What the Chinese Eat for Lunch

You may find that lunchtime in China is a bit different than in your hometown. The fast-paced lifestyle in modern China has contributed to common practice for a quick lunch. Lunchtime for students and workers alike are meant to be fast-paced to accommodate a busy daily schedule. Eating lunch at a cafeteria or having quick delivery will accommodate many Chinese people in the modern age. There is a selection of unique Chinese meals that are made to be nutritious, filling, and quick to prepare and eat.

What Time is Lunch Normally Served in China?

It is common to find Chinese people having their lunch break at around 12-2pm, this is similar to Western countries. This is the time where most schools and businesses let out for a brief lunch. While school lunch is consistently timed, work lunch can vary greatly. Modern Chinese workers are often quite busy with their daily scheduling and might need to adjust their lunch period accordingly or even eat a meal at their desk.

Bringing Lunch versus Buying Lunch

Commonly, families will make larger meals that can act as leftovers for the weekdays ahead. A large family meal leads to many leftovers that are great to take to work. Some families will also prepare meals the night before to take for lunch. Carrying lunch to work is a generally accepted practice, but the wide variety of affordable and quick meals for purchase also saves a lot of time and effort after a long day’s work.

Aside from packing a meal, the large amount of food available for speedy delivery makes for great purchased lunch from any restaurant you like. Ordering food for delivery is easier than ever with a wide range of APPs built entirely for food and grocery delivery. Nearly every restaurant is accessible on these applications. This makes for easy ordering and delivery where you do not even need to leave work or school. Regardless of what you are craving, great meals are at your fingertips with a selection of food from these mobile ordering platforms.

What to Expect From Chinese Lunch

Across China, you will find many dishes that have region-specific popularity or country-wide favoritism. Here are some of the more popular dishes that can be found throughout China:

A Variety of Noodles

Noodle dishes are no stranger to Chinese lunch time. From fried noodles to cold noodle dishes, there are a variety of dishes that are prepared quickly to give a delicious set of flavors and essential nutrients. Noodle dishes have many different regional influences, but it is easy to find both meat filled plates or vegetarian options.

Dumplings or Steamed Buns

One of the easiest ways to have a fast lunch is through a set of steamed or fried dumplings. Dumplings are delicious when paired with a variety of sauces to give the meats and veggie contents a rich flavor. This is a super popular fast food lunch option, as restaurants and convenience stores have a wide selection of dumplings and steamed buns available immediately.

Canteen Cuisine

It is convenient and cost-saving to eat in a cafeteria. Cafeterias are great places to try an assortment of foods all in one meal. Normally schools or offices will have cafeterias ready for a large number of patrons. At a cafeteria, you will be able to choose from main and side dishes to complete your tray and fill your stomach with an assortment of tasty Chinese lunch foods.

Shared Meals

Lunch is a perfect time to join with a group of friends or coworkers to order a collection of dishes and share across the table. When there is a longer time available for lunch, or a special occasion to celebrate, such as business lunches, family or friend reunion, or the desire to eat a fancy meal, a larger shared meal is the go-to lunch option. Friends and Co-workers get together to have a shared meal at a restaurant they choose. One of the most popular options is Hot Pot. Hot Pot is a great way to enjoy a variety of meats and tasty tofu and veggies boiled and cooked directly in the provided soup. There are many styles of hot pot, among which traditional Sichuan style being one of the favorites.

Regional Favorites

When travelling around China, one of the most unique experiences you will have is enjoying food that is signature to each province. Chinese food have spread in popularity, but different regions have individualized these dishes to reflect their food and agriculture strengths. Some examples of these regional dishes and lunch favorites are:

• Guilin Oil Tea: A tea made famous by the Yao ethnic group in the southern provinces. This tea is made simply of oil and tea in combination. Enjoy this warm drink that will keep you cozy in the colder months and keep you healthy year round.
• Cantonese Dim Sum: Small portion plates that add up to one large and diverse meal. This is a great way to experience a meal of many flavors and textures. A perfect choice for larger parties too!
• Eastern China Wontons: A relative of the dumpling, wontons are tasty packages of meat and veggies. There are many ways to eat wontons, one of the most popular is wonton soup, combining a delicious broth with loaded wontons for overall amazing flavor.
• Northern China Wheat Dishes: In the Northern Provinces of China, there is a lot of talent in making dishes that are made of wheat rather than rice. Steamed buns with or without stuffing, dumplings, noodles, steamed twisted rolls, pancakes, and Chinese style hamburgers all are cooked with wheat based recipes in Northern China.

Northern and Southern China have different meals and eating habits regardless of the time of day. Noodles and Rice Dishes are some of the most popular options available, but there are some slight differences in the meals depending on your location. Aside from the taste difference (Northern Salty vs. Southern Sweet or Spicy), there are some differences in the ingredients that make eating food in China very unique.

The Cost of Lunch in China

One of the most surprising qualities of lunch food in China is an extremely affordable price. These simple and quick meals are not only great for your stomach and body, but they are great for your wallet too! A full-sized meal could cost anywhere between 20-50RMB at a more local restaurant.

Recommended Places to Experience Chinese Lunch in Popular Travel Cities

Beijing

Beijing Roast Duck

In Beijing, visitors can wander historic districts such as Qianmen Street, Yandai Xiejie, Nanluoguxiang and Shichahai. Taste authentic Beijing delicacies at time-honored eateries, local shops and specialty snack streets.

