Navigating Shanghai restaurants can be daunting when you can't read Chinese. Ever stared at a menu, wondering if you're ordering chicken or fish? You're not alone. This guide will show you how to confidently explore Shanghai's vibrant culinary scene, even without speaking the language.

We'll cover where to eat, how to order, and what to do when things don't go as planned. Get ready to enjoy Shanghai's best restaurants like a local! For more general advice on visiting China, check out our comprehensive tips for visiting China.

Part 1: Your First Meal in Shanghai Restaurants - Guaranteed Success

The Easiest First Restaurant: Ren He Guan (人和馆)

Why start here:

• Michelin 1-star restaurant (as of 2024)
• Historic Shanghai restaurant with over 150 years of history
• Offers classic Shanghai and Huaiyang cuisine
• English menu available with pictures
• Friendly staff with some English-speaking ability
• Located in the popular Yunnan Road Food Street

How to Order Here:

1. Ask for the English menu (有英文菜单吗？- Yǒu yīngwén càidān ma?)

2. Must-try dishes:

• Eight Treasure Duck (八宝鸭 - Bā bǎo yā)
• Braised Pork in Brown Sauce (红烧肉 - Hóngshāo ròu)
• Crab Roe Tofu (蟹粉豆腐 - Xiè fěn dòufu)

3. Point to items on the menu to order

4. For special requests, use the translation app on your phone

5. Confirm your order by repeating dish names or showing the menu items to the server

Pro Tip: Arrive early or make a reservation, as it can get busy during peak hours.

Part 2: Essential Apps & Tools

Before You Leave Home:

Download these translate apps:

• Google Translate (offline Chinese pack)
• Youdao Translator(Official Site)
• Baidu Translate (Official App Download Site)

Save these images on your phone:

• "I don't eat spicy food" (不要辣)
• "Please bring the bill" (买单)
• Your hotel's address in Chinese

Smart Ordering Tools:

• Take a photo of any Chinese menu with Google Translate
• Show pictures from Bon App to your server
• Point to what others are eating (totally acceptable here)

Part 3: Language-Friendly Restaurant Guide

For Solo Diners:

BAKER &SPICE

• Why it's perfect: Counter seating, English menu, order by pointing
• What to get: Their signature rice bowls
• Price: ¥60-80
• Address: 195 Anfu Road (安福路195号)

For Groups:

Lost Heaven

• Why it's perfect: Big portions meant for sharing, English menu
• Smart move: Take a picture of each dish on the menu you want
• Price: ¥200-300/person
• Address: 17 Yan'an East Road (延安东路17号)

For Local Food Without the Stress:

Jia Jia Tang Bao

• Why it's perfect: Only sells soup dumplings, just point at what you want
• Pro tip: Look at others' tables and hold up the same number of fingers
• Price: ¥30-50
• Address: 90 Huanghe Road (黄河路90号)

Part 4: How to Handle Common Problems

When There's No English Menu:

1. Use this exact phrase: "Do you have an English menu?"
   (Show your phone: 有英文菜单吗?)
2. If no, try this strategy:

• Open Google Translate camera
• Point at menu items
• Look for dishes with pictures
• Or show these basic words:
  • Chicken 鸡
  • Beef 牛肉
  • Noodles 面
  • Rice 米饭

When the Bill Comes:

1. Universal hand signal: Mime writing in the air
2. Show this on your phone: 买单 (pay bill)
3. Payment options (in order of convenience):

• Cash (always works)
• International credit cards (high-end places only)
• WeChat/Alipay (if you've set it up)

Emergency Food Phrases (with Audio Links):

• "Too spicy!" 太辣了 (Click to hear pronunciation)
• "Water please" 要水 (Click to hear pronunciation)
• "Bathroom?" 洗手间? (Click to hear pronunciation)

Part 5: Quick Solutions for Common Situations

When You're Really Hungry but Can't Read Anything:

1. Find a restaurant with pictures in the window
2. Point to what looks good
3. Show this number: 1 (一份)
4. Wait for food

When You Want to Try Street Food:

1. Find a stall with a line of locals
2. Take a photo of what others are ordering
3. Show the photo to the vendor
4. Hold up one finger for one portion

Expert Tips:

The Picture Method:

• Create an album on your phone called "Shanghai Food"
• Save pictures of dishes you want to try
• Show pictures to servers
• Take pictures of dishes you enjoy for future reference

The Point-and-Nod Technique:

• Walk around the restaurant
• Point at other diners' dishes you like
• Smile and nod
• The server will understand

For Adventurous Eaters:

• Save this phrase: "What's popular here?" (这里最有名的菜是什么?)
• Point at other tables' food and give thumbs up
• Learn the character for "spicy" (辣) to avoid surprises

Last-Resort Options:

• McDonald's: 24/7, English menus, Western toilets
• Element Fresh: Western food, English-speaking staff
• Hotel Restaurants: Usually have English service

Remember: In Shanghai restaurants, pointing at food and smiling will get you further than you think. Don't be afraid to gesture, point at other tables' dishes, or show pictures. That's exactly what locals do when trying new places! Hope you find your love shanghai resturants

Updated: October 2024 - Verified all restaurants still open and serving English-friendly meals