How to Book a Table in China if You're a Foodie?

Hey, food lovers! Dreaming of an unforgettable dining experience in China but don't know where to start? Don't worry, I've got you covered! As a true foodie, let me tell you, booking a restaurant in China isn't a walk in the park, especially if you don't speak Chinese. But hang tight, follow my guide, and you'll be savoring a Michelin-worthy meal in no time!

How to Find Your Dream Restaurant?

First things first, we need to find that perfect spot. Here are a few tricks up my sleeve:

1. Check the rankings

The Michelin Guide needs no introduction, right? But don't stop there! Meituan's Black Pearl list is also a goldmine. These rankings are the "holy grail" of the food world, and the listed restaurants won't disappoint.

2. Use TeaTeaLand

This is a travel planning platform specifically for international tourists. You can check out other people's itineraries and restaurant choices. They even offer restaurant booking and set menu purchase services by locals.

Once you've found an interesting restaurant, don't rush to book. Check out the menu first! Many restaurants offer set menus on Dianping or Meituan, usually for two or four people. These sets often include the restaurant's signature dishes and are cheaper than ordering à la carte. The best part? You just need to show the QR code for your purchased set menu to enjoy your meal, no language barrier to worry about!

How to Book a Restaurant?

Alright, you've chosen your restaurant and eyed the menu. Now comes the tricky part - booking. To be honest, if you don't speak Chinese, this can be quite a challenge. Let me break down your options:

1. Phone booking

If you can't speak Chinese, this is practically impossible. Unless you have a Chinese-speaking friend willing to help, you might want to skip this option.

2. Online booking

Some Michelin restaurants, especially those in five-star hotels, offer online booking. However, most independent Michelin restaurants don't provide this service. In this case, you can try booking through Dianping or Meituan. But these platforms are in Chinese, so you might still need a Chinese-speaking friend to help. If you can't find anyone, try the Meituan mini-program in Alipay - it has an English interface which makes things easier.

But heads up, many high-end restaurants require you to choose your dishes 1-2 days in advance. They might ask to add you on WeChat and send you the menu to choose from. If you can't read Chinese menus, this step could be a real headache.

Sounds complicated, doesn't it? Don't lose heart, I've got an ultimate solution for you - TeaTeaLand!

Booking a restaurant through TeaTeaLand is super easy. You just need to tell them which restaurant you want to go to, and they'll take care of all the booking details. Not only that, they'll help you find the restaurant's menu, and if there are discounted set menus, they can even purchase them for you in advance. This way, when you arrive at the restaurant, you just need to show the QR code, and then sit back and wait for your delicious meal to arrive! It's a lazy foodie's dream come true!

In conclusion, booking a high-end restaurant in China can be a bit complex, especially for non-Chinese speakers. But with the right approach, you can definitely make it happen. Remember, choosing the right restaurant and set menu is key, and if you find the booking process too troublesome, try a service platform like TeaTeaLand.

Lastly, I want to remind everyone that the charm of good food isn't just about the taste, but the entire dining experience. So, don't just focus on taking photos for your social media - make sure to truly enjoy your culinary moment! Wishing you a fantastic foodie journey in China, and don't forget to share your food photos with me!