Food Delivery in China: How to Order Like a Local
China's food delivery apps handle over 50 million orders daily. Here's how foreign visitors can use Meituan and Ele.me to eat like a local.
Food Delivery in China: How to Order Like a Local
China’s food delivery market is the largest in the world. In 2024, over 50 million orders were placed daily through two dominant apps: Meituan and Ele.me. For visitors, these apps unlock access to neighborhood restaurants that have no English menus and no tourist pricing.
The Two Giants
Meituan (美团)
- Market share: ~65%
- Strengths: More restaurant choices, better discounts, includes hotel and travel booking
- Interface: Chinese only
Ele.me (饿了么)
- Market share: ~30%
- Strengths: Often slightly faster delivery, better interface
- Interface: Chinese only
> Reality check: Neither app has a usable English version. You will need translation tools or local assistance.
How It Works
1. Download and Register
- Phone number required (international numbers often work)
- Real-name verification may be required for some features
2. Enter Your Address
- Hotels: Use the hotel’s Chinese name and address
- Apartments: You’ll need the exact building and unit number
3. Browse Restaurants
The app categorizes by cuisine:
- 中餐 (Chinese food)
- 西餐 (Western food)
- 日韩料理 (Japanese/Korean)
- 小吃快餐 (Snacks/fast food)
- 甜点饮品 (Desserts/drinks)
4. Order and Pay
- Select dishes (photos help enormously)
- Choose specifications: spice level, toppings, drink temperature
- Checkout via WeChat Pay or Alipay
- Delivery fee: usually 0-6 RMB ($0-1)
The Delivery Experience
Speed: Average delivery time is 30-45 minutes in cities. During peak lunch (11:30-13:00) and dinner (17:30-19:30), expect delays.
Delivery method: Electric scooters rule China’s streets. Your food arrives in an insulated box, usually still hot.
Contact: Drivers rarely call. They message through the app or leave food at the lobby desk.
No tipping required. Delivery drivers are salaried; tipping is not part of the culture.
Pro Tips for Foreigners
| Tip | Why |
|---|---|
| Order during off-peak hours | Faster delivery, fresher food |
| Check restaurant photos | Some “restaurants” are shared kitchens with no storefront |
| Look for ratings above 4.5 | Chinese users are harsh critics; sub-4.0 is risky |
| Specify “no spicy” | 不要辣 (bù yào là) — the default is often fiery |
| Order for multiple people | Delivery fee is flat; larger orders are more efficient |
Can Tourists Without Chinese Apps Use Delivery?
Yes, but with friction:
- Hotel concierge: Many hotels will order for you if you ask at the front desk
- English-speaking friends: The obvious solution if you have local contacts
- Translation apps: Google Translate camera mode can scan Chinese menus in real time
The Bottom Line
Food delivery is one of the great conveniences of modern China. The barrier is language, not logistics. With a little preparation — or a helpful hotel staff member — you can eat restaurant-quality meals without leaving your room.