In the bustling streets of China, food delivery has become an integral part of daily life. With millions of users relying on apps for convenient meal options, it's no surprise that the market has exploded with innovative solutions. As a traveler, navigating these apps can be overwhelming, especially when language barriers come into play. This comprehensive guide is designed to bridge the gap, providing you with the top food delivery apps in China and expert tips to make your culinary journey effortless.

Top Food Delivery Apps in China

| Category | App Name | Key Features | Star Rating |

| --- | --- | --- | --- |

| Food Delivery | Meituan (美团) | Order meals, groceries, book restaurants, read reviews. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

| Food Delivery | Ele.me (饿了么) | Fast food/grocery delivery, live order tracking, discounts. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

| Fast Food | KFC/McDonald's App | Pre-order, collect rewards, English-friendly menus. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

| Grocery + Food Delivery | Jingdong (京东) | Buy snacks, drinks, toiletries. New JD food delivery service | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

| Grocery Delivery | Freshippo (盒马) | Fresh groceries, seafood, ready-to-eat meals. 30-minute delivery in cities. | ⭐⭐⭐⭐ |

| Grocery Delivery | Dingdong Maicai (叮咚买菜) | Fresh veggies, meat, pantry staples. Scheduled deliveries. | ⭐⭐⭐ⴕ |

How to Order Food with Meituan in China?

Step-by-Step Guide

  1. Download & Sign Up: Get the Meituan app (iOS/Android). Register with your phone number or link WeChat/Alipay for faster setup.
  2. Add Your Address: Go to your profile > Settings > Delivery Address. Type your location manually or use GPS. Save your name and phone number.
  3. Find Food: Search by dish type (e.g., "dumplings") or browse nearby spots. Filter by ratings, price, or delivery speed.
  4. Pick Your Meal: Check menus with photos and prices. Tap Add to Cart for items you like. Add extras (sauces, drinks) if needed.
  5. Pay Easily: Review your order and pay with:
  • WeChat/Alipay (best for visitors).
  • International cards (some work).
  • Meituan Wallet (top up first).
  1. Track & Enjoy: Watch your order's live progress. The rider will call when they arrive. Collect your meal – done!

Quick Tips

🔹 Use Google Translate (camera mode) for Chinese text.

🔹 Check reviews – avoid ones offering freebies for 5 stars.

🔹 Look for "first order" discounts.

How to Order Food with Ele.me in China?

Simple Guide

  1. Download & Set Up: Download Ele.me from the App Store (iOS) or Google Play (Android). Sign up using your phone number (use a local SIM card for SMS verification). Link Alipay or WeChat Pay for payments.
  2. Add Your Address: Tap your profile icon (bottom right) → "我的地址" (My Address). Type your hotel/apartment address manually or use GPS. Save your name and phone number.
  3. Browse Restaurants: On the home screen, browse "推荐" (Recommended) or search dishes (e.g., type "baozi" for steamed buns). Use photos to pick meals if you can't read Chinese.
  4. Order Food: Tap a restaurant → check ratings and delivery time. Click "+" to add items to your cart. Review your order → tap "去结算" (Checkout).
  5. Pay & Track: Choose Alipay/WeChat Pay (works with foreign cards via Alipay's Tour Pass). Track your order live with the rider's map. The driver will call when they arrive (use Google Translate if needed).

Tips for English Users

🔹 Use Google Translate: Screenshot menus → translate via the app's camera mode.

🔹 Save Favourites: Bookmark restaurants with high ratings (4.5+ stars).

🔹 Late-Night Orders: Many places deliver until 2 AM!

China Food Delivery FAQ

  1. What is the most popular food delivery service in China?

Meituan and Ele.me dominate China's food delivery market, offering extensive restaurant choices and quick delivery across cities.

  1. Can foreigners order food delivery in China?

Yes, most apps like Meituan and Ele.me support English interfaces. Tourists can link international cards to Alipay or WeChat Pay for payments.

  1. What is China's version of Uber Eats?

Meituan (美团) is China’s leading platform, similar to Uber Eats, providing food delivery, grocery services, and ride-hailing.

  1. How can tourists pay for food delivery in China?

Use Alipay or WeChat Pay linked to a foreign card. Cash is rarely accepted, so set up mobile payments before ordering.

  1. What is the best food delivery app for tourists in China?

Meituan and Ele.me are ideal.

Final Tips

🏷️Find Cheap Flights, Hotels, Train Tickets, and eSIMs & SIM Card for Your China Trip