The easiest method
Use:
photos + translation + pointing
rather than trying to speak perfect Mandarin.
QR-code menus
Many restaurants use QR-code ordering.
The code may open a WeChat Mini Program (微信小程序), Alipay (支付宝) or the restaurant's own web menu.
Useful phrases
| English | Chinese | Pinyin |
|---|---|---|
| I want this | 我要这个 | Wǒ yào zhège |
| One portion | 一份 | Yí fèn |
| Not spicy | 不辣 | Bú là |
| A little spicy | 微辣 | Wēilà |
| Rice | 米饭 | Mǐfàn |
| Water | 水 | Shuǐ |
| Bill, please | 买单 | Mǎidān |
"Not spicy" is not always literal
In a restaurant built around chili-heavy cuisine, requesting 不辣 may still result in a dish with some spice.
If you are very sensitive to chili, choose naturally non-spicy dishes rather than relying only on modification.
Portion size
For two people, two dishes plus a staple can often be enough.
At banquet-style restaurants, portions may be much larger.
Restaurant recommendations
Dianping (大众点评) is useful for photos, opening hours, menu ideas and local reviews.
All 80 chapters in one printable PDF, for no-signal days in China. Every chapter stays free here.
Last verified 2026-10-05. Procedures and limits change — check official sources before you travel.