Chinese cuisine is incredibly diverse and delicious. This guide helps foreigners navigate restaurants and regional specialties.
Major Chinese Cuisines
| Cuisine | Region | Characteristics | Famous Dishes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sichuan | Sichuan | Spicy, bold flavors | Mapo Tofu, Kung Pao Chicken |
| Cantonese | Guangdong | Light, fresh, subtle | Dim Sum, Roast Duck |
| Hunan | Hunan | Very spicy, aromatic | Chairman Mao’s Pork |
| Shanghai | Shanghai | Sweet, delicate | Xiaolongbao |
Finding Restaurants
Food Apps
- Meituan: Restaurant reviews, deals, delivery
- Ele.me: Food delivery (Alibaba)
- Dianping: Chinese Yelp for reviews
Ordering Food
- Many restaurants have picture menus
- Scan QR code on table for digital menu
- Translation apps help with Chinese menus
Common Dishes for Beginners
- Kung Pao Chicken
- Sweet and Sour Pork
- Fried Rice
- Dumplings
- Noodles
- Hot Pot
Food Delivery
- Download Meituan or Ele.me app
- Browse nearby restaurants
- Order and pay via app
- Delivery in 30-60 minutes
- Delivery fee: 3-10 RMB
Dining Etiquette
- Wait for host to start eating
- Use serving chopsticks for shared dishes
- Don’t stick chopsticks upright in rice
- Tipping is not expected
Dietary Restrictions
- Learn key phrases or save on phone
- I’m vegetarian: 我是素食者
- No spicy: 不要辣
- Halal: 清真
Regional Specialties by City
- Beijing: Peking Duck, Zhajiangmian
- Shanghai: Xiaolongbao, Shengjianbao
- Guangzhou: Dim Sum, Roast Goose
- Chengdu: Hot Pot, Mapo Tofu
- Xi’an: Roujiamo, Biangbiang Noodles
FAQ
Is tap water safe to drink?
No, drink bottled or boiled water. Restaurants serve boiled tea.
How much should I tip?
Tipping is not expected in China.