How to Order Food in Chinese? Essential Restaurant Phrases

Dining in a Chinese restaurant can be an exciting experience, but it can also be daunting if you're unfamiliar with the language. Knowing a few essential phrases can make the process smoother and more enjoyable. Whether you're traveling to China or visiting a local Chinese restaurant, this guide on How to Order Food in Chinese? Essential Restaurant Phrases will help you navigate menus, communicate with staff, and enjoy authentic dishes with confidence.

1. Basic Greetings and Polite Phrases

Before diving into ordering, it's important to start with polite greetings. Chinese culture places great emphasis on courtesy, so using these phrases will make a positive impression:

• 你好 (Nǐ hǎo) – Hello
• 谢谢 (Xièxiè) – Thank you
• 请 (Qǐng) – Please
• 对不起 (Duìbuqǐ) – Sorry/Excuse me
• 再见 (Zàijiàn) – Goodbye

Using these basic phrases shows respect and helps build rapport with restaurant staff.

2. Asking for a Table and Making Reservations

If you're visiting a busy restaurant, you may need to ask for a table or make a reservation. Here are some useful phrases:

• 我们有预订吗？(Wǒmen yǒu yùdìng ma?) – Do we have a reservation?
• 我想预订一张桌子。(Wǒ xiǎng yùdìng yī zhāng zhuōzi.) – I’d like to reserve a table.
• 两位/三位/四位。(Liǎng wèi/sān wèi/sì wèi.) – For two/three/four people.
• 有靠窗的座位吗？(Yǒu kào chuāng de zuòwèi ma?) – Do you have a window seat?

Many high-end restaurants in China require reservations, especially during peak dining hours.

3. Understanding the Menu

Chinese menus can be extensive, with many regional specialties. Here’s how to ask for recommendations or clarify dishes:

• 菜单在哪里？(Càidān zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the menu?
• 你们有什么推荐？(Nǐmen yǒu shénme tuījiàn?) – What do you recommend?
• 这是什么菜？(Zhè shì shénme cài?) – What is this dish?
• 辣吗？(Là ma?) – Is it spicy?

If you have dietary restrictions, these phrases will help:

• 我不吃辣。(Wǒ bù chī là.) – I don’t eat spicy food.
• 我是素食者。(Wǒ shì sùshí zhě.) – I am vegetarian.
• 我对花生过敏。(Wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn.) – I’m allergic to peanuts.

4. How to Order Food in Chinese? Essential Restaurant Phrases for Placing Your Order

Once you’re ready to order, use these phrases:

• 我要点菜。(Wǒ yào diǎn cài.) – I’d like to order.
• 请给我… (Qǐng gěi wǒ…) – Please give me…
• 这个来一份。(Zhège lái yī fèn.) – One portion of this, please.
• 不要加… (Bùyào jiā…) – Please don’t add…

If you’re unsure about portion sizes, ask:

• 这个够几个人吃？(Zhège gòu jǐ gè rén chī?) – How many people does this serve?

5. Common Dishes and Their Pronunciation

To help you recognize popular dishes, here’s a table with some must-try Chinese foods:

English Name	Chinese Name	Pinyin Pronunciation
Kung Pao Chicken	宫保鸡丁	Gōngbǎo jīdīng
Sweet and Sour Pork	糖醋里脊	Tángcù lǐjǐ
Mapo Tofu	麻婆豆腐	Mápó dòufu
Dumplings	饺子	Jiǎozi
Peking Duck	北京烤鸭	Běijīng kǎoyā
Hot Pot	火锅	Huǒguō

6. Special Requests and Modifications

If you need to customize your order, use these phrases:

• 可以少放盐吗？(Kěyǐ shǎo fàng yán ma?) – Can you use less salt?
• 能不要味精吗？(Néng bùyào wèijīng ma?) – Can you skip the MSG?
• 请做得清淡一点。(Qǐng zuò de qīngdàn yīdiǎn.) – Please make it milder.

7. Asking for Utensils and Condiments

Some restaurants may assume you’re comfortable with chopsticks, but you can always ask for a fork or spoon:

• 请给我筷子。(Qǐng gěi wǒ kuàizi.) – Please give me chopsticks.
• 有叉子吗？(Yǒu chāzi ma?) – Do you have a fork?

• 酱油在哪里？(Jiàngyóu zài nǎlǐ?) – Where is the soy sauce?

  
  

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8. Handling the Bill

When you’re ready to pay, use these phrases:

• 买单。(Mǎidān.) – Check, please.
• 可以分开付吗？(Kěyǐ fēnkāi fù ma?) – Can we split the bill?
• 收信用卡吗？(Shōu xìnyòngkǎ ma?) – Do you accept credit cards?

9. Common Questions and Answers

Here are some frequently asked questions about ordering food in Chinese:

Q: How do I ask if a restaurant has English menus?

A: Say: “你们有英文菜单吗？” (Nǐmen yǒu Yīngwén càidān ma?) – Do you have an English menu?

Q: What if I don’t know how to pronounce a dish?

A: Point to the item on the menu and say: “我要这个。” (Wǒ yào zhège.) – I want this.

Q: How do I ask for tap water?

A: Most restaurants serve tea or bottled water. Ask: “有自来水吗？” (Yǒu zìláishuǐ ma?) – Do you have tap water?

Q: What if my food is too spicy?

A: You can say: “太辣了，能换一份吗？” (Tài là le, néng huàn yī fèn ma?) – It’s too spicy, can I get another one?

10. Practice Makes Perfect

The best way to master How to Order Food in Chinese? Essential Restaurant Phrases is to practice. Try repeating these phrases before your next visit to a Chinese restaurant, and don’t be afraid to make mistakes—most servers will appreciate your effort.

With these phrases in hand, you’ll be able to confidently order delicious meals and enjoy an authentic Chinese dining experience. Whether you're savoring Peking Duck in Beijing or trying Sichuan hot pot, these essential phrases will enhance your culinary journey.