China Food Delivery: How to Order Food Like a Local?

In China, food delivery is a way of life. From sizzling hotpot to dumplings, millions order meals daily via apps for speed and convenience. But what if you're travelling and don't know where to start? No Mandarin skills? No problem. This guide shows you the top food apps to explore local flavours effortlessly. Learn how to order crispy Peking duck to your hotel or enjoy a late-night snack like a local. With quick delivery and endless options, these apps turn your phone into a foodie passport. Ready to taste China? Let's start your food journey together! 🥡

Best Food Delivery App in China

If you're looking for the best food delivery apps in China, there are several popular platforms that cover everything from restaurant meals to groceries and fast food.

Below is a quick overview of the main food and grocery delivery apps in China, so you can easily compare their features and choose the one that suits you best:

China Food Delivery Apps Overview

How to Order Food with Meituan in China?

Step 1:Download & Sign Up

Get the Meituan app (iOS/Android). Register with your phone number or link WeChat/Alipay for faster setup.

*The following images are copyrighted by GoEast.

Step 2: Add Your Address

Go to your profile > Settings > Delivery Address. Type your location manually or use GPS. Save your name and phone number.

Step 3:Find Food

Search by dish type (e.g., "dumplings") or browse nearby spots. Filter by ratings, price, or delivery speed.

Step 4:Pick Your Meal

Check menus with photos and prices. Tap Add to Cart for items you like. Add extras (sauces, drinks) if needed.

Step 5:Pay Easily

Review your order and pay with:

• WeChat/Alipay (best for visitors).
• International cards (some work).
• Meituan Wallet (top up first).

Step 6:Track & Enjoy

Watch your order's live progress. The rider will call when they arrive. Collect your meal – done!

Quick Tips
🔹 Use Google Translate (camera mode) for Chinese text.
🔹 Check reviews – avoid ones offering freebies for 5 stars.
🔹 Look for "first order" discounts.

Now you can enjoy the delicious Chinese cuisine without leaving your hotel! 🥢🍜

Book a hotel in a great location near a food court and enjoy delicious takeout at the hotel faster.👇

How to Order Food with Taobao Shangou in China?

1. Download & Log in

• Download the Taobao (淘宝) or Taobao Shangou (淘宝闪购) app from your app store and open it
• Log in using your mobile number or Alipay account (支付宝账号)
• Complete real-name verification if required
• Add a delivery address (收货地址), for example your hotel address

2. Enter the Flash Food Section

• On the Taobao homepage, tap "闪购 (Flash Purchase)" at the top navigation bar
• On the left side of the page, select "美食外卖 (Food Delivery)"
• The system will automatically set your current delivery location

3. Choose a Restaurant & Dishes

• Browse recommended restaurants or use the search bar to find a shop or dish
• Enter a restaurant page and tap the "+" button next to items to add them to your basket
• Select options such as portion size, flavour, or specifications if prompted

4. Checkout & Place Your Order (Delivery or Scheduled)

• Tap the button "去结算 (Go to Checkout)" in the bottom right corner
• Check your delivery address and choose a scheduled delivery time (预定送达时间) if needed
• Apply available discounts in the coupon section (优惠券) — the system may auto-select the best one
• Confirm the total price
• Choose a payment method: Alipay / Huabei / WeChat Pay (支付宝 / 花呗 / 微信支付)

5. Order Confirmed & Tracking

• Once payment is successful, your order is confirmed
• Go back to the Flash Purchase page and tap "订单 (Orders)"
• You can track the delivery rider in real time and collect your food when it arrives

💡 Useful Tips

• New users often get large discount coupons (大额券) — claim them before ordering
• The platform supports takeaway delivery (外卖配送), in-store pickup (到店自取), and sometimes group orders (多人拼单)
• You can switch delivery method at the checkout page

How to Order Food with Ele.me in China?

Here's a simple guide to ordering food on Ele.me (饿了么) for travellers in China:

Step 1: Download & Set Up

1. Download Ele.me from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android).
2. Sign up using your phone number (use a local SIM card for SMS verification). Link Alipay or WeChat Pay for payments.

Step 2: Add Your Address

• Tap your profile icon (bottom right) → "我的地址" (My Address).
• Type your hotel/apartment address manually or use GPS. Save your name and phone number.

Step 3: Browse Restaurants

• On the home screen, browse "推荐" (Recommended) or search dishes (e.g., type "baozi" for steamed buns).
• Use photos to pick meals if you can't read Chinese.

*The following images are copyright GoEast

Step 4: Order Food

1. Tap a restaurant → check ratings and delivery time.
2. Click "+" to add items to your cart.
3. Review your order → tap "去结算" (Checkout).

Step 5: Pay & Track

• Choose Alipay/WeChat Pay (works with foreign cards via Alipay's Tour Pass).
• Track your order live with the rider's map. The driver will call when they arrive (use Google Translate if needed).

Tips for English Users

🔹 Use Google Translate: Screenshot menus → translate via the app's camera mode.
🔹 Save Favourites: Bookmark restaurants with high ratings (4.5+ stars).
🔹 Late-Night Orders: Many places deliver until 2 AM!

China Travel Guide