How to Order Food Delivery in China (The Easy Way)

Food delivery in China is fast, affordable, and widely used—but many delivery apps are only available in Chinese and can be difficult to navigate at first. From experience, the most reliable and foreigner-friendly way to order food is through Alipay mini programs.

Why Use Alipay Mini Programs

Alipay functions as an all-in-one app in China. Inside Alipay, you can access food delivery services through built-in mini programs, which work without downloading separate apps and tend to be more stable for non-Chinese users.

Most standalone delivery apps (such as Meituan or Ele.me) are primarily in Chinese and may require additional setup. Using them through Alipay simplifies the process.

Step-by-Step: Ordering Food via Alipay

1. Open Alipay
   Make sure your Alipay account is set up and verified. This will be done during the retreat onboarding if you’re not already set up.

2. Search for Food Delivery
   In the Alipay search bar, paste in keywords like:

   • 外卖 (food delivery)

   • 美团外卖 (Meituan delivery)

   • 饿了么 (Ele.me)

   Tap the mini program that appears.

3. Confirm Your Delivery Address
   Your hotel address will already be saved or can be selected easily. In China, delivery is extremely precise—make sure your room or pickup location is correct.

4. Browse & Order

   • Use photos and prices to choose dishes

   • You can translate screens using your phone’s built-in translation if needed

   • Most restaurants offer single meals and set menus

5. Pay in Alipay
   Payment is seamless and instant. No tipping is required.

6. Receive Your Food
   Delivery is usually very fast (20–40 minutes).
   Food is typically delivered to your room in the hotel.

What to Expect

• Cost: Most meals range from $3–8 USD

• Speed: Very fast compared to many countries

• Variety: Enormous—Chinese food, snacks, drinks, desserts, and even Western options

• Language: Mostly Chinese, but manageable with visuals and translation tools

Once you’ve done it once or twice, ordering food delivery in China becomes second nature—and many people end up using it daily.