We understand that before your first visit to China, you may feel a sense of anticipation and excitement, carefully planning your itinerary to include places that appeal to you, including restaurants offering dishes you may have never tried before. At the same time, we recognize that you might have concerns about food safety during your culinary adventures in China.
To help you enjoy the local cuisine during your trip, we’ve prepared the following recommendations:
Choose restaurants with good reputations
Selecting a reputable restaurant is not only a science but also an adventure in discovering food and culture. Food review apps can be invaluable tools in this process. However, if you’re accustomed to using Google Maps or TripAdvisor, you may need to download an alternative app: Dianping (大众点评). Similar to Google Maps, Dianping provides quick access to a restaurant’s ratings, signature dishes, and customer reviews, helping you save time by learning from others’ experiences. (Due to policy restrictions, Google Maps and TripAdvisor may not be as reliable in China, so we do not recommend using them for pre-trip research.)
Consider dining at full-service hotels
If you still feel uncertain about local restaurants, consider dining in the restaurants of full-service hotels such as Marriott, Hilton, or Hyatt. These establishments adhere to strict standards and management practices, making them suitable for travelers with high food safety requirements. In addition to standardized menus, some hotel restaurants also offer fusion cuisine, combining peace of mind with a touch of local flavor.
Refer to the Michelin Guide
The Michelin Guide is another excellent resource for selecting restaurants. Currently, cities in China included in the Michelin Guide are Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Chengdu, Shenzhen, and Hangzhou. Whether you’re looking for fine dining or local specialties, Michelin provides authoritative recommendations.
Be cautious about food allergies
In China, food allergies are often overlooked, and most restaurants do not label ingredients or allergens in their dishes. Travelers with strict dietary restrictions due to allergies should exercise particular caution. We recommend clearly communicating your dietary needs to restaurant staff to ensure accurate information is conveyed.
Adhere to religious dietary requirements
If you follow religious dietary practices, finding restaurants that meet your specific requirements may be challenging. However, there’s no need to worry too much. In major cities such as Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, Xi’an, and Hangzhou, you can find options like halal restaurants, vegetarian establishments, Indian cuisine, Jewish eateries, and Southeast Asian cuisine using tools like Dianping (though the results may be limited).
To make the most of your culinary experience in China, we recommend doing some research in advance using resources like YouTube, Reddit, Dianping, and the Michelin Guide. Don’t hesitate to communicate your needs with restaurant staff—this will help ensure a safe and enjoyable dining experience.
