How to Order Food in China: Top Apps & Tourist Guide (2026)

Exhausted after a full day in China and intimidated by foreign menus? Ordering food online is the easiest solution. With China's top delivery platforms—Meituan and Ele.me—you can effortlessly order local or international meals directly to your room without leaving your accommodation.

Top Food Delivery Apps in China

Here is a quick overview of China's top four food delivery platforms:

Pro Tip: Having an active Chinese (+86) phone number is strongly recommended so delivery drivers can easily call or message you about your order location!

China Food Delivery App: Meituan

What Is Meituan?

Meituan App is one of China’s biggest lifestyle apps, and it’s best known for food delivery through Meituan Waimai. While “Meituan” is the main app offering everything from restaurant deals to hotel bookings, movie tickets, and even ride-hailing, “Meituan Waimai” specifically focuses on food delivery.

Locals and travellers use Meituan Waimai daily to order meals, drinks, and snacks from nearby restaurants at affordable prices. You can find everything on it, with clear prices, photos and reviews.

How to Download and Set Up Meituan?

1. Download the App

On iPhone: You may need to switch your App Store region to China. Search for “美团”/"美团外卖" or “Meituan”/"Meituan Waimai" and install.

On Android: You can find Meituan on Google Play in some regions, or download from trusted Chinese sources, or via Meituan’s official website.

Tip: Even with Chinese characters, many icons and images are clear. If you don't understand Chinese, translation apps can be helpful.

2. Register and Log In

Sign up using your international phone number, and verify via an SMS code. You can also log in via WeChat or Alipay if you already use those platforms.

3. Set Your Location & Address

Allow Meituan to use your location, or manually search for your address.

4. Link Payment Methods

Meituan uses WeChat Pay or Alipay for payments. Make sure these apps are set up and linked to your credit or debit cards beforehand so checkout is smooth.

How to Order Food on Meituan?

1. Find Food Delivery Service

Tap on the food delivery icon “外卖” (usually the first one you see).

2. Browse or Search

You can scroll to see restaurants nearby or type in what you feel like eating.

Tip: Look for places with higher ratings (yellow stars) and delivery times under 45 minutes.

3. Check Delivery Fees and Minimum Spend

Some places have a small delivery fee (¥3–¥6). Many require a minimum order, but it’s usually easy to hit with a drink and a main.

4. Place Your Order

Tap “选规格” on the dishes you want. Check your cart before confirming. Then click "去结算" and make payment. If you have coupons or vouchers, they will be applied automatically or can be selected before payment. You can also leave notes for the restaurant or the Meituan delivery rider. Click "提交订单" to place your order.

5. Pay

Payment is fast using WeChat Pay or Alipay. You’ll get a confirmation once it’s successful.

6. Track Your Order

You can see your driver’s progress on the map, similar to GrabFood. Many drivers will call you upon arrival. If you don’t speak Chinese, you can ask hotel staff to help, or message the driver with “我在大堂” (I am in the lobby).

7. Leave a Review

After you get your food, you can leave a simple star rating and a comment. This helps other users and keeps your Meituan account active for future discounts.

China Food Delivery App: Taobao Shangou (Ele.me)

What Is Taobao Shangou?

Taobao (淘宝) is China’s biggest online shopping platform, owned by Alibaba, similar to Amazon or Shopee but with a wider range of products and sellers. While most people use Taobao for buying clothes, gadgets, and daily essentials, it also offers Taobao Shangou (淘宝闪购) for food delivery in certain cities, whichi is also previously known as Ele.me (饿了么).

How to Download and Set Up Taobao Shangou?

1. Download the App

iPhone users: Download from App Store by searching for “淘宝闪购” or “Taobao Shangou” and install it.

Android users: Look for Taobao Shangou in the Google Play Store or download it from app stores.

You can also download Taobao only and Taobao Shangou is built in it.

2. Register or Log In

Use your international phone number to sign up and verify via SMS. If you already have a Taobao/Tmall or Alibaba account, you can use that to log in faster.

3. Set Up Payment Options

Taobao supports Alipay for payments. Make sure your Alipay account is set up and linked to your credit/debit card before ordering.

4. Enable Location

Grant location permission in the app.

How to Order Food on Taobao?

1. Set Your Delivery Address

Enter your address and save it. This ensures your order gets delivered to the right location.

