One of the best parts of visiting China? The food.
From spicy Sichuan hotpot to juicy soup dumplings, China’s culinary scene is diverse, exciting, and absolutely delicious. But if you don’t speak Chinese or know where to go, finding great local restaurants can be overwhelming. That’s where a few handy apps come in.
Here are three essential apps that will help you discover the best eats in town, order with confidence, and eat like a local.
1. Dianping (大众点评 dà zhòng diǎn píng) – China’s Yelp
What it is:
Dianping is China’s most trusted food review platform—think of it as the Chinese version of Yelp or TripAdvisor, but with even more features.
Why you need it:
- Millions of real user reviews and photos
- Restaurant ratings for taste, environment, and service
- Filter by distance, cuisine, budget, and more
- Book tables, view menus, and even find discounts
Tips for use:
- The app is in Chinese, but you can use your phone’s auto-translate feature or pair it with the Lai Trip app (see below).
- Look for restaurants with lots of pictures and high “口味” (flavor) scores.
📲 How to download: Search “Dianping” or “大众点评” in your app store (some features may require a Chinese phone number or WeChat login).
2. Xiaohongshu (小红书 xiǎo hóng shū) – Foodie Inspiration Meets Social Media
What it is:
Often called “China’s Instagram + Pinterest,” Xiaohongshu (also known as RED) is a lifestyle-sharing app where users post photos, tips, and detailed reviews of their experiences—including food.
Why you need it:
- Find hidden food gems and trending restaurants in any city
- Search by hashtags like “Best Dumplings in Beijing” or “Shanghai Breakfast”
- Great visuals and insider tips shared by locals and food bloggers
Tips for use:
- Use the in-app translation function (or your browser’s translator)
- Type your destination + keyword (e.g., “Chengdu Hotpot”) to see results
- Look out for tags like 必吃 (“must eat”) or 本地人推荐 (“local recommendation”)
📲 How to download: Search “Xiaohongshu” or “RED” in the app store.
3. Lai Trip – Your Menu Translator
What it is:
Struggling to understand a Chinese menu? Lai Trip is an AI-powered image translation app made specifically for travelers in China.
Why you need it:
- Snap a picture of any Chinese menu, instantly get accurate English translations
- Works even offline—perfect for restaurants without Wi-Fi
- Also helps translate signs, bills, and ordering instructions
Tips for use:
- Use it together with Dianping or Xiaohongshu for a smooth experience
- Zoom in for better accuracy when scanning menus
📲 How to download: Search “Lai Trip” in your app store.
Final Tips for Dining in China
- Cashless payments: Most locals use Alipay or WeChat Pay—ask your guide or hotel how to set them up.
- Peak hours: Popular places get busy around 12–1 PM and 6–8 PM—go early if possible.
- Be adventurous: Try local specialties like Lanzhou noodles, mapo tofu, or Chinese barbecue skewers!
