Ordering Guide
How to Order at a Cantonese Restaurant
How to Order at a Cantonese Restaurant without guessing: understand the format, build a balanced order, and avoid common mistakes.
How the format works
A Cantonese order is often built around seafood, roast meats, soup, vegetables, rice, noodles, and steamed dishes.
Ordering steps
- Decide whether the meal is dim sum, barbecue, seafood, banquet, or everyday Cantonese.
- Choose one protein centerpiece.
- Add greens.
- Add rice or noodles.
- Use soup or congee if the meal needs softness.
Sample orders
| Situation | Order |
|---|---|
| Two people | Steamed fish or roast meat over rice, garlic greens, soup. |
| Four people | Roast duck, steamed fish, beef chow fun, Chinese broccoli, soup. |
| Light meal | Congee, greens, steamed fish, tea. |
Common mistakes
- Ordering too many dishes from the same texture or sauce family.
- Ignoring rice, vegetables, soup, or mild contrast.
- Assuming familiar English names reveal all ingredients.
- Mentioning dietary restrictions only after ordering.