8 Chinese Restaurants That Children Will Love [推荐给孩子们的8个中餐馆]

By Betty Richardson

Dining out is a way of life in China, in fact we know some Shanghai-born denizens who’ve barely stepped foot inside a kitchen. Luckily for families, this translates to a remarkably child accepting culture at Chinese restaurants, quite unlike the sniffy ‘no under 12’ policies at some of their European and American counterparts. In China, eating is about togetherness. You’ll likely see families dining with children of all ages (often with granny and gramps in tow), so why not join them and discover what Chinese food has to offer?
However, despite this child-friendly attitude, don’t expect most places to have special kids menus with toned down flavors and ingredients. We’ve compiled a list of our favorite Chinese eateries with easy to eat dishes that will appeal to younger palates. 
One last thing before we begin. If you suspect a certain dish contains more spice than your kids can handle, there’s a bit of easy vocabulary you absolutely need to learn: 不辣 (bù là, not spicy). Utter this phrase to your waitress upon ordering, and the kitchen will leave out the chilies. 

1. Din Tai Fung

A chain that does both quality and quantity, Din Tai Fung is the first Chinese restaurant we take out of town guests to. The reason? It’s spotlessly clean, affordable, consistent every time and absolutely delicious. 
Specializing in simple Shanghai-style dishes with Western-friendly flavors, Din Tai Fung is casual, comfortable and suitable for both lunch and dinner. The menus also have pictures too.> Multiple locations around Shanghai

What to Order: xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), fried pork chop, dandan mian (sesame noodles), wontons.English Menu/Service: Yes/Yes

2. Holy Cow

Opened by Chef Anthony Zhao in a bid to provide a safe and healthy hotpot option for his young toddler, Holy Cow is a different breed entirely from the MSG-laden likes of Hai Di Lao Hotpot. 
Now with two locations in Shanghai, choose from a wide range of meats to cook in the tasty beef broth hotpot base (their never-frozen beef is a particularly popular choice) along with fresh veggies too. There’s an enormous range on offer, including greens, mushrooms, corn, tofu, cauliflower and much, much more. There are even xiaolongbao dumplings you can cook in the hotpot at their Xujiahui branch!> 1/F 608 Xiaomuqiao Lu, by Zhongshan Nan Er Lu

What to order: everythingEnglish menu/service: Yes/Yes

3. Lillian Bakery

Perfectly formed little egg tarts with gorgeously crispy pastry and a hot center, what could make for a better afternoon snack? These originally Portuguese treats, which came to Shanghai after becoming wildly popular in Hong Kong and Macau, are a specialty at Lillian Bakery, which counts over 50 stores around the city. 
Ideally eaten hot and fresh out of the oven, these make for a perfect on-the-go snack. Alternatively, buy a box and take them home for afternoon tea!> Multiple locations around Shanghai

4. Lynn

A Cantonese specialty that’s a way of life in Hong Kong and Guangdong, dim sum is arguably the gentlest introduction into the complex world of Chinese food for children. Lynn, a Chinese restaurant just off Nanjing Xi Lu in Jing’an, serves a good value all-you-can-eat dim sum brunch on the weekends for just RMB98 per person. 
Though the selection is more limited than at other dim sum spots, all the classic favorites are there, including steamed buns with honey barbecue pork, har gau (shrimp dumplings), pai gu(steamed short ribs) and stuffed changfen (rice noodle rolls). 
This place gets filled with brunching families each weekend, so advance booking is essential. Expect service to be on the brusquer side if they’re busy. > 99-1 Xi Kang Lu, by Nanjing Xi Lu

What to Order: all the above, plus chicken and wonton soup, spring rollsEnglish Menu/Service: Limited/Yes

5. Mr. Pots

Another classic dim sum eatery that’s stood the test of time in Shanghai, Mr. Pots is a favorite of ours for its consistent quality and friendly atmosphere. 
There are loads of options on the menu here, almost all of it non-spicy and suitable for kids. Expect a roster of all the dim sum classics, but whatever you do don’t forget to order the star attraction: shrimp and youtiao changfen (crunchy fried dough sticks stuffed in rice noodle rolls). It’s fantastic. 
Aside from that, we also love their deep-fried shrimp wontons, barbecue pork pineapple buns (so-named for their pineapple-like appearance) and a plate of steamed bok choi to keep it healthy. > 802 Yan'an Zhong Lu, near Maoming Bei Lu

What to Order: shrimp and youtiao changfen, crispy wontons, barbeque pork pineapple buns.English Menu/Service: Yes/Yes

6. Wei Xiang Zhai

A true Shanghainese favorite, Wei Xiang Zhai is a legend amongst local noodle fans. Many moons ago this place used to offer a variety of dishes, until one in particular became so outrageously popular they virtually stopped bothering with the rest. Now there is but one dish you need to order: creamy sesame paste noodles (麻酱面, májiàng miàn). 
Almost always bustling with locals of every age and demographic, expect a bit of a wait if arriving during peak hours (11.30am-1.30pm). Order from the counter at the front, and don’t forget that all-important bù là phrase – a standard portion comes with a splash of chili oil, which can easily be omitted upon request. 
Cheap and