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date: 2025-08-25
author: LearnChineseUp Team
tags: ["Learn Chinese", "Chinese Phrases", "Dining in China"]

An illustration of people enjoying a meal in a Chinese restaurant, with a waiter taking orders and red lanterns in the background.

Essential Chinese Phrases for Ordering Food at Restaurants

Dining in China can be an exciting experience, but the language barrier often makes ordering food a challenge.
This guide introduces must-know Chinese phrases for restaurants, with characters, pinyin, and English translations.

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Asking for the Menu

- 请给我菜单 (Qǐng gěi wǒ càidān) — Please give me the menu.
- 有什么推荐吗？(Yǒu shénme tuījiàn ma?) — Do you have any recommendations?

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Customizing Your Order

- 可以不辣吗？(Kěyǐ bù là ma?) — Can it be not spicy?
- 微辣就好 (Wēi là jiù hǎo) — Just a little spicy is fine.
- 能少放油吗？(Néng shǎo fàng yóu ma?) — Can you use less oil?
- 我对花生过敏 (Wǒ duì huāshēng guòmǐn) — I am allergic to peanuts.

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Drinks and Sides

- 少糖少冰 (Shǎo táng shǎo bīng) — Less sugar and ice.
- 去冰 (Qù bīng) — No ice.
- 加一份肉 (Jiā yī fèn ròu) — Add an extra portion of meat.

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Payment and Check

- 可以开发票吗？(Kěyǐ kāi fāpiào ma?) — Can I get a receipt?
- 可以分开结账吗？(Kěyǐ fēnkāi jiézhàng ma?) — Can we split the bill?
- 支持移动支付吗？(Zhīchí yídòng zhīfù ma?) — Do you accept mobile payment?

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Useful Tips

1. In many Chinese restaurants, dishes are shared family-style.
2. Mobile payments like Alipay and WeChat Pay are widely accepted.
3. Learning a few polite phrases like 谢谢 (xièxie, thank you) goes a long way.

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Conclusion

With these essential phrases, you can order food confidently and enjoy authentic Chinese dining.
Practice them before your trip, and you’ll impress locals with your effort!