What Do Chinese People Eat in Restaurants?

As someone who has spent a lot of time in Chinese restaurants, both in China and the United States, I’ve had the chance to explore the wide variety of dishes that Chinese people typically enjoy when dining out. The experience of eating at a Chinese restaurant is very different from what you might expect from an American Chinese takeout menu. There’s so much more to discover—flavors, ingredients, and cooking techniques that many people outside of China may not be familiar with. Let me take you on a journey through the types of dishes Chinese people commonly order when they go out to eat in a restaurant.

1. The Variety of Chinese Restaurant Menus

In China, when people go out to eat, they are often faced with menus that offer an array of options depending on the region. Unlike in the United States, where many Chinese restaurants offer a similar selection of dishes, Chinese restaurant menus in China are often specific to the region or even the city they are located in. For instance, a restaurant in Sichuan will have many spicy, bold-flavored dishes, while a Cantonese restaurant will offer lighter, more subtly flavored dishes. There’s always something for everyone, whether you’re in the mood for savory, sour, sweet, or spicy.

When I first visited a traditional Chinese restaurant in Beijing, I was amazed by the sheer variety of choices. In some cases, the menu can have hundreds of dishes! It wasn’t just about the meat or vegetables—it was about how the dish was cooked and the unique combination of seasonings. The diversity in Chinese cuisine made dining out an exciting experience that I was eager to repeat time and time again.

2. Popular Dishes in Chinese Restaurants

So, what exactly do Chinese people order when they go to a restaurant? While the choices can vary greatly, some dishes are considered staples. Here are a few of the most popular ones:

Hot Pot: Hot pot is one of the most popular dining experiences in China. It’s a communal meal where diners sit around a bubbling pot of broth, adding fresh ingredients like meat, vegetables, and tofu into the pot to cook. It’s a fun and interactive way to dine with friends or family. The variety of broths—from spicy to mild—makes it a versatile dish, enjoyed by people of all tastes.
Dim Sum: This Cantonese specialty is a favorite in many Chinese restaurants, especially for brunch. Dim sum includes a variety of small dishes such as dumplings, buns, rolls, and pastries, often served in bamboo steamers. It’s the perfect way to sample many different flavors in one meal, and it’s a great social dining experience.
Peking Duck: Peking Duck is perhaps one of the most iconic dishes in Chinese cuisine. The duck is roasted to perfection, with crispy skin and tender meat, and is traditionally served with pancakes, hoisin sauce, and sliced vegetables. It’s a dish that is usually shared during special occasions or celebrations.
Stir-Fried Dishes: Stir-frying is a technique commonly used in Chinese cooking, and many restaurants serve stir-fried dishes that include meat, vegetables, and flavorful sauces. One of the most popular stir-fried dishes is Kung Pao Chicken, a spicy, savory dish made with chicken, peanuts, and chili peppers. It’s a dish that balances heat and sweetness, making it a favorite for many.
Mapo Tofu: If you enjoy bold flavors, then Mapo Tofu is a must-try dish. This Sichuan dish features soft tofu in a spicy, aromatic sauce made with fermented beans, chili paste, and Sichuan peppercorns. The combination of spicy and numbing flavors is a signature of Sichuan cuisine, and it’s a dish loved by many Chinese diners.

3. Rice and Noodles: The Essential Staples

Rice and noodles are the backbone of many Chinese meals. In China, rice is often eaten with savory dishes to balance the flavors and provide a satisfying, filling base. There are several types of rice served in Chinese restaurants, with steamed white rice being the most common. It’s served plain, allowing the flavors of the main dishes to take center stage.

Noodles also play an important role in Chinese dining. In fact, noodles are often viewed as a symbol of longevity and are eaten during special celebrations like Chinese New Year. Chinese noodle dishes come in a variety of forms, such as stir-fried, in broth, or served cold. Popular choices include Chow Mein (stir-fried noodles) and Beef Noodle Soup, which features tender beef and flavorful broth.

4. The Role of Vegetables and Tofu

Chinese cuisine is not just about meat—it’s also about incorporating a variety of vegetables and plant-based ingredients into the meal. Vegetables like bok choy, Chinese cabbage, mushrooms, and eggplant are common in many Chinese dishes, offering a balance of flavors and textures. Stir-fried vegetables are often served as a side dish or as part of a larger entrée, making them a healthy and satisfying addition to the meal.

Tofu, made from soybeans, is another staple in Chinese cooking, especially for vegetarians and those seeking a lighter alternative to meat. Tofu can be served in many ways—stir-fried, braised, or even in soup. A popular dish featuring tofu is Braised Tofu with Vegetables, where tofu is cooked with a variety of vegetables and a savory sauce.

5. Regional Differences in Chinese Restaurant Cuisine

One of the most fascinating things about Chinese food is how different the cuisine can be depending on the region. Chinese food is often categorized into several main regional styles, each with its own distinct flavors and ingredients. Here are some examples:

Cantonese Cuisine: Known for its light and delicate flavors, Cantonese food often emphasizes fresh ingredients. Dim sum and Peking Duck are iconic Cantonese dishes, and seafood is often a major feature in this style of cooking.
Sichuan Cuisine: If you love spicy food, Sichuan cuisine is a must-try. It features bold flavors, with an emphasis on chili peppers and Sichuan peppercorns. Dishes like Mapo Tofu and Kung Pao Chicken come from this region.
Shandong Cuisine: Shandong food is known for its emphasis on fresh, seasonal ingredients, and it often incorporates seafood, corn, and millet. It’s a region famous for its soups and broths.
Shanghainese Cuisine: Dishes from Shanghai are often sweet and savory, with a strong focus on braised meats and seafood. One of the most well-known dishes from this region is Shanghainese Sweet and Sour Pork.

6. A Personal Experience with Chinese Restaurant Dining

One of my favorite memories of dining at a Chinese restaurant happened during a visit to Shanghai. I was invited to a traditional family-style meal, where we shared several dishes placed in the center of the table. The meal began with a hot pot that had a fragrant broth bubbling away, with various meats and vegetables added throughout the meal. We also had a large platter of Peking Duck, served with thin pancakes and hoisin sauce. The variety of flavors—from spicy to savory—was something I had never experienced before, and it made the meal even more special.

Throughout the meal, I realized how much Chinese dining revolves around sharing. The communal aspect of Chinese dining—where everyone takes a bit from each dish—creates a sense of togetherness and enjoyment. It’s not just about the food; it’s about the experience and the company you share it with.