The menu is all in Chinese and you can't read it
You sit down and the menu is entirely in Chinese with no pictures. Use camera translate, ask for recommendations, or find a picture menu.
Menus are often Chinese-only, even in big cities.
What you'll see
If every dish is written in characters you cannot read, you are flying blind on what you order:
Why it happens
Most local restaurants, even in big cities, print menus only in Chinese. Picture menus exist but are not always available.
This case's complete fix is free above. The other 61 cases, the decision tree, and the offline kit are $9.99.
The full fix sequence (free)
- Use Google Translate's camera mode and point it at the menu for live translation.
- Ask for recommendations — show “有什么推荐？” and point at another diner's dish.
- Ask for a picture menu — “有图片菜单吗？”
- Fall back to a chain (McDonald's, KFC, Haidilao) that has English or picture menus.
When phrases alone aren't enough
In the kitWhen the menu has no pictures, the kit gives the camera-translate steps and a picture-menu phrase that works everywhere.
1. The lookup table
Every common restaurant and travel phrase, with the exact Chinese to show — not just hear.
2. The trigger matrix
Which situation needs which phrase, so you show the right one first.
3. Offline printable version
The whole phrase kit as a printable card for low-signal moments.
The notice is on the wall. The parcel still has your name on it.
Ask it once, get one answer — not four things to read.
Voice first, screen second — the screen is what actually lands.
If nothing works
If translation still leaves you unsure:
- Point at a dish on a neighbouring table and show “我要这个”.
- Ask the waiter to take a photo of the dish you mean.
- Use a chain restaurant where the menu is in English or has pictures.
Four levels deep — being understood never rests on one try.
Pointing at the screen is understood everywhere.
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Most travellers know about three of these before they fly. This one is often not one of them.