【Learn Chinese】Are you hungry? Let’s order some Food!

Ordering takeout in China is incredibly convenient, thanks to the widespread use of food delivery apps like Meituan (美团 - Méituán) and Ele.me (饿了么 - Èleme). These apps offer a vast selection of cuisines and make it easy to get delicious meals delivered right to your doorstep.
Here’s a comprehensive guide on how to order takeout using these apps, along with some essential Chinese vocabulary to help you navigate the process.

1. Registering an Account
Once you downloaded 下载 (xiàzài) and installed 安装 (ānzhuāng) one of the above-mentioned apps, you’ll need to create an account. You can register using your mobile phone number. The app will send you a verification code via SMS.
注册 (zhùcè): Register
手机号码 (shǒuhào mǎ): Mobile phone number
验证码 (yànzhèngmǎ): Verification code

2. Setting Up Your Delivery Address
Add your delivery address to ensure your food is delivered to the correct location. You can save multiple addresses.
地址 (dǐzhǐ): Address
保存 (bǎocún): Save

3. Browsing and Selecting Restaurants
Open the app and browse through the list of available restaurants. You can filter by cuisine type, distance, or ratings.
餐厅 (cāntīng): Restaurant
筛选 (shāixuǎn): Filter
菜系 (càixì): Cuisine type
距离 (jùlí): Distance
评分 (pīnfēn): Rating

4. Placing Your Order
Select Dishes: Add your desired dishes to the shopping cart. Customize your order by selecting options like portion size or additional ingredients.
Review and Confirm: Check your order in the shopping cart and add any special instructions.
Payment: Choose your preferred payment method, such as Alipay (支付宝 - Zhīfubǎo) or WeChat Pay (微信支付 - Wēixìn zhīfù).
点菜 (diǎncài): Order dishes
确认 (quèrèn): Confirm
支付 (zhīfù): Pay

5. Tracking Your Order
After placing your order, you can track its status in real-time. The app will notify you when the restaurant accepts the order, when the food is ready, and when the delivery person is on the way.
订单 (dìngdān): Order
状态 (zhuàngtài): Status
通知 (tōngzhī): Notification
外卖员 (wàimài yuán): Delivery person

6. Receiving Your Food
When your food arrives, check the items to ensure everything is correct. If you encounter any issues, you can contact customer service through the app.
收货 (shōuhuò): Receive
核对 (héduì): Check
客服 (kèfú): Customer service

Ordering takeout in China is incredibly convenient, thanks to these user-friendly apps. With a few taps on your phone, you can enjoy a wide variety of delicious meals without leaving your home. By learning these key Chinese phrases, you’ll be able to navigate the process smoothly and enjoy your meal even more. Happy ordering!