Restaurant Survival Guide: Ordering in Shenzhen Without Chinese

Eating in Shenzhen without Chinese is completely doable. Between photo menus, QR ordering and translation tools, you'll manage almost everything. Here's your survival toolkit.

🛠️ Your four tools

1. Photo menus

Most local restaurants have menus with pictures. Point, nod, and hold up fingers for quantity. This works even in tiny noodle shops.

2. WeChat scan-translate

Open WeChat → tap the + → "Scan" → choose the translate icon, point at any menu, and Chinese text becomes English on your screen. A lifesaver for paper menus.

3. QR ordering with built-in browser translate

Many restaurants have you scan a QR code at the table, which opens an online menu. Open it in your browser (Chrome/Safari) and use the browser's translate function to turn it into English, then order and pay in-app via WeChat/Alipay.

4. A written cheat card

Save these in a notes app (or show on your phone):

• 不辣 — not spicy
• 少辣 — a little spicy
• 少油少盐 — less oil, less salt
• 不要香菜 — no coriander (common dislike!)
• 我是素食者 — I'm vegetarian
• 有英文菜单吗？ — do you have an English menu?
• 埋单 / 买单 — the bill, please
• 打包 — takeaway / doggy bag

🥢 At the table

• Tea & hot water arrive automatically; you rinse cups and chopsticks with the hot water.
• Rice (米饭) is often ordered separately.
• Bill: you usually go to the counter to pay, or the QR system settles it. Don't wait for a waiter to bring the bill — it won't come!
• Leftovers: asking for 打包 (takeaway boxes) is normal and welcomed.

⚠️ Dietary needs

• Vegetarian but not vegan: Chinese vegetarian (素) often includes egg and sometimes fish stock. Say 不要肉不要海鲜 (no meat, no seafood) to be clearer.
• Halal: look for 清真 restaurants (Muslim-owned, certified). There are decent halal options near mosques in Futian and some Xinjiang restaurants.
• Allergies: write it down in Chinese and show the waiter. Peanut and shellfish allergies need care — communicate clearly.
• For full guidance see our vegetarian & halal dining guide.

💡 The golden rule

When in doubt, point at what someone else is eating. Locals know the good dishes — copying a neighbouring table's order is a time-honoured strategy that never fails.