How to Order Food in Shanghai Without Speaking Mandarin
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The sizzle of a scallion pancake hitting the griddle, the aromatic steam rising from a basket of soup dumplings, the vibrant, chaotic energy of a night market—this is the culinary soul of Shanghai. For many travelers, the fear of not speaking the language can turn this delicious adventure into a source of anxiety. You might worry: Will I end up pointing helplessly? Will I accidentally order chicken feet when I wanted spring rolls? Let me assure you, ordering food in Shanghai without Mandarin is not only possible, it can be one of the most fun and rewarding parts of your trip. Shanghai is a global metropolis, and its food scene is surprisingly accessible. With a blend of modern tech, universal gestures, and a dash of courage, you’ll be feasting like a local in no time.
Before you even step foot in a restaurant, arm yourself with your smartphone. This is your most powerful tool.
Google Translate and Microsoft Translator are indispensable. Their camera function is pure magic. Open the app, point your camera at a menu, and watch the characters transform into English in real-time. It’s not always perfectly elegant (“Lion’s Head Meatball” is a classic, delicious example), but it’s always understandable. For items with complex descriptions, use the photo scan feature for a more accurate translation. The conversation mode is also great for asking simple questions to waitstaff, like “Is this spicy?” or “Does this contain peanuts?”
Download Meituan or Ele.me. Even if you don’t plan on getting delivery, these apps are incredible visual menus. Browse restaurants near your hotel, see high-quality photos of every dish, and often find English translations. You can spend time in your hotel room building an “order list” with screenshots. Then, simply show the picture of the dish you want to the server. Many locals do this too! It eliminates all guesswork.
Use Dianping (the Chinese Yelp) through its in-app translation or look for blogs and videos by fellow travelers. Searching “Shanghai food English menu” or “expat-friendly restaurants Shanghai” will yield gems. Areas like The Former French Concession and Xintiandi are famous for having more bilingual menus.
When technology fails or you want a more authentic experience, revert to humanity’s oldest communication methods.
Look for these three types of menus: 1. Picture Menus: A tourist’s best friend. Many restaurants, especially near Nanjing Road or the Bund, have extensive photo menus. Point and nod. 2. Plastic Food Displays: Common in casual eateries and ramen shops. These incredibly realistic wax or plastic models in the window are your visual catalog. Go outside, point at what you want, and usher the server to see your choice. 3. The “Point-at-What-They’re-Having” Technique: See a delicious-looking dish at the next table? Politely smile, point to it, and ask, “This one?” It’s a huge compliment to the kitchen and often breaks the ice.
Learn a tiny bit of pinyin for numbers and basics. Hold up fingers for quantity. Combine gestures: * Point + hold up “1” finger = “One order of this, please.” * Hand to mouth, then fan your open mouth = “Spicy.” * Rub your stomach and smile = “Delicious!” (This will earn you big smiles back). * “Zhège” (jay-guh) = “This one.” Your most important word. * “Bù là” (boo lah) = “Not spicy.” * “Fùqián” (foo-chee-en) = “To pay.” Make a signing motion in the air.
Your success rate is heavily influenced by where you choose to eat.
Places like Food Opera in IAPM Mall or the basement of Super Brand Mall are fantastic. You order at individual stalls, often with pictures or models. You pay with a rechargeable card or WeChat, minimizing verbal interaction. It’s a low-pressure way to sample a huge variety—from xiaolongbao to Xinjiang skewers—in one spot.
That incredibly crowded local spot with no English might be intimidating. For your first few days, target slightly more upscale local chains like Nanxiang Steamed Bun Restaurant or Yang’s Fry-Dumpling. They often have numbered picture menus. As you gain confidence, venture into the bustling local joints. The staff there are used to determined food lovers and will work with you.
Neighborhoods like Former French Concession are littered with cafes and bistros with full English menus. Yongkang Road (though changed) and Jululu Road are famous for bars and eateries catering to an international crowd. This is your training ground.
This is the pinnacle of point-and-eat. Vendors are cooking right in front of you. See a sizzling wok of chǎo nián gāo (stir-fried rice cakes)? Point and say “yī gè” (one). See skewers grilling? Just hold up fingers for how many you want. Cash is king here, so have small bills ready. The transaction is quick, visual, and delicious.
A Shanghai pilgrimage. At famous spots like Jia Jia Tang Bao, there’s often an English menu with set combinations. You’ll check boxes on a paper slip for quantities of different types (pork, crab roe). Learn the words for vinegar (cù) and ginger (jiāng). The process is very systematic, making it easy for non-speakers.
Hot pot chains like Hai Di Lao are incredibly foreigner-friendly. They offer tablet ordering with full English and pictures. You tap what you want—broth base, meats, vegetables, sauces—and it arrives. For Chinese BBQ, point at the refrigerated displays of skewered ingredients. They’ll cook them for you. The only word you need here is “píjiǔ” (beer).
Securing the food is only half the battle. Payment in China is almost entirely digital. Set up Alipay or WeChat Pay with your foreign card before you arrive. It’s accepted everywhere, from street stalls to fine dining. Simply scan the vendor’s QR code. Have some cash as a backup, but digital is seamless and avoids change confusion.
Remember, a smile and a respectful demeanor go further than any phrasebook. Shanghai people are pragmatic and used to visitors. They appreciate the effort. If something goes “wrong,” you might just discover a new favorite dish you’d never have ordered. The sizzle, the steam, the vibrant chaos—it’s all part of the feast. So take a deep breath, open your translation app, and point with confidence. Your table in Shanghai is waiting.
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Author: Shanghai Travel
Source: Shanghai Travel
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