Food Delivery Apps in China: Meituan and Ele.me Explained with a Step-by-Step Meituan Guide (2025)

Ordering food delivery is in China already a fundamental part of everyday life. It’s convenient, and millions depend on it to fix their day-to-day meals! The meteoric rise of food delivery apps like Meituan and Ele. me shows just how much China’s food delivery industry is booming. The Chinese delivery service Meituan, which has a broad merchant base and user-friendly interface, serves everything from street snacks to high-end restaurant dishes. Ele. me offers fast delivery and runs frequent discount promotions as well as having a massive selection to choose from. ​

This post is geared towards foreigners who are traveling in China. It includes how to sign-up in some of the food delivery apps, their interface operations, placing an order and tracking its status. Whether you’re yearning for a homestyle classic like Mapo Tofu or just wanting to taste your destination, these insider insights will help you learn how to order food in China being signed with the deliciousness of your choice! Existing users, come back and take a look to travel easily and pleasantly in food delivery ordering!

Which Food Delivery App in China Should You Try First? Let’s Find Out!

Meituan Waimai — The All-in-One Giant for Locals

Meituan Logo

If there’s a king in China’s delivery scene, it’s Meituan. The app is not just about food; it is a super-app that lets you book hotels, buy movie tickets or even get your laundry done. But it is the food section – “外卖” that most locals live on. The design looks like busy, with banners, coupons, and restaurant logos flashing everywhere. But, once you learn the basics, it becomes second nature. You can find anything from 10 RMB noodles to a high-end sushi set. During lunch deliveries, the deals pop up like “满30减15” – which is thirty RMB spent and 15 RMB off and it feels like a little victory every time.

The only tricky part for foreigners is the address input. The format is Chinese flipped: from largest to smallest. My trick? Copy my Airbnb address in Chinese and paste it directly into the app. Once you did that – it remembers you forever. I have not seen the riders call much; they just drop it off, snap a URL-short-looking-photo and leave. You would hear the scooter fade into the traffic while your meal awaits quietly at your door.

Ele.me — Speed, Discounts, and Alipay Integration

Ele.me Logo

The Ele.me feels like Meituan’s twin, only slicker and more integrated with Alipay. If you already use Alipay for metro rides or bubble tea – ordering-through-Ele.me feels almost seamless. The biggest advantage? Speed. Most restaurants on Ele.me’s promise “29分钟达” – which is deliveries within 29 minutes – and somehow they pull it off. You would see the riders in blue jackets stacking three, sometimes four boxes at once, and zigzag in-between the cars like acrobats.

There is an addictive thing about the countdown on Ele. me. You follow the count, watch the courier icon wend across map space, and before you know it your rice bowl is there — still steaming. Ele is often named by foreigners as one of the problem websites under this measure. me seems to have more proactive customer service, perhaps as a function of Alibaba’s ecosystem. Though staying more than a week, connect your TourCard or Visa through Alipay and see which one’s for you; you can start to recognize how cities have their own allegiances — Chengdu likes her Meituan, Shanghai runs Ele. me.

Other Niche Food Delivery Apps — HungryPanda, Dingdong, and Taobao Flash Purchase

Dingdong Logo

HungryPanda is particularly popular with overseas Chinese as well as snacks fans. This app is for the kinds of imported products — mochi, milk tea kits, and Asian snacks that are hard to find elsewhere. It has a delivery network that includes cities like Shanghai, Beijing and Guangzhou. It’s an ideal match for travelers who are pining for home flavors and adept at deploying translation.

Dingdong (叮咚买菜) focuses on fresh groceries and ingredients. In less than 30 minutes, you can have fruits, vegetables, seafood and even scoops of ice cream delivered to your door. Locals rely on it for breakfast prep and last-minute dinners every day. It’s all in Chinese, but menus are visual and easy to get used to after a few times using it.

Taobao Flash Purchase (淘宝闪购) is an instant retail channel inside of Taobao that works in tandem with Ele. me’s delivery system. It will be comfortable to use for travelers who already have an experience with Taobao as it shares the same account and Alipay foreign card payments. Delivering meals, as well as drinks, snacks and daily essentials in 30 to 45 minutes. But the coverage is spotty and mostly confined to big cities, and first-time users must associate their Ele. me premium" to use full options.

Beyond Meituan and Ele.me, these apps are your real travel weapons—read China Travel Apps Guide 2025: Essential Tools for Payment, Transport & Local Tips.

Ready to Order? Here’s Your Foreigner’s Step-by-Step Guide to Meituan in China

Meituan’s main app combines food delivery, groceries, and local services in one place. Although it lacks a multilingual interface, it remains one of the most convenient food delivery apps in China for travelers. The following six-step guide explains everything from opening the app to receiving your food.

Step 1: Preparation — Set Up Tools and Account (5 minutes)

Download the Meituan main app (not Meituan Waimai) from the Apple App Store or Android markets like Huawei or Xiaomi. The logo features a yellow background with black “美团” characters. Tap Login/Register and select mobile registration. Change the country code from +86 to your own, enter your phone number, and verify via SMS. You don’t need a password. Enable international roaming so you can receive codes easily. Once registered, bind your email in My Page for added security.

