Firstly, thanks must go to English expat Mr Carey Harmer in Chengdu for his time, effort and thoughtfulness in producing and sharing the following information so that newcomers may feel more at ease when ordering food in Chinese restaurants. Well done, Carey !
ORDERING IN A CHINESE RESTAURANT FOR NEWCOMERS
Print this out and carry it with you. Point to the Chinese phrases. These are all common dishes that most Westerners like.
1. SMALL EATERY MEALS
For quick meals. Sometimes surprisingly good. Most dishes about 4 yuan to 10 yuan, menu written on the wall. Individual bowls or plates, each person chooses their own, can be all different. You can use a tissue to wipe the table and your chopsticks. Never mind the state of the walls or floor, you don't eat off them. If they don't give you tea, there's no point in asking for it. Usually a watery soup supplied free with the rest. In some larger places you have to order and pay near the entrance, then go in, sit down and give the ticket to the waitress.
鸡蛋炒饭 egg fried rice
肉丝面 pork noodles
牛肉炒饭 beef fried rice
鸡蛋面 egg noodles
西红柿炒鸡蛋 fried egg + tomatoes
牛肉面 beef noodles
鸡蛋炒葱 fried egg + onions
猪肉炒饭 pork fried rice
牛肉刀削面 beef thick noodle soup
a. (不要辣椒 don't want it full of chilli)
b. (我吃辣 hot is OK)
Only some eateries (restaurants never) serve dumplings,
but they are worth asking for.
二两 is a normal portion.
你有没有饺子? do you have dumplings?
肉饺 meat dumplings
菜饺 vegetable dumplings
锅贴, 炸饺 fried dumplings
抄手 dumplings with soup
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