Ordering Food in a Chinese Restaurant: Phrases That Actually Work
Most restaurants in China run a little differently from what you may be used to. Nobody hands you a menu the second you sit down, and nobody asks whether you want still or sparkling. A server meets you at the door, walks you to a table, and leaves one menu for the whole table — or, just as often, points at a QR code on a coaster.
These are the phrases you will use between walking in and getting your food. Nothing here needs you to recognise a single character; keep your phone open and read the table straight off the screen.
Useful phrases
- 服务员！Waiter! (Excuse me!)
Calling 服务员 across the room and waving is completely normal here — it is not rude, and staff expect it. If nobody comes, a loud 你好 works too.
- 菜单，谢谢。The menu, please.
菜单 means menu. If the staff point at a sticker on the table instead, ask for 二维码 (èr wéi mǎ) — a QR code you scan with your phone.
- 有英文菜单吗？Do you have an English menu?
Restaurants in big cities often do. If the answer is 没有 (méiyǒu, we don't have one), switch to photos and the phrases below.
- 这个是什么？What is this?
Point at the photo or the line on the menu while you say it. It works for dishes, sauces, or anything you cannot identify.
- 我要这个。I'll have this one.
我要 (wǒ yào) plus a finger covers most of what you need. Swap 这个 for 那个 (nàge) to mean that one.
- 一份。One portion.
Put a number in front: 两份 (liǎng fèn) is two portions. 份 is the standard measure word for a serving of food.
- 两个人。Two people.
The host almost always asks 几位 (jǐ wèi, how many?) at the door. Hold up your fingers and answer. Note 两, not 二, before a measure word.
- 推荐一下，谢谢。Could you recommend something, please?
The best phrase to have when the menu is unreadable. Staff usually suggest the house specialty, so you end up eating what locals order.
- 不要香菜。No cilantro.
Cilantro is scattered over noodles, hotpot dips and soups. 不要 (don't want) works on almost anything: 不要葱 (no scallions), 不要辣 (no chili).
- 够了，谢谢。That's enough, thank you.
Use it when a server keeps suggesting more dishes. Said with a smile, it ends the ordering loop politely.
- 一碗米饭。A bowl of rice.
Rice is usually ordered separately and charged per bowl. 碗 (wǎn) is the measure word for bowls.
- 再来一份。Another portion, please.
再来 literally means 'come again' and is the normal way to order a second round of something you liked.
- 好吃！Delicious!
Two syllables that open doors. Say it to the cook on your way out and you often get a grin and a piece of fruit for the road.
Quick cultural tip
What to expect at the table
Tea or hot water is free and refilled without asking, and it is normal to pour for the people beside you before filling your own cup. If you are served rice first, that is hospitality rather than a mistake.
Sharing is the default. Dishes land in the middle and everyone reaches in from the same plate. If you would rather have your own portion, ask for 分餐 (fēn cān) — just expect a slightly puzzled look.