How Foreigners Use Dianping to Find Authentic Local Snacks in China

When traveling to China, one of the biggest joys is tasting authentic local snacks—think Xi’an’s spicy liangpi (cold noodles), Chengdu’s numbing rabbit head, or Shanghai’s sweet xiaolongbao (steamed buns). But finding these hidden gems (not just tourist – trap restaurants) can be tricky. That’s where Dianping (also known as “Dianping.com” or “Meituan Dianping”), China’s top local life app with over 600 million monthly active users, comes in. More than a review platform, it’s a foodie’s compass to China’s best street food and family – run snack spots. This guide shows foreigners exactly how to use Dianping to hunt down genuine local bites, optimized for SEO with keywords like “Dianping for foreigners,” “find local snacks in China,” and “authentic Chinese street food guide.”

1. First: Download and Set Up Dianping (English – Friendly!)

Step 1: Get the App

• International App Stores: Dianping’s English version is available on the Apple App Store (for iPhone users) and Google Play Store (for Android). Search for “Dianping” or “Meituan Dianping”—look for the green icon with a white fork and spoon.
• In Mainland China: If you can’t access Google Play, ask your hotel staff or local friend to download it via Huawei AppGallery or Xiaomi GetApps (free to use).

Step 2: Switch to English (No Chinese Needed!)

1. Open Dianping and tap the “Me” tab (profile icon in the bottom right).
2. Tap the gear icon (⚙️) for “Settings.”
3. Select “Language” and choose English. The entire interface—from search bars to reviews—will switch instantly.

Step 3: Sign Up (Simple, No Chinese Phone Number Required)

You don’t need a Chinese phone number to use basic features. Sign up with:

• A foreign phone number (e.g., +1 for US, +44 for UK) – just enter the number and verify via SMS.
• Or link your Facebook or Google account for one – tap registration.

2. Master Search: Find Snacks by City, Type, or “Local Favorites”

The key to finding authentic snacks is using Dianping’s search tools strategically—don’t just type “food near me!”

Tip 1: Search by “City + Local Snack Name”

If you know the snack you want (e.g., “chengdu rabbit head” or “xian liangpi”), type the city + snack name into the top search bar. For example:

• “Beijing jianbing” (Beijing’s savory crepe)
• “Guangzhou cha siu bao” (Guangzhou’s BBQ pork buns)

Dianping will show you a list of spots ranked by authenticity (not just popularity with tourists).

Tip 2: Use the “Local Snacks” Category (For When You Don’t Know What to Eat)

If you’re in a new city and want to explore, use Dianping’s pre – set categories:

1. Tap the “Food” tab at the bottom.
2. Scroll down to “Categories” and select “Local Snacks” (it’s usually marked with a street food icon).
3. Dianping will curate top – rated snack spots in your area, from hole – in – the – wall stalls to famous old – brand shops.

Tip 3: Filter for “Local Favorites” (Avoid Tourist Traps!)

The biggest trick to avoid fake “local” spots is using the “Filters” button:

1. After searching, tap “Filters” in the top right.
2. Under “User Type,” select “Local Favorites” (this prioritizes spots loved by Chinese residents, not just tourists).
3. Add more filters: “Rating 4.5+” (for quality) and “Price: ¥–¥¥” (most local snacks cost ¥5–¥30, so avoid expensive options).

3. Read Reviews Like a Pro: Spot Authenticity Clues

Dianping’s reviews are gold—they tell you if a spot is “the real deal.” Here’s what to look for as a foreigner:

Look for Photos (More Than Words!)

Chinese users love posting photos of their food. A genuine local snack spot will have:

• Photos of simple, home – style plating (not fancy restaurant decor).
• Shots of long lines (locals wait for good snacks!).
• Close – ups of the snack itself (e.g., oozing soup in xiaolongbao or crispy skin on jianbing).

Check for Key Phrases in English Reviews

Many foreign users and bilingual Chinese users leave English reviews. Look for words like:

• “Authentic—same as what locals eat”
• “Family – run for 20 years”
• “Not touristy—cash only” (many small snack stalls don’t take cards, so bring cash!).

Avoid Spots with These Red Flags

• Too many photos of foreign tourists (likely a tourist trap).
• Reviews only in Chinese with no food photos (could be fake).
• Prices much higher than other spots for the same snack (overpriced for tourists).

4. Practical Extras: Get Directions, Order, and Save Your Favorites

Get to the Snack Spot (Even If It’s a Tiny Stall!)

Once you find a spot you love:

1. Tap the restaurant name to open its page.
2. Tap “Get Directions”—Dianping will link to Amap (Gaode Maps) or Baidu Maps (both have English versions) to guide you, even to narrow alley stalls.

Save for Later (Create a “Snack Bucket List”)

• Tap the heart icon (❤️) on any restaurant page to add it to your “Favorites.”
• Rename your list “Shanghai Snacks” or “Sichuan Street Food” to stay organized for your trip.

Order Takeout (For Lazy Days in Your Hotel)

Many snack spots on Dianping offer takeout via Meituan (integrated into the app). If you’re tired of walking:

1. Tap “Order Takeout” on the restaurant page.
2. Add snacks to your cart and pay with Alipay or WeChat Pay (link your international card—see our Alipay guide for help).

5. City – Specific Snack Hunting Examples

Let’s put this into action with 3 popular travel cities:

Example 1: Beijing – Find Authentic Jianbing

1. Search “Beijing jianbing” in Dianping.
2. Filter for “Local Favorites” and “Rating 4.5+.”
3. Look for spots like “Old Beijing Jianbing Stall” (near Wangfujing) with reviews saying “cash only, 10 minutes wait.”

Example 2: Chengdu – Hunt for Rabbit Head

1. Go to “Food” > “Local Snacks” > “Chengdu.”
2. Look for “Lao Ma Rabbit Head” (a 30 – year – old spot) with photos of locals buying bags of rabbit heads.
3. Tap “Get Directions” to its alley location in Chunxi Road.

Example 3: Shanghai – Find Xiao Long Bao

1. Search “Shanghai xiaolongbao” and filter “Local Favorites.”
2. Avoid big tourist restaurants—instead, pick “Nanxiang Xiao Long Bao” (the original shop near Yu Garden, since 1900).
3. Check reviews: “Steamed fresh, soup inside is hot!”

6. SEO Optimization & Strategic Links

• Focus Keywords: “Dianping find local snacks,” “authentic Chinese street food app,” “Dianping English guide for foreigners”
• Meta Title: “How to Use Dianping to Find Authentic Local Snacks in China (Foreigners’ Guide)”
• Meta Description: “Learn to use Dianping (Meituan Dianping) to find genuine Chinese street food—from Beijing jianbing to Chengdu rabbit head. Step – by – step tips for foreigners, no Chinese needed!”
• Internal Links:
• Amap Guide for Foreigners (Navigate to Snack Spots)
• Alipay for Foreigners (Pay for Snacks Easily)
• Beijing Travel: Top Local Snack Spots
• External Links:
• Dianping Official Website
• China National Tourism Administration: Food Travel Tips

7. Final Tips for Snack Success

• Bring Cash: Most small snack stalls only accept cash (¥100–¥200 is enough for a day of snacking).
• Ask Locals to “Share Their Dianping”: If you’re with a Chinese friend, ask them to show you their “Favorite Snacks” list—locals’ picks are always the best.
• Be Adventurous: Don’t skip snacks with “strange” names (e.g., “stinky tofu” in Changsha)—they’re often the most beloved local treats!

Conclusion

Dianping is the ultimate tool for foreigners to unlock China’s snack culture. By using its English interface, filtering for local favorites, and reading reviews wisely, you’ll skip the tourist traps and eat like a local—whether you’re in a big city or a small town.

Ready to start your snack adventure? Download Dianping today, and check out our China Food Travel Itinerary to plan your next bite – filled trip! 🥟🍜

Data Sources:

• Dianping 2025 International User Guide
• China Catering Association: Local Snack Report 2025
• Personal testing in Beijing, Chengdu, and Shanghai

Image Suggestions: Dianping’s English interface showing “Local Snacks” category, photos of authentic jianbing and xiaolongbao from Dianping reviews, map directions to a snack stall.