International students in China can find a variety of Western food and beverage chains to satisfy their cravings for familiar tastes. Here are some popular ones:
- Starbucks (星巴克)
- McDonald’s (麦当劳)
- KFC (肯德基)
- Pizza Hut (必胜客)
- Burger King (汉堡王)
- Subway (赛百味)
- Dairy Queen (冰雪皇后)
These chains offer a taste of home for international students while also providing convenient dining options during their stay in China.
Starbucks (星巴克)
For international students in China, Starbucks can be a familiar and comforting presence. Here’s how they might experience Starbucks in China:
- Starbucks has a significant presence in major cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and Chengdu, as well as in many smaller cities and towns. International students can often find a Starbucks within walking distance or a short commute from their universities or accommodations.
- While Starbucks in China offers many of the same drinks and food items available worldwide, they also cater to local tastes with special menu items. This includes seasonal beverages featuring traditional Chinese ingredients or localized food options.
- Starbucks locations in China typically offer a similar cozy and inviting atmosphere as elsewhere in the world. They often serve as popular spots for studying, socializing, or simply relaxing with a cup of coffee.
- Starbucks in China has embraced technology, allowing customers to order and pay through mobile apps for added convenience. This can be particularly helpful for international students who may not be fluent in Chinese but still want to enjoy Starbucks offerings.
- Visiting Starbucks in China can also provide international students with insights into local coffee culture and social norms. They may observe differences in how people interact or the types of drinks preferred by Chinese customers.
The largest Starbucks in the world is the Starbucks Reserve Roastery in Shanghai, China. This impressive Starbucks location covers an area of around 30,000 square feet (2,800 square meters) and offers a unique and immersive coffee experience.
The Shanghai Starbucks Reserve Roastery features multiple levels of coffee bars, tasting rooms, a bakery, a Teavana tea bar, and even a roasting facility where visitors can watch the coffee beans being roasted. The design of the Roastery incorporates elements of Chinese culture and architecture, making it a popular destination for both coffee enthusiasts and tourists.
The Shanghai Roastery opened in December 2017 and quickly became a must-visit attraction in the city, showcasing Starbucks’ commitment to innovation and providing an elevated coffee experience.
McDonald’s (麦当劳)
For international students in China, McDonald’s offers a taste of familiarity amidst their overseas experience. Here’s how they might encounter McDonald’s in China:
- McDonald’s has a vast presence in China, with numerous outlets in major cities like Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and beyond.
- While McDonald’s in China offers many of the classic menu items found worldwide, they also cater to local preferences by incorporating regional flavors and ingredients. For example, they feature items like the McSpicy Chicken Burger or offer rice-based dishes alongside traditional burgers and fries.
- McDonald’s in China often provides convenient options through various mobile apps. This can be especially helpful for international students who may not be fluent in Chinese but still want to enjoy McDonald’s offerings.
- McDonald’s is known for its relatively affordable prices, making it a popular choice for students on a budget. The value menus and meal deals available in China provide options for satisfying hunger without breaking the bank.
KFC (肯德基)
For international students in China, KFC represents a familiar taste of home with a local twist. Here’s what they might expect when encountering KFC in China:
- KFC has an extensive presence across China, with outlets in virtually every major city and many smaller towns. International students can easily find a KFC restaurant near their universities or living areas.
- While KFC in China offers many of the classic menu items found worldwide, such as Original Recipe chicken and Zinger burgers, they also tailor their offerings to suit local tastes. This includes items like rice-based meals, spicy chicken variations, soymilk, rice and unique sides featuring Chinese flavors.
- Like McDonald’s, KFC is known for its relatively affordable prices, making it a popular choice for students on a budget. Meal deals and value menus are commonly available, offering students a satisfying meal at a reasonable price.
- Visiting KFC in China can also offer international students insights into local dining customs and social behaviors. They may observe how Chinese customers interact with each other and the staff, as well as the types of occasions or celebrations where KFC is popular.
Pizza Hut (必胜客)
For international students in China, Pizza Hut offers a taste of familiarity with a touch of local flair. Here’s what they might experience when encountering Pizza Hut in China:
- Pizza Hut has a strong presence in major cities across China, with numerous outlets in popular areas frequented by students. Whether in bustling metropolises like Beijing and Shanghai or smaller cities, international students can typically find a Pizza Hut nearby.
- While Pizza Hut in China offers many of the classic pizzas and pasta dishes found worldwide, they also incorporate local flavors and ingredients to cater to Chinese tastes. This might include pizzas topped with ingredients like Peking duck or Sichuan-style spicy chicken.
- Pizza Hut restaurants in China often provide a cozy and inviting atmosphere, making them popular destinations for gatherings with friends or classmates. Some locations may offer unique features or themed decor, adding to the dining experience.
- While Pizza Hut is often considered a mid-range dining option in China, they frequently offer meal deals and promotions that make dining out more affordable for students on a budget.
Burger King (汉堡王)
For international students in China, Burger King offers a taste of home with its familiar fast-food menu. Here’s what they might expect when encountering Burger King in China:
- Burger King has a presence in major cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and more. While not as widespread as some other fast-food chains, international students can typically find Burger King outlets in popular areas frequented by locals and expatriates.
- Burger King in China offers many of the classic burgers, fries, and other items found in Burger King restaurants worldwide. However, they may also tailor their menu to suit local tastes, with options like spicy chicken sandwiches or limited-time promotions featuring Chinese-inspired flavors.
- Burger King restaurants in China generally provide a casual dining environment, with seating areas where customers can enjoy their meals. Some locations may offer additional amenities, such as free Wi-Fi or designated areas for studying or socializing.
- Like other fast-food chains, Burger King in China is known for its relatively affordable prices, making it a popular choice for students on a budget. They may also offer meal deals and promotions to attract customers.
Subway (赛百味)
For international students in China, Subway offers a familiar and customizable dining option with a twist of local flavors. Here’s what they might expect when encountering Subway in China:
- Subway has a significant presence in major cities across China, including Beijing, Shanghai, Guangzhou, and more.
- Subway in China offers many of the classic sandwiches and salads found in Subway restaurants worldwide. However, they may also feature localized menu items or ingredients to cater to Chinese tastes. For example, they might offer sandwiches with regional flavors or special sauces inspired by Chinese cuisine.
- One of Subway’s key appeals is its customizable menu options. International students in China can tailor their sandwiches or salads to their preferences, choosing from a variety of bread, protein, vegetable, and sauce options available at Subway outlets.
- Subway restaurants in China typically provide a casual dining environment, with seating areas where customers can enjoy their meals.
Dairy Queen (冰雪皇后)
For international students in China, Dairy Queen offers a sweet taste of home with its delicious ice cream treats and desserts. Here’s what they might expect when encountering Dairy Queen in China:
- Dairy Queen has a growing presence in major cities across China, with outlets in popular areas such as shopping malls, tourist districts, and entertainment centers. While not as widespread as some other chains, international students can still find Dairy Queen stores in urban areas.
- Dairy Queen in China offers many of the classic ice cream treats and desserts found in Dairy Queen outlets worldwide. This includes soft-serve ice cream cones and cups, Blizzard treats with various mix-ins, sundaes, and ice cream cakes. They may also feature special menu items or seasonal flavors to cater to local tastes.
- Dairy Queen restaurants in China typically provide a casual and family-friendly environment, with seating areas where customers can enjoy their ice cream treats.
