Food allergies in China: how to say what you cannot eat

✅ Updated May 2026

Eating with a food allergy in China is manageable with preparation, but cross-contamination is common and staff may not understand spoken English, so do not rely on explaining at the table. Carry a card written in Chinese naming exactly what you cannot eat — peanuts (花生), seafood (海鲜), shellfish (贝类), eggs (鸡蛋), dairy (乳制品), wheat/gluten (小麦/麸质) — and show it when you order rather than after the food arrives. A translation app with camera mode helps you decode menus. Peanut oil and sesame are used widely, and a dish that looks meat-free may still be cooked in a shared wok. If you are avoiding meat by choice rather than managing an allergy, see the vegetarian and halal guides — they cover the phrases and restaurant types in detail.