China’s vibrant street food scene is a culinary adventure, offering delicious and affordable eats. But how much should you budget for street food in China? This guide breaks down the costs of various food and drink options, helping you plan your trip without breaking the bank.
The average cost of food in China is generally inexpensive, particularly when exploring local eateries and street food vendors. However, prices can fluctuate based on the city, restaurant type, and your dining choices.
Breakfast Bites: Fueling Your Day (3–20 yuan or 0.5–3 USD)
China boasts an array of breakfast choices, from savory noodles to fluffy steamed buns. A typical breakfast of noodles or steamed buns will set you back around 8 yuan. For a cheaper option, soy milk and dough sticks, or a bowl of rice porridge, cost approximately 3 yuan.
Alt text: Steaming hot bao buns and refreshing soy milk, a classic and budget-friendly Chinese breakfast.
If you crave a Western-style breakfast, expect to pay around 10 yuan for bread or cake and yogurt or milk from a bakery. A Western breakfast set in a café can cost between 30–40 yuan. Coffee prices vary significantly, from 7 yuan for instant coffee or fast-food coffee to 40 yuan in a coffee shop.
The average cost for breakfast in China ranges from 3–20 yuan. Keep in mind that prices may be higher in upscale restaurants or bustling cities like Beijing and Shanghai.
Lunch, Dinner, and Supper: A Culinary Journey (20–80 yuan or 3–12.5 USD)
Rice and noodles are staples in Chinese cuisine, commonly featured in lunch and dinner meals.
Alt text: A balanced Chinese dinner plate with steamed rice, savory stir-fried meat, nutritious vegetable dish, and a comforting bowl of soup.
- Dishes and Rice: Expect to pay around 20–40 yuan per dish. Ordering one dish per person is a common practice.
- Noodles with Meat: A hearty bowl of noodles with meat at a restaurant costs around 15 yuan.
- Hotpot: A shared hotpot experience (for 2+ people) averages around 30–80 yuan.
Snacks: Delicious and Affordable Treats (2–10 yuan or 0.3–1.5 USD)
China’s snack scene is a treasure trove of flavors, with prices that won’t break the bank. Street food stalls are easily found in cities, especially in busy areas. Major cities and tourist destinations often have dedicated snack streets, like ‘Ghost Street’ in Beijing and City God Temple Street in Shanghai.
Alt text: Candied hawthorns on a stick, a popular sweet and sour Chinese street food snack.
Chinese snacks offer a diverse range of tastes, including sour, sweet, salty, spicy, cold, hot, and even pungent flavors. The average price for a snack typically falls between 2–10 yuan. Popular options include deep-fried dough sticks, roast meat skewers, and stinky tofu.
Drinks: Staying Hydrated on a Budget (2–10 yuan or 0.30–1.50 USD)
Drinks in China are significantly cheaper compared to Western countries. A 500 ml bottle of mineral water costs around 2 yuan, while a similar bottle of cola is about 4 yuan. A can or bottle of beer is usually priced below 10 yuan.
Milk tea and fruit juice shops are ubiquitous in cities, offering takeout cups for 5–10 yuan.
Western Fast Food: Familiar Flavors at a Similar Cost
KFC and McDonald’s in China maintain prices similar to those in other parts of the world. These chains are easily found in major cities if you desire a break from Chinese cuisine.
A hamburger costs around 12 yuan, fries are priced at 7 yuan, and a drink ranges from 7–10 yuan. Meal combos, including a hamburger, fries, drink, and fried chicken, typically cost around 40 yuan (6.5 USD).
Chinese “Fast Food”: Budget-Friendly and Convenient (10–20 yuan or 1.5 USD)
Alt text: Assorted dishes behind a glass window, showcasing the variety of options at a Chinese fast food restaurant.
Cheap meal combos are readily available in small roadside restaurants. Chinese ‘fast food’ (快餐 kuài cān) joints are bustling during lunch and dinner hours, catering to busy locals.
One type of fast food resembles a school canteen, with trays of food displayed behind a glass window. Meals typically cost around 10 yuan and include rice, meat, vegetables, and soup.
Another type offers set meals from a menu for takeout, similar to KFC, but slightly slower. These meals, consisting of soup, rice, and a main dish, cost around 20 yuan per tray.
While these restaurants are popular among locals due to their low prices and convenience, they may not be the best option for tourists seeking authentic local cuisine, as the food quality tends to be lower, often oily, and containing MSG.
Tipping: Not a Requirement
Tipping is not a common practice in China and is generally not expected at small stalls and restaurants. Most restaurants include a service charge in the bill or the food price. Tipping may be an option at upscale restaurants, hotels, and cafés.
Factors Influencing Food and Drink Costs
Be prepared for higher prices in the following locations:
- Train stations or airports: Prices can be 3–5 yuan higher.
- Higher price band cities: Expect prices to be 5–10 yuan higher.
- Upscale or hotel restaurants: Prices may be 10–15 yuan higher.
- Tourist areas: Prices can be 2–5 yuan higher.
Conclusion: Embrace the Affordable Culinary Delights of China
Exploring the street food scene in China offers a delicious and budget-friendly way to experience the local culture. By understanding the average costs of various food and drink options, you can effectively plan your travel budget and savor the diverse flavors of China without overspending. So, venture out and discover the culinary treasures that await!
