Chinese Menus Decoded: What Foreigners Need to Know Before Ordering Anything

Let’s be real: looking at a Chinese menu can feel like staring at a mystery novel — except the plot might involve pig intestines and chicken feet. 🐔😅

If you’ve ever sat down at a local restaurant in China and just pointed at something hoping for the best… you’re not alone. This guide is here to help you understand Chinese menus, so you can actually order something you want — and avoid surprises.

1. 🧠 Understand the Menu Structure First

Most menus in China are organized by food type, not by course. Don’t expect appetizers > mains > desserts. Instead, you’ll often see:

• 凉菜 (Liáng cài): Cold dishes — starters or snacks, often spicy or pickled
• 热菜 (Rè cài): Hot dishes — stir-fries, meats, and veggies
• 主食 (Zhǔ shí): Staples — rice, noodles, buns
• 汤 (Tāng): Soups
• 饮料 (Yǐn liào): Drinks

2. 📖 Common Characters That Actually Help

Even if you don’t read Chinese, learning a few key characters will save your stomach and your sanity:

• 鸡 (jī) = chicken 🐔
• 牛 (niú) = beef 🐄
• 猪 (zhū) = pork 🐖
• 鱼 (yú) = fish 🐟
• 羊 (yáng) = lamb/goat 🐏
• 蛋 (dàn) = egg 🥚
• 米 (mǐ) = rice 🍚
• 面 (miàn) = noodles 🍜

If you see “爆” (bào), it means flash-fried. “麻辣” (málà) means numbing spicy — a Sichuan classic.

3. 😬 The “Surprise Me” Items

Some dishes might sound innocent but pack a surprise. Watch for these:

• 毛血旺: A spicy stew often containing duck blood and intestines
• 夫妻肺片: Literally “husband and wife lung slices” — actually beef and tripe cold dish
• 蹄筋: Tendon — gelatinous, chewy, and not for everyone

These are loved by locals, but if you’re new here… maybe try one bite first. 😂

4. 📱 Use Apps — But Don’t Trust Them Blindly

Translation apps like Google Translate or Pleco are lifesavers, but they’re not perfect:

• 🔍 Many dishes are stylized or poetic — e.g., “Ants Climbing a Tree” is spicy vermicelli with minced pork
• 📸 Photo translate often fails on handwritten or artistic fonts
• 🤔 Literal translations don’t reflect ingredients or taste

5. 🖼️ Menus With Photos? You’re in Luck

Some places, especially chains or tourist-friendly spots, include images. When they do:

• ✔️ Trust your eyes — visuals help more than words
• 📌 But remember: “what you see” isn’t always “what you get” in real life

If in doubt, choose dishes with familiar ingredients or ask staff to recommend “bù là” (not spicy 不辣) options.

6. ✍️ You Can Also Ask — Just Keep It Simple

Don’t be shy! Many restaurant staff are kind and willing to help. Try showing these phrases:

• 我不吃猪肉 (Wǒ bù chī zhūròu) – I don’t eat pork
• 不要辣 (Bù yào là) – No spicy
• 推荐一个？(Tuījiàn yí ge?) – Can you recommend one?

Pointing to photos or ingredients on your phone also works wonders.

7. 🎉 Bonus: Some Dishes Worth Learning

• 宫保鸡丁 (Gōng bǎo jī dīng): Kung Pao Chicken — sweet, spicy, and safe
• 鱼香肉丝 (Yú xiāng ròu sī): Shredded pork in garlic sauce (no fish!)
• 地三鲜 (Dì sān xiān): Stir-fried potato, eggplant, and pepper — delicious veggie choice
• 饺子 (Jiǎo zi): Dumplings — classic and comforting

Final Thoughts 💡

Chinese menus don’t have to be scary. With a few characters under your belt, a translation app in your pocket, and the courage to try something new, you’ll survive — and probably find a few new favorites along the way.

And hey, if all else fails: point, smile, and hope for the best. That’s worked for thousands of expats before you. 😉