Finding Local Food: How to Avoid Tourist Restaurants

Five Reliable Signals

• Proportion of Locals: The most reliable indicator. Between 12:00—13:00, see whether the people in the restaurant are tourists or local office workers/residents.
• Signage in Chinese only with no English menu: In China, this often means the restaurant caters to local business.
• Only a few items on the menu: Restaurants with short menus and few items usually do it well. Places with thick menus like a book are often mediocre.
• Been open for many years: The turnover in China’s restaurant industry is high; small restaurants that can run for over ten years usually have something genuine.
• People in line speak the local accent: The line itself is not an indicator; it’s the composition of the crowd that matters.

Four Warning Signs

• People at the entrance soliciting customers: A reputable restaurant doesn’t need this.
• Within 50 meters of the main entrance of a scenic area: The rent determines everything; this location has very low cost-effectiveness.
• Multilingual menu with pictures: Tourist pricing.
• "Centennial Old Brand" signs all over the street: Genuine old brands are registered trademarks and won’t be overused.

Practical Methods

• Walk 500 meters outside the scenic area: This is the dividing line for cost-effectiveness.
• Use Dianping (owned by Meituan): China’s most comprehensive restaurant database. Look at ratings, number of reviews, recent reviews; don’t just rely on ratings (as they can be faked).
• Check the "average per person": Dianping shows average spending per person, the most direct way to judge quality.
• Ask the hotel front desk: “Where would you go to eat after work?” — This question is more effective than any app.
• Ask drivers and tour guides: But be aware they might have partner restaurants (commission), so take advice but decide for yourself.
• Look around local markets: There are always good small restaurants around Chinese markets, which is a general rule.

Types of Restaurants in China

• Breakfast: Chinese breakfasts are extremely rich. Wuhan hot dry noodles, Xi'an roujiamo with spicy soup, Cantonese dim sum, Shanghai pan-fried buns, Chengdu spicy intestine noodles. Breakfast is the time when local foods are most concentrated.
• Snack streets and night markets: Tourist-oriented snack streets have mixed quality, but city night markets (such as around Xi'an Muslim Quarter and Chengdu Jianshe Alley) still have good food.
• Fly restaurants: In Chengdu, this refers to small restaurants with simple environments but extremely good taste. There are corresponding versions all over China.
• Chains vs Independents: Chains (like Haidilao, Xibei) provide stable quality, good service, and mid-to-high prices; independent small restaurants taste better but are less consistent.
• Delivery: Meituan and Ele.me can deliver to hotels, and their rating systems are also usable.

Ordering and Costs

• See the "Ordering Practice" section for portion rules.
• Reference per person: Street snacks 15—30 RMB/meal; small restaurant full meal 40—80 RMB; mid-range restaurant 80—150 RMB; high-end 200 RMB or above.
• Tea and napkins: Most restaurants provide free tea or charge 2—5 RMB/person; napkins are often charged, and the fee can be waived if not used.
• Payment: For most QR code ordering systems, payment is done at the table by scanning the code; in traditional restaurants, you need to call the waiter for the "bill".