When learning Chinese, familiarizing oneself with common words related to food and dining can significantly enhance both your vocabulary and your dining experience in Chinese-speaking regions. Here are some essential Chinese words and phrases to help you navigate menus, order food, and enjoy meals like a local.
菜单 (cáidān) – Menu
你可以给我看一下菜单吗？
This is what you’ll ask for when you want to see what’s available to order.
点菜 (diǎncài) – To order food
我们可以开始点菜了吗？
This phrase is used when you are ready to order your food at a restaurant.
服务员 (fúwùyuán) – Waiter/waitress
服务员，请给我一些水。
Use this term when you need to call the waiter or waitress for service.
餐厅 (cāntīng) – Restaurant
这家餐厅的食物很好吃。
This is a general term for any dining place, ranging from casual to fine dining.
小吃 (xiǎochī) – Snacks or street food
街上有很多好吃的小吃。
Refers to light bites, often sold by street vendors or at snack bars.
美食 (měishí) – Delicious food or cuisine
中国有很多地方美食。
A term often used to describe dishes that are particularly good or a region’s specialty cuisine.
筷子 (kuàizi) – Chopsticks
你会用筷子吗？
These are the primary utensils used in Chinese dining; knowing how to use them can be very handy.
汤匙 (tāngchí) – Soup spoon
请给我一把汤匙。
Used mainly for soups or broth-based dishes.
盘子 (pánzi) – Plate
请帮我拿一个干净的盘子。
The dish on which food is served, an essential item on every table.
碗 (wǎn) – Bowl
这个碗里的面条看起来很好吃。
Commonly used for serving rice, soup, noodles, and other dishes in Chinese cuisine.
味道 (wèidào) – Taste or flavor
这道菜的味道怎么样？
You’ll use this word to describe the flavor of food, whether it’s sweet, sour, bitter, or spicy.
甜 (tián) – Sweet
这个蛋糕太甜了。
Describes the taste of food that has a sugary flavor.
辣 (là) – Spicy
我不太能吃辣。
Refers to the hot or fiery taste found in some Chinese dishes, especially those from Sichuan and Hunan.
咸 (xián) – Salty
这个汤有点咸，可以少放点盐吗？
Describes food that tastes of salt; useful when you want to comment on or adjust the seasoning.
清淡 (qīngdàn) – Light or mild
我喜欢吃清淡的食物。
Use this word when you prefer food that is not heavily seasoned.
饮料 (yǐnliào) – Beverage
你想喝什么饮料？
Refers to any drink, such as water, tea, or soda.
水 (shuǐ) – Water
请给我一杯水。
Essential for staying hydrated, especially if you’re trying out spicier dishes.
啤酒 (píjiǔ) – Beer
我们来几瓶啤酒怎么样？
A popular alcoholic beverage in China, often enjoyed with meals.
买单 (mǎidān) – To pay the bill
我们可以买单吗？
Say this when you’re ready to pay for your meal at a restaurant.
Understanding these words will not only make your dining experiences in China more enjoyable but also help you delve deeper into the rich culinary culture of the region. Whether you’re ordering a meal, trying out new flavors, or simply asking for a glass of water, these vocabularies will enhance your communication and appreciation of Chinese cuisine.