2. Browse or Search for Food

You’ll see food options powered by Ele.me. Browse by categories like Chinese dishes, snacks, or drinks. Use the search bar to find specific items.

3. Check for Deals and Promotions

Look for labels like “满减” (spend X, save Y) or “红包” (red envelope) to find discounts and free delivery offers.

4. Add Items to Your Cart

Tap on a restaurant, select the dishes you want, and customize if possible (e.g. spice level, add-ons).

5. View Cart and Apply Discounts

Open your cart to review items. Select any available coupons or vouchers and check offer details before ordering.

6. Checkout and Pay

Tap 去结算 (Checkout), confirm your order, and pay. You'll receive an estimated delivery time.

8. Track Your Delivery

Watch your courier’s progress through the app in real time.

9. Enjoy Your Food & Leave a Rating

When your food arrives, enjoy your meal! After eating, leave a star rating or comment.

China Food Delivery App: Jingdong

What Is Jingdong?

Jingdong (JD.com) is one of China’s biggest e-commerce platforms, similar to Amazon. It's known for fast delivery of electronics, clothes, and daily goods. 

Besides its shopping, JD recently launched its food delivery feature, called JD Miaosong (京东秒送). It lets you order cooked meals, groceries, snacks, drinks, and daily essentials to your door within 30–60 minutes in many cities.

Unlike Meituan and Ele.me, which mainly focus on restaurant food, JD combines supermarket delivery with hot meals from nearby restaurants.

How to Download and Set Up Jingdong?

1. Download the App

iPhone users: Switch your App Store region to China, then search for “京东” or “Jingdong” and install.

Android users: Locate it on Google Play or download from app stores.

Note: The app is primarily in Chinese, but features clear icons and images. If needed, use your phone’s translation tool or overlay translator app to help identify key sections.

2. Register or Log In

Sign up with your international phone number and verify via SMS. You can also log in using a JD.com account if you already have one.

3. Enter Delivery Address

Allow the app to access your location or manually enter the address. Paste the Chinese version of your location to avoid mistakes.

4. Link Payment

JD Daojia supports JD Pay, WeChat Pay, and Alipay. Make sure your chosen payment app is set up in advance and linked to your card or topped up for seamless checkout.

How to Order Food on Jingdong?

1. Choose Jingdong Miaosong

Open JD and tap "秒送" at the top.

2. Browse Categories

You’ll see options like “外卖” (food delivery), “超市” (supermarket goods), “咖啡奶茶” (coffee & milk tea) “蔬菜水果” (vegetable & fruit), and more. Tap the category you need.

3. Search or Scroll Through Listings

Use the search bar to find favourites.

4. Select Items

Tap into a listing, browse images, then tap “+” (Add to cart) for your chosen dishes or snacks.

5. Check Cart & Apply Offers

Open your cart to review items. JD often includes deals like “满¥30减¥10” (¥10 off ¥30 spend) or free delivery options. Apply any that fit.

6. Place Your Order

Tap 领券结算 (Checkout with coupon), choose your payment method, and confirm your order. You’ll see an estimated delivery time.

7. Track the Delivery

Track your delivery person’s location and receive notifications. You can also call or message via the app if needed.

8. Enjoy Your Order & Review

Once your order arrives, unpack and enjoy! Don’t forget to leave a rating or comment. JD rewards reviews with coupons or extra points used in future orders.

Other Food Delivery Apps You Can Try in China

Apart from Meituan, Taobao Shangou, and JD Daojia, there are a few other apps you might see in China:

Dingdong Maicai (叮咚买菜): Focuses on fresh groceries and some ready-to-cook meals, useful if you’re staying longer and want to try local ingredients.

Hema (盒马): Alibaba’s grocery and hot meal delivery service, offers cooked meals, sushi, and fresh fruits within 30-60 minutes in many big cities.

Yonghui Superstores (永辉超市): Yonghui is a popular supermarket chain in China. Besides in-store shopping, it offers online delivery for fruits, snacks, and ready meals through its app. It’s a handy option if you want fresh food delivered.

Xiaoxiang Supermarket (小象超市): Formerly known as Meituan Maicai (美团买菜), Xiaoxiang Supermarket is Meituan’s grocery delivery service offering fresh produce, meat, seafood, snacks, drinks, and daily essentials. It is a convenient option for travelers staying longer in China who want to buy groceries or simple ingredients, with fast delivery available in many major cities.

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