Vegetarian and vegan
Chinese vegetarian food exists (Buddhist restaurants, tofu dishes, vegetable stir-fries), but meat stock, lard, oyster sauce and dried shrimp are common. Say “我吃素，不要肉、鱼、虾、肉汤、猪油” and show a translation card. Pure vegan is harder; check sauces and broths.
Halal
Look for “清真” signs and Muslim restaurants, especially in areas with Hui/Uyghur communities. Confirm meat source and avoid dishes cooked with pork fat. In major cities, international hotels and Middle Eastern restaurants are reliable.
Gluten-free and allergies
Wheat is everywhere (noodles, dumplings, soy sauce). Rice-based dishes are safer, but cross-contamination is possible. Peanut and shellfish allergies are common; carry a written Chinese card and medication. Always ask, and avoid buffets where cross-contact is likely.
Reality check
“Vegetable” does not mean vegetarian; stock, lard and oyster sauce are common.
Local tip: Carry a Chinese dietary card and show it before ordering.
Step by step
- Learn/show a Chinese dietary card.
- Choose a cuisine that fits (Buddhist/halal/Indian).
- Ask about stock, lard, soy sauce and peanuts.
- Order rice-based dishes if gluten-free.
- Carry medication for severe allergies.
- Avoid buffets if cross-contact is a risk.
Typical costs
| Item | Cost / note |
|---|---|
| Vegetarian meal | US$5–15 |
| Halal meal | US$8–20 |
| Gluten-free/imported | US$15–40 |
Prices are indicative and change. Confirm with the official provider before paying.
Documents to prepare
- Dietary card in Chinese
- Allergy medication
- Translation app
Common mistakes
- Assuming “vegetable” means no meat stock
- Not asking about peanuts
- Assuming soy sauce is gluten-free
- Eating at buffets with severe allergies
If things go wrong
- If you accidentally eat meat, stop and take medicine if prescribed; seek care for severe reactions.
- If a restaurant cannot accommodate you, leave and find a specialist.
FAQ
Is it hard to be vegan?
In big cities, no; in smaller towns, it takes planning. Buddhist restaurants and international cafés help.
Is halal food easy to find?
In Muslim neighbourhoods and big cities, yes; elsewhere, check carefully.
Eating well: the field guide
Chinese food is regional, seasonal and often shared. The best strategy is to order a few dishes for the table, ask about spice and allergies, and eat where locals are eating.
Order for the table
In a group, order one dish per person plus rice or noodles, and share. In a solo trip, choose set meals, noodle shops or food courts. Menus with photos are your friend; camera translation handles the rest. Ask “Is this spicy?” before ordering a dish covered in chillies.
Dietary needs
“Vegetable” does not mean vegetarian: meat stock, lard and oyster sauce are common. Carry a Chinese card explaining your diet. For halal, look for 清真 signs and Muslim restaurants. For gluten-free, rice-based dishes are safer, but soy sauce and cross-contact remain risks.
Hygiene and water
Busy restaurants with high turnover are usually a good sign. Drink bottled or boiled water if you have a sensitive stomach; ice is common in cities but can be tap-water ice in smaller places. Street food is part of the experience; choose stalls with queues and freshly cooked food.
Quick checks
- Dietary/allergy card in Chinese
- Spice level confirmed
- Bottled/boiled water for sensitive stomachs
- Busy, high-turnover restaurant
- Payment method ready before ordering
Printable checklist
Print this page or save it as a PDF. Tick each item before you go.
- Dietary card in Chinese
- Allergy medication
- Translation app
- Learn/show a Chinese dietary card.
- Choose a cuisine that fits (Buddhist/halal/Indian).
- Ask about stock, lard, soy sauce and peanuts.
- Order rice-based dishes if gluten-free.
- Carry medication for severe allergies.
- Avoid buffets if cross-contact is a risk.
This guide is a practical summary, not an official or legal document. Rules and prices change. Use the official links below, and confirm with the relevant authority or a qualified professional.
Last verified 2026-10-29. China Handbook is independent and not affiliated with any government. Information is provided for general guidance only.