Recommended Dishes

Zhajiangmian (Noodles with Soy Bean Paste): Hand-rolled noodles served with rich soybean paste and fresh vegetables, offering rich layers of textures and flavours.
Dumplings: A popular lunch staple in northern China and a timeless favourite for family gatherings.
Beijing Roast Duck: Beijing’s signature dish. Travellers can experience the traditional custom of slicing the duck and wrapping the meat in pancakes during lunch.

Shanghai

Shengjian Bao

Compared with formal banquets, many local Shanghainese prefer simple yet delicious lunches at neighborhood restaurants, snack shops and time-honored eateries. Visitors can head to Yuyuan Bazaar, Wukang Road, Wujiang Road Food Street and other areas to enjoy an authentic Shanghainese lunch and experience Shanghai’s unique culinary culture.

Recommended Dishes

Xiaolongbao (Soup Dumplings): Thin wrappers stuffed with generous fillings and abundant soup, one of Shanghai’s most iconic delicacies.
Shengjian Bao (Pan-Fried Pork Buns): Golden-brown crispy bases with tender fillings inside, a beloved daily staple among Shanghainese.
Crab Roe Noodles: Tender chewy noodles tossed with luscious crab roe. Rich and flavoursome, it is a popular seasonal noodle specialty in Shanghai during autumn.

Chengdu

Kung Pao Chicken

Chengdu is famous for its diverse Sichuan cuisine and laid-back lifestyle. Near popular attractions such as Kuanzhai Alleys and Jinli Ancient Street, visitors can dine at local restaurants and street-side eateries to savour authentic Sichuan flavours. After lunch, you may drop by a teahouse for tea and experience Chengdu’s slow-paced way of life.

Recommended Dishes

Mapo Tofu: A classic Sichuan dish infused with the aroma of chilli and Sichuan peppercorn, featuring numbing, spicy and savoury flavours.
Kung Pao Chicken: Stir-fried chicken with peanuts and chillies, boasting a balanced sweet, sour and mildly spicy taste. It ranks among the most iconic Sichuan dishes.
Sichuan Hot Pot: A specialty best shared among groups. Enjoy China’s unique social dining culture amid steaming hot pot.

Xi’an

Roujiamo

Lunch here features noodles, snacks and traditional handmade foods. After visiting historic attractions such as the Terracotta Army and Xi’an City Wall, you can enjoy distinctive lunch near Muslim Quarter and Sajinqiao Food Street.

Recommended Dishes

Roujiamo (Chinese Hamburger): Crispy outside and soft inside, the baked white bun is stuffed with slow-braised meat. It is one of Xi’an’s most iconic street foods.
Biangbiang Noodles: Wide, chewy handmade noodles seasoned with chilli and condiments.
Yangrou Paomo (Lamb Soup with Crumbled Flatbread): Break flatbread into pieces and soak them in lamb broth, a traditional specialty of Xi’an.

Guangzhou

Rice Noodle Rolls

In Guangzhou, lunch is more than a meal — it serves as an important social occasion. Visitors can head to Beijing Road Pedestrian Street, Shangxiajiu Pedestrian Street and other areas. Order a pot of tea alongside assorted dim sum at a traditional teahouse to immerse yourself in unique Cantonese culinary culture.

Recommended Dishes

Har Gow (Shrimp Dumplings): A classic Cantonese dim sum with translucent wrappers and delicious fillings.
Char Siu Bao (Barbecued Pork Buns): Soft steamed buns filled with moderately sweet and savoury barbecued pork, one of the iconic Cantonese tea snacks.
Rice Noodle Rolls: Smooth and delicate in texture, a popular breakfast and lunch option in Guangdong.

Recommended Tour：Guangzhou Gourmet Food Tour

Hangzhou

Dongpo Pork

Visitors can savour local delicacies at restaurants and tea villages near Hefang Street, Southern Song Imperial Street and West Lake.

Recommended Dishes

Dongpo Pork: A traditional Hangzhou dish slow-braised until exceptionally tender.
Longjing Shrimp: Fresh tender shrimp infused with the fragrance of Hangzhou Longjing tea.
West Lake Vinegar Fish: A classic local specialty of Hangzhou.

Guilin

Guilin Rice Noodles

Visitors can head to Dongxi Alley and Zhengyang Pedestrian Street to taste authentic Guilin flavours at local restaurants and specialty snack shops, and get a feel for the local way of life through food.

Recommended Dishes

Guilin Rice Noodles: One of the most popular daily staples for locals in Guilin, featuring smooth noodles with a distinctive flavour.
Oil Tea: A traditional drink of ethnic minorities including the Yao people, carrying strong regional characteristics.
Beer Fish: A signature dish of Yangshuo prepared with fresh Li River fish, boasting delicious flavour.

With tailor-made services offered by China Educational Tours, travellers can join exclusive China Food Tours or Cultural Tours in China. Venture deep into local eateries, traditional markets and distinctive neighbourhoods to explore regional culinary cultures and enjoy a more authentic travel experience in China.

Conclusion

Lunchtime is especially important due to the positive health benefits that come with having a large and healthy meal. Added energy gets people through their busy work and school days. There are a variety of domestic and international food options to enjoy around China. Exploring the country through the vast amounts of unique foods is one of the most enjoyable ways to further understand the culture and history of China.