How to order food in China when the menu is only a QR code

One thing nobody really warned me about before coming to China:

A LOT of restaurants don’t hand you a paper menu anymore.

They just point at a QR code on the table.

And if you don’t speak Chinese, the first time can feel surprisingly stressful.

—

What usually happens

You scan the QR code.

Then suddenly:

– the menu is entirely in Chinese

– Google Translate starts translating dishes into chaos

– the page asks for a Chinese phone number

– or it opens inside WeChat / Alipay mini-programs

And now you’re hungry, thirsty, AND confused.

—

Here’s what actually works

1. Use Alipay/Wechat scan first

Alipay/Wechat often translates menus better than random browser translation.

—

2. Look at the pictures first

Honestly, this is what even many locals do.

—

3. Watch what nearby tables are eating

This sounds funny, but it works surprisingly well in China.

If something looks good, point at it and ask:

“What is this?”

“Can I get this one?”

—

4. Save these Chinese phrases in your phone

不要辣 (Bu Yao La)

No spicy

微辣 (Wei La)

Mild spicy

(Warning: Chinese “mild spicy” may still destroy you 🌋)

❗Small tip:

Some restaurants have free condiment stations or chili tray on table.

Try a tiny bit of the chili sauce first, then show it to the waiter if you want that spice level.

—

不要香菜 (Bu Yao Xiang Cai)

No cilantro

我对花生过敏 (Wo Dui Hua Sheng Guo Min)

I’m allergic to peanuts

Food allergies are especially important in China.

❗It helps a LOT if you save your allergy information in Chinese on your phone and show it before ordering.

—

我不会用二维码点餐

(Wo Bu Hui Yong Er Wei Ma Dian Can)

I don’t know how to order with the QR code menu.

—

5. Sometimes you can just ask the staff

Especially in smaller restaurants.

A lot of staff will actually help if you ask politely.

Sometimes they can:

– order manually for you

– use a staff phone

– or recommend popular dishes directly

—

Another thing that surprises many tourists

In China, dishes are usually shared.

People often order several dishes for the whole table instead of one plate per person.

So if you’re traveling alone, don’t accidentally order six dishes for yourself 🤣🤣🤣

—

One important thing

A lot of tourists think:

“China is difficult.”

Honestly?

Most of the time, China is just VERY digital.

Once you get used to:

– QR menus

– Alipay

– mini-programs

– Didi

– metro apps

everything suddenly becomes much easier.

—

I’ve lived in Chongqing for years and honestly, I still sometimes struggle with QR menus in tiny local restaurants 🤣

If you’re traveling independently in Chongqing and get stuck with things like this, feel free to ask me.

And if you’re visiting Chongqing for the first time:

good luck 🤣🤣

That city feels like it was designed by an architect playing 4D chess.

#ChinaTravel

#Chongqing

#TravelChina

#ChinaTips