How to Order Food in Chinese

Daily Chinese
07:5910/9/2025

Introduction

Nervous about dining at a Chinese restaurant? This episode is your survival guide!

Learn the essential phrases and cultural insights you need to confidently navigate a Chinese dining experience - from entering the restaurant to paying the bill. Discover the key differences between Western and Chinese dining culture, master crucial phrases like "几位" and "服务员", and understand unique customs like table-sharing and the "fighting over the bill" tradition.

Timestamps:

- Introduction and entering: "几位?" (How many people?)

- Calling the waiter and ordering: "服务员!" and "我要这个"

- Special requests and dietary needs: "不放辣椒"

- Chinese sharing culture vs. Western dining style

- Paying the bill: "买单" vs "结账", tipping culture, and the tradition of "fighting over the bill"

- Summary & Key Takeaways

Key Vocabulary (HSK 4-6)

精髓jīngsuǐ

essence, quintessence

HSK 6
这就是中餐的精髓分享
做东zuòdōng

to be the host, to treat (idiom)

HSK 6
所以每个人都想成为那个做东的人
诚意chéngyì

sincerity, good faith

HSK 6
所以每个人都想成为那个做东的人来表示自己的诚意
仪式yíshì

ceremony, ritual

HSK 6
那是一种非常友好的社交仪式
精美jīngměi

exquisite, delicate

HSK 5
大部分餐厅的菜单都配有精美的图片
丰盛fēngshèng

sumptuous, abundant

HSK 5
或者比人数多一个菜表示丰盛
独特dútè

unique, distinctive

HSK 5
这确实是中国餐桌上很独特的风景
好客hàokè

hospitable

HSK 5
尊重和热情好客的一种重要方式
提倡tíchàng

to advocate, to promote

HSK 5
但现在为了避免浪费提倡光盘行动
讲究jiǎngjiu

to be particular about, to pay attention to

HSK 5
那点菜的数量有什么讲究吗