Set up translation support: install Google Translate or Baidu Translate, and activate on-screen translation. Save common Chinese phrases like “不要辣 no chili” or address templates such as “XX Hotel Front Desk, near XX Road.” Copy and paste them later when needed.

Step 2: Access Food Delivery Channel

Open the Meituan app and look for the horizontal service bar at the top. Tap the “外卖 (Waimai)” icon. This leads you into the delivery section — the same as the standalone app but inside Meituan’s main platform.

Step 3: Add and Save Your Address

On the delivery homepage, tap the address bar at the top and select Add New Address. Click Auto-Location to detect your current spot (hotel or scenic area). If it’s inaccurate, manually enter your address in Chinese order — City → District → Street → Building → Landmark. For example: “北京市朝阳区建国门外大街88号 北京国贸大酒店1楼前台，对面是国贸商城.” In the remarks field, add English hints like “near China World Mall.” Include your full phone number with the international code. Tap Save once done.

Step 4: Select Restaurants and Add Dishes

Back on the delivery page, search restaurants by category or keyword. Type food names in Chinese (“火锅 hotpot,” “奶茶 milk tea”) or brands like McDonald’s or KFC. Large chains often appear in English or pinyin. You can also browse by Cuisine Category such as fast food, Sichuan, or desserts. Inside a restaurant, use the tabs like Hot Sales, Mains, or Drinks to explore.

The “Notes” section during checkout is the key place to communicate your specific requests. Be clear and concise when adding special instructions. For taste preferences, write: “mildly spicy,” “no spice,” or “less salt.” For tableware, specify: “two extra chopsticks,” or “no spoon.” For delivery, note: “leave at the door, no need to knock,” or “deliver to XX convenience store front desk.” If ordering for multiple people, add: “separate packaging” or “include utensils for each meal.”

Make sure your order meets the minimum delivery amount before checkout. Please complete all the above steps when ordering; otherwise, your order may not go through. Pay attention to the app’s prompts—they play a crucial role in ensuring a smooth and pleasant ordering experience!

Step 5: Review and Pay

Tap Checkout (去结算) to review your order. Confirm the address, dishes, and total price. Meituan applies coupons automatically, but you can check them manually. Select a payment method:

Recommended: Alipay with a foreign card. Open Alipay → My → Bank Cards → Add Card and bind Visa, Mastercard, or JCB. Return to Meituan and confirm payment. Transactions up to USD 5,000 are accepted.
Alternative: Top up your Meituan balance with cash at convenience stores like 7-Eleven or Lawson. Tell the cashier “美团充值” and provide your Meituan phone number.

If verification appears, check your SMS for a code. Some cards require enabling cross-border payments in advance. Once confirmed, your payment completes instantly.

You can order delivery, sure—but missing local food would be tragic! Read Your Guide to an Unforgettable Beijing Food Tour.

Step 6: Track and Receive Your Order

After payment, you’ll see the Order Details page showing estimated delivery time and courier location. The blue icon marks your rider’s route. If there’s no update after 15 minutes, tap Contact to reach the restaurant or courier. Send messages such as “请问我的订单什么时候能出餐? (When will my order be ready?)” or “请放在前台 (Leave it at the front desk).”

When notified, pick up your meal at the noted location. Check packaging for damage and confirm your dishes. If something’s missing or wrong, click After-Sales Service (申请售后), choose an issue, upload photos, and describe the problem. Meituan’s support team usually responds within 1–2 hours. Refunds or replacements are fast and easy.

This full workflow ensures smooth ordering via food delivery apps in China, helping foreign travelers navigate language barriers and enjoy fast, reliable service.

For Foreign Travelers — Extra Help You’ll Need

Bring a Chinese eSIM or buy data on Ctrip before you arrive; otherwise, the GPS won’t locate you accurately. Translation apps like Youdao or Google Lens help read Chinese-only menus. If your app freezes at payment, check whether your card supports 3D Secure (some don’t). VPNs are optional for these apps — Meituan and Ele.me work fine in mainland China without one. Most hotels that accept foreigners (labeled “可接待外宾” on Ctrip) have stable Wi-Fi if you prefer ordering indoors.

And yes, don’t fall for fake discounts — those “0 RMB” items usually require multiple purchases. Stick to verified restaurants (4.5★ or higher). If you see an option for “蜂鸟快送” (Ele.me’s in-house riders), pick that — they’re faster and insured.

Due to technical limitations in the software development, we are unable to adjust this Meituan/Ele.me app to a multilingual mode. If you are still unable to place an order even with the assistance of a translation tool, we highly recommend that you seek help from the staff at your hotel's front desk. We are confident they will be happy to provide you with excellent assistance.

