How Chinese meals work

What you need to know

At many Chinese restaurants, the basic pattern is:

several shared dishes + staple food + drinks

rather than one individual main course per person.

Shared dishes

A group normally orders several dishes for the table.

People take small portions into their own bowl or plate.

For two travelers, start modestly.

You can usually order more later.

Rice may not arrive automatically

Rice is often treated as a separate staple rather than part of every dish.

If you want it, order:

米饭 — Mǐfàn — Rice

Cold dishes may come first

Restaurants may serve cold starters before hot dishes.

Do not expect every dish to arrive simultaneously.

Breakfast can look completely different

Typical breakfasts might include:

• Baozi (包子);
• Congee (粥);
• Noodles (面);
• Youtiao (油条);
• Jianbing (煎饼);
• Soy Milk (豆浆).

Regional food matters more than "Chinese food"

A meal in Chengdu (成都), Guangzhou (广州), Xi'an (西安) or Harbin (哈尔滨) can feel completely different.