How to order food in China without speaking Chinese
Scan the restaurant's QR menu, use camera translation to identify the dish, and show one short preference in Chinese. Confirm the spice level and ingredients before sending the order.
Short answer
How can I order food in China without speaking Chinese?
What to do
- 1Scan the QR code and use camera translation instead of choosing the first photo at random.
- 2Check the dish name, spice level, and any dietary preference that matters to you.
- 3Show a short Chinese note to the staff so the preference is visible and concrete.
- 4Keep the phrase in your trip pack for the next meal.
Reduce the order to a few decisions
You do not need to translate the entire menu. Identify the dish, portion, spice level, important ingredients, and final quantity. Photos and camera translation can narrow the options, while a short written preference makes the part that matters most visible to the staff.
Use the simplest available ordering path
Some restaurants use a QR menu, some take orders at the counter, and others expect you to point or speak with staff. Start with one recognisable dish and confirm the order before adding extras. Learning the local flow is easier when the first decision stays small.
Treat preferences and allergies differently
A phrase such as “not too spicy” is a preference. A serious allergy is a safety issue and needs direct confirmation that goes beyond automatic translation. Keep a clearly written allergy card, ask the restaurant to confirm, and use your own medical plan if the answer is uncertain.
Useful phrases
不要太辣，谢谢。
Bú yào tài là, xièxie.
Not too spicy, thank you.
不要香菜，谢谢。
Bú yào xiāngcài, xièxie.
No cilantro, thank you.
Translation helps with communication but may not identify every ingredient, preparation method, or allergy risk. For a serious allergy, confirm directly with the restaurant and follow your own safety plan.
Common questions
Can I order food in China by pointing at photos?
Photos can help you choose a dish, but they may not show spice, portion, toppings, or ingredients. Pair the photo with translation and one clear preference.
What if the restaurant has only a QR menu?
Scan the code, translate the important choices, check the table and cart, and confirm whether payment is part of the same flow. The separate QR-menu guide walks through that sequence.
How do I ask for food that is not too spicy?
Show “不要太辣，谢谢。” before the order is submitted. It means “Not too spicy, thank you.”