanitizer β not all bathrooms have soap
Vegetarian / Dietary Needs
- β’ Buddhist temple restaurants serve excellent vegetarian food
- β’ Say "WΗ chΔ« sΓΉ" (ζεη΄ ) = I eat vegetarian
- β’ Show this on your phone: ζδΈεθγδΈεζ΅·ι²
- β’ Watch out: "vegetable dishes" often contain bits of pork for flavor
- β’ Hotpot is great for vegetarians β just order the mushroom broth
Want to Learn Chinese Cooking?
Book a cooking class or food tour in Beijing, Chengdu, or Shanghai. Learn dumpling making, Sichuan cuisine, or night market tours.
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