Food & Dining
Eating in China without speaking Mandarin. Picture-menu apps, ordering hotpot, what spice levels actually mean (málà numbs your tongue), street-food safety, halal and vegetarian options in major cities, and how to use Meituan or Dianping to find the restaurants locals book. Tips on tea culture, banquet etiquette, and food allergies.
17 answers
Which parks in Shenzhen offer Meituan drone delivery, and how do I use the service?
Order Meituan drone delivery at Lianhuashan, Central Park, Shenzhen Bay Park, or Talent Park; routes change weekly with weather.
What is the "squirrel salmon" dish people talk about in Suzhou?
The dish is Squirrel Mandarin Fish 松鼠桂鱼, freshwater Mandarin fish, never salmon despite the mistranslation on tourist menus.
Is Western-style Chinese food available in China, and why is the local cuisine so different?
Dishes like General Tso's Chicken were invented in North America, so Chinese restaurants in China rarely serve them.
How hard is it to eat vegetarian or vegan in Beijing as a traveler?
Plan more than you would in Taiwan, Vietnam, or Japan; it is doable but not effortless.
What is a good low-budget rainy last night in Shanghai?
Lead with hotpot like Haidilao, then KTV, for a warm, social, low-cost night.