What is Chinese food?+-
A shared name for many regional cuisines shaped by geography and climate — from numbing Sichuan to delicate Cantonese.
What should a first-time visitor eat in China?+-
Start with Peking duck, xiaolongbao, mapo tofu, roujiamo, kung pao chicken and wonton soup, then follow the city guide.
How much does food cost in China?+-
Street snacks 8-30 RMB, casual meals 40-90 RMB per person, a full Peking duck dinner 120-220 RMB or more.
Is Chinese street food safe?+-
Pick busy stalls with fast turnover and high-heat cooking, drink bottled water, and carry allergy phrases in Chinese.
Can vegetarians eat well in China?+-
Buddhist restaurants, tofu, vegetable stir-fries, rice noodles and many dim sum work well. Say 'wǒ shì sù shí zhě' and look for the 'sù' sign.
Can I eat gluten-free in China?+-
Possible but tricky — soy sauce has wheat, and noodles, dumplings and buns are everywhere. Order steamed fish, rice, plain veg and rice noodles, and show a written gluten-free note.
Is Chinese food halal? Where can I find halal food?+-
Most Chinese food isn't halal, but Xi'an, Ningxia and Xinjiang have strong halal traditions. Look for the green 'qīng zhēn' (清真) sign; lamb, beef and wheat dishes dominate.
What are the most common allergens in Chinese food?+-
Peanuts, soy, wheat, sesame, shellfish and eggs appear constantly, and soy is nearly unavoidable. Carry a printed allergy card in Chinese and check with staff.
How do I order food if I do not speak Chinese?+-
Use the phrase cards, point to a photo on this page, or show the Chinese text to staff.
How do I read a Chinese menu if I cannot read characters?+-
Find picture menus, use a translation app camera, or show a dish name from this page. The cheat sheet above also helps.
What is a typical Chinese meal structure?+-
Meals are shared. Cold dishes first, then hot dishes in sequence, then rice or noodles. Order one dish per person plus one to share.
What is dim sum and how do I order it?+-
A Cantonese brunch of small steamed, fried and baked plates from carts or a tick-box menu. Order tea first, then baskets of three to four: har gow, siu mai, char siu bao, egg tarts. Go before noon.
What is hot pot and is it beginner-friendly?+-
A shared pot of boiling broth where you cook raw ingredients. Start with a half-spicy, half-mild 'yuānyāng' pot and dip in sesame oil with garlic.
What are the eight great Chinese cuisines?+-
Sichuan, Cantonese, Shandong, Jiangsu, Hunan, Zhejiang, Fujian and Anhui — each tied to a region and its signature flavors.
Is Chinese food always spicy?+-
No. Sichuan and Hunan are hot, but Cantonese, Jiangsu and Shandong are mostly mild or savory.
What is the difference between northern and southern Chinese food?+-
The north is wheat-based (noodles, dumplings, breads) and savory; the south is rice-based, lighter, fresher and more seafood-focused.
What do Chinese people eat for breakfast?+-
Jianbing, baozi, congee, youtiao, soy milk and noodles, often from street stalls for 5-15 RMB.
How do I pay for food in China?+-
Almost everywhere takes WeChat Pay and Alipay by QR, both now accepting foreign cards. Cash works but is rare — carry some for small stalls. Set up a payment app before you arrive.
How do I ask for the bill and split it?+-
Say 'mǎi dān' (the bill) or make a writing gesture. Splitting is increasingly accepted — ask 'kěyǐ fēnkāi suàn ma?'. Tipping isn't expected.
How do I ask for no MSG or less salt?+-
Say 'bú yào wèijīng' (no MSG) and 'shǎo fàng yán' (less salt). Most kitchens will accommodate.
Is tap water safe to drink in China?+-
No — drink bottled or boiled water, and use it for brushing teeth if sensitive. Restaurants serve tea or bottled drinks.
What is the best way to find good restaurants in China?+-
Use Dianping, seek busy local spots with queues, and avoid tourist-trap places near attractions. Fast-turnover stalls usually mean fresh, safe food.
What are the basic chopstick rules?+-
Don't stand them upright in rice, point with them, or spear food. Rest them on the holder or across your bowl.
What is the drinking etiquette at Chinese meals?+-
'Gānbēi' means bottoms up, not just cheers. Lower your glass below others' when toasted. Decline politely with 'wǒ bù néng hē jiǔ'.
What should a beginner avoid ordering?+-
Skip offal, very spicy málà hot pot, and stinky tofu or mandarin fish until you're adventurous. Start with Peking duck, xiaolongbao, char siu, fried rice.
Which food cities are worth a trip on their own?+-
Beijing, Chengdu, Xi'an and Shanghai each deserve a stop; Guangzhou and Chongqing reward focused food days.
How many days do I need in each food city?+-
Plan 2-4 days: 2-3 for Shanghai or Guangzhou, 3-4 for Beijing, 3-5 for Chengdu.
Do I need to tip in China?+-
No. Tipping isn't expected in restaurants or taxis, and some places may refuse it.
¥28-58★ Must try