Tips for Using Food Delivery Apps in China

Tip 1: Manage Payments and Save on Fees

Before ordering, check if your bank charges international transaction fees when using Alipay or WeChat Pay. Most banks charge between 1% and 3%. To save money, convert a small amount of RMB in advance and recharge your Alipay balance. Always check coupons on Meituan or Ele.me. Use the translation tool to read details like “valid for food merchants only.” For small snacks or drinks, try Taobao Flash Purchase. It has no minimum order fee and offers combo deals, perfect for quick cravings.

Tip 2: Communicate Clearly and Optimize Addresses

When staying in hotels or apartments, send both a photo and your written address through the chat option in food delivery apps in China. Include visible signs or door numbers. If you have allergies, add clear bilingual notes like “Allergy: peanuts, no peanut-containing ingredients.” Save a local contact’s phone number in your app as an emergency contact. This way, if a rider struggles to reach you, your order won’t get delayed.

Tip 3: Handle Delays and After-Sales Issues Fast

If your order seems slow, open the “Order Log” to check progress. You’ll see updates like “Restaurant is cooking” or “Rider on the way.” If there’s no movement after 15 minutes, contact support directly. For refunds, upload food photos and your order screenshot showing the restaurant name and time. This helps staff verify quickly. At night, search for “24-hour restaurants” to avoid canceled orders. Delivery fees may increase slightly after 10 p.m., so confirm before checkout.

Tip 4: Upgrade Your Local Food Experience

Look for labels such as “Local Favorites” or “Regional Cuisine” on Meituan or Ele.me. Try dishes like hot dry noodles or Luosifen for authentic flavors. If you plan to go out, use the “Scheduled Delivery” feature to choose a specific delivery time. Add notes like “If early, leave at the front desk.” Also, choose “No cutlery needed” when possible. It reduces waste and keeps your order simple while helping the environment.

FAQs — Common Questions About Food Delivery Apps in China

Q: What is the largest food delivery service in China?

Meituan is the biggest among all food delivery apps in China. It covers almost every city, offering meals, groceries, and even hotel bookings. Ele.me ranks second and works closely with Alipay for smooth payments. Both apps deliver fast, usually within 30 minutes. Locals trust Meituan for reliability, while travelers prefer Ele.me for easier navigation. Together, they define how people eat and live daily in China.

Q: What apps can foreigners use for food delivery in China?

Foreigners mainly use Meituan and Ele.me, the two most popular food delivery apps in China. Both accept Alipay and WeChat Pay. Sherpa’s offers English support and Western menus but costs more. Hema and Dingdong are great for fresh groceries. Each app offers discounts for first-time users. If you stay longer, learning a few Chinese words helps a lot during checkout.

Q: Can I order food without a Chinese bank card?

Yes, you can easily do that on food delivery apps in China. Use Alipay TourCard or WeChat Pay International to pay with Visa or Mastercard. You only need your passport to register. The process is fast and user-friendly. Once your card connects, ordering feels simple. You can track your meal and pay in seconds.

Q: Is Meituan only for food delivery?

No, Meituan offers much more than just food. Among food delivery apps in China, it’s an all-in-one lifestyle tool. You can book hotels, movie tickets, and even massages. The app’s design feels crowded but efficient once you get used to it. Tourists love its variety, locals love its convenience. It’s part of daily life here.

Q: Can I use Alipay to order food in China?

Absolutely, you can use Alipay on all major food delivery apps in China. Ele.me connects directly with Alipay, making payments quick. Meituan also accepts Alipay through TourCard. Both methods support Visa and Mastercard. Before checkout, confirm your address and card details. You’ll get real-time updates once your meal is on the way.

Q: Is there an English version of Meituan or Ele.me?

Not yet, but translation tools make food delivery apps in China simple to use. Use Google Lens or WeChat translation to scan text. Menus always include dish photos, which helps a lot. You’ll soon recognize basic food words like noodles or dumplings. Ordering becomes easier with practice. After a few tries, it feels natural.

Q: How fast does delivery usually take?

Most food delivery apps in China deliver in 25–40 minutes. Timing depends on traffic and weather. Urban areas like Shanghai and Chengdu are faster than smaller cities. Riders move quickly through narrow streets, guided by app navigation. Ordering before peak hours saves time. The speed still surprises many first-time users.

Q: Are food delivery apps in China safe to use?

Yes, they’re very safe. All major food delivery apps in China encrypt your data and mask your number. Payments through Alipay or WeChat Pay are secure. Your personal info stays private. Millions use these apps daily without issues. Following basic steps, like checking restaurant ratings, keeps you safe every time.

Q: Can I get food late at night?

Yes, late-night food delivery is common in big cities. Many food delivery apps in China run 24/7. After 10 p.m., options shift to barbecue, noodles, and local snacks. Some restaurants even offer special midnight menus. Delivery stays fast and affordable. Late-night orders are part of local nightlife culture.

Q: What should I do if my order goes wrong?

If something goes wrong, don’t worry. Open your food delivery apps in China and find the “problem order” button. Choose your issue, and customer service will reply fast. Refunds appear quickly through the same payment method. Use Google Lens to translate if needed. Communication stays easy, even without perfect Chinese.