If you’re at your wits’ end over what to cook, then don’t fret, as getting hot, delicious food delivered to your doorstep is very simple. Beijing has several English- and Chinese-based delivery services that simplify your life by giving you one less thing to think about.
Here’s a list of English-only delivery services that truly deliver.
English Apps
Sherpa’s
Sherpa’s familiar orange scooters can be seen across the Chaoyang and Dongcheng districts. It has a large selection of partner restaurants such as Home Plate BBQ, Wagas, and Tandoori Kitchen.
Delivery zones: Chaoyang and Dongcheng districts
Delivery fee: Starts at RMB 15 and increases according to distance. Sherpa’s has a happy hour promotion from 1-6pm on weekdays where the delivery fee is waived if the total is RMB 20 or less. There’s a minimum delivery amount of RMB 100 at dinner hours starting from 6pm.
Average delivery time: 45-50 minutes
Delivery hours: Daily 10.30am-10.30pm, closed during major holidays.
How to order: Check their app, website at www.sherpa.com.cn, or contact 400 600 6209
Youcansong
Youcansong 优餐送 delivers from Chinese and international restaurants. In its own words, Youcansong delivers “the best food with superior service.”
Delivery zones: Chaoyang and Dongcheng districts
Delivery fee: Delivery fee is calculated by the distance from the restaurant to your home. Youcansong charges RMB 15 for the first 3km and RMB 5 for each additional kilometer.
Average delivery time: 45-60 minutes
Delivery hours: Daily 10.30am to 10.30pm, though delivery hours may vary from restaurant to restaurant.
How to order and pay: Online via www.youcansong.com, through the app, or by calling 4000 700 250 or 6500 9155. You can also use cash or POS (China Union Pay cards only) upon delivery.
Jinshisong
Jinshisong 锦食送 is one of the larger delivery services for western restaurants. It has international and Chinese selections and covers a wider delivery area than Sherpa’s.
Delivery zones: Chaoyang, Dongcheng, Xicheng, and Haidian districts
Delivery fee: Starts at RMB 15, though many restaurants offer free delivery within 3km. There is a minimum order of RMB 68.
Average delivery time: 45 minutes
Delivery hours: Daily 10.30am-10.30pm
How to order and pay: Check the app, website at www.jinshisong.com or contact 400 030 0517. Cash or POS upon delivery, WeChat or Alipay if ordering via the app.
Chinese-only Apps
Meituan Waimai 美团外卖
Delivery zones: Across Beijing
Delivery fee: This depends on the restaurant but usually doesn’t exceed RMB 10. Meituan Waimai also has a minimum price range for food items that can be delivered.
Average delivery time: 30-60 minutes, depending on distance
Delivery hours: 24-hours for a limited number of restaurants, other opening hours vary by restaurant.
How to order and pay: Via the app. You need to pay using Baidu Wallet, Alipay, or WeChat Wallet upon ordering, though some restaurants accept cash on delivery.
Baidu Waimai
Delivery zones: Across Beijing
Delivery fee: Delivery is calculated by distance from the restaurant, but is rarely more than RMB 5-10.
Average delivery time: 30-60 minutes, depending on distance.
Delivery hours: 24-hours for a limited number of restaurants, other opening hours vary by restaurant.
How to order and pay: Via the app or call 1010 5777. You can also use Baidu Wallet, Alipay, WeChat Wallet, or cash on delivery (for some restaurants only).
Eleme 饿了么
Delivery zones: Across Beijing
Delivery fee: Up to RMB 20 (for restaurants) and RMB 30 (for fruit deliveries)
Average delivery time: 30-60 minutes, depending on distance
Delivery hours: 24-hours for a limited number of restaurants, other opening hours vary by restaurant.
How to order and pay: Via app. You need to pay via Baidu Wallet, Alipay, or WeChat Wallet upon ordering, though some restaurants accept cash on delivery
This article appeared on p56-57 of the beijingkids July 2018 Home & Relocation Guide issue
