Here’s How to Use Ele.me Food Delivery in China

Traveloka MY
3 min read

Tired after a long day exploring the Great Wall, or just not in the mood to leave your comfy hotel bed? Welcome to the magic of Ele.me, China’s go-to food delivery app that brings local eats straight to your door.

No matter you’re after sizzling dumplings or bubble tea with all the toppings, this guide has you covered on how to order like a local (even if you can’t read Chinese).

What is Ele.me and Why Travellers Love It

Ele.me (say it like “uh-le-ma”, which cheekily means “Are you hungry?” in Mandarin) is one of China’s most popular food delivery apps—and an absolute lifesaver for travellers with way more options and unbeatable speed.

What makes it a favourite? You can order from thousands of local restaurants, cafés, bubble tea shops, and even convenience stores. It’s available in most major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and beyond—so you’re never too far from a tasty meal. Ele.me brings the flavours of China right to your doorstep; when it’s raining outside, you’ve got midnight munchies, or you’re too jetlagged to move.

Plus, it’s super handy for those staying in hotels, hostels, or Airbnb-style apartments. No need to worry about menus lost in translation—just scroll, tap, and eat!

How to Use Ele.me as a Foreigner in China

First things first: don’t panic if you don’t read Chinese. With a bit of digital wizardry and a curious spirit, you’ll be feasting in no time.
Start by downloading the app—just search Ele.me (饿了么) on your app store (you may need to switch to the China region). To register, you’ll need a Chinese SIM card for verification, so pick one up at the airport or any local shop.
Now the fun begins. Use the Google Translate app with camera mode to read menus and navigate categories. Look for helpful icons, delivery time estimates, customer ratings, and juicy food photos to guide your order. Most listings have pictures, so even if the text is a mystery, your eyes (and stomach) will know what to do.
When it’s time to pay, you’ll need Alipay or WeChat Pay, both of which now support international cards (with a little setup). Trust us—it’s worth the effort.

Pro Tip: Many hotel staff are happy to help place an order for you—just show them the app and your chosen dish.

What to Order on Ele.me: Must-Try Local Favourites

Now to the delicious part—what should you actually order? Here are some local hits you’ll find on Ele.me that are perfect for adventurous foodies or comfort-seeking travellers:

Xiao Long Bao (Soup Dumplings) – Steamy, soupy, and pure comfort. These little flavour bombs are a must-try.
Mala Xiang Guo – A spicy dry hot pot you customise yourself. Choose your favourite meats, veggies, and noodles—just watch out for the heat!
Bubble Tea & Desserts – From brown sugar boba to matcha parfaits, the dessert scene is next-level.
Halal Meals – Simply search for “清真” (Qingzhen) to find halal-certified restaurants. If you’re unsure, ask your hotel staff to recommend some trusted spots.

Whatever you’re in the mood for, sweet, spicy, crunchy, or creamy, there’s a meal on Ele.me waiting to be devoured. It’s like having the best of China’s street food scene delivered to your door.

Explore China Comfortably with Traveloka

Whether you're tucking into piping hot dumplings from Ele.me or exploring night markets in person, China's food culture is one you’ll never forget. And the best part? You can pair all your delicious discoveries with a seamless travel experience using Traveloka.

Activities to Enjoy in China

Book everything from flights and hotels to airport transfers and travel activities in one easy app, perfect for keeping your trip smooth and your schedule full. Planning to try every bubble tea spot in town? Let Traveloka sort out the travel logistics while you focus on the flavours.

Hotels to Stay in China

So go ahead, explore China one bite at a time. With Ele.me and Traveloka, your adventure starts with your next meal.

Discover flight with Traveloka

Thu, 5 Mar 2026

Shenzhen Airlines

Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Beijing (PEK)

Start from RM 464.28

Tue, 10 Mar 2026

Air Macau

Singapore (SIN) to Beijing (PEK)

Start from RM 606.63

Wed, 11 Mar 2026

AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)

Penang (PEN) to Beijing (PEK)

Start from RM 543.74

Flights Featured in This Article

Thu, 5 Mar 2026
Shenzhen Airlines
Kuala Lumpur (KUL) to Beijing (PEK)
Start from RM 464.28
Book Now
Tue, 10 Mar 2026
Air Macau
Singapore (SIN) to Beijing (PEK)
Start from RM 606.63
Book Now
Wed, 11 Mar 2026
AirAsia Berhad (Malaysia)
Penang (PEN) to Beijing (PEK)
Start from RM 543.74
Book Now

Featured Destinations in This Article

Shanghai

China

Beijing

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Chengdu

China

Nanjing

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