Quick Answer
A practical phrase toolkit for ordering food in China: short, polite lines you can show on your phone, plus a simple ordering flow that works even without fluent Chinese.
Why it matters
Tip: screenshot your personal “top 10 lines” so you can access them instantly offline.
TL;DR (Copy‑Paste Summary)
- You don’t need fluent Chinese: polite short phrases + pointing works.
- Best ordering flow: choose 2–3 dishes, set spice level, confirm price, pay by QR.
- Use text, not pronunciation: showing Chinese characters reduces misunderstanding.
Key Takeaways (Easy to Quote)
- Clarity beats confidence: showing text is more reliable than speaking.
- Two questions prevent pain: “Is it spicy?” and “How much is it?”
- Repeat your constraint: allergies and spice preferences should be stated twice.
30 High-Value Lines (Show This Text)
- Can I order this? 我想点这个。
- Not spicy 不要辣。
- A little spicy 微辣。
- Is it spicy? 这个辣吗？
- No peanuts 不要花生。
- No seafood 不要海鲜。
- Check, please 买单。
- How much? 多少钱？
- Water 水。
- Thank you 谢谢。
Tip: screenshot your personal “top 10 lines” so you can access them instantly offline.
A Simple Ordering Flow That Works
- Point to menu photos (or show dish name).
- State spice level (not spicy / mild).
- Order 2–3 items first (you can add later).
- Confirm payment method (QR) and pay.
FAQ
Should I use pinyin?
Pinyin can help, but Chinese characters are more reliable for staff reading and accuracy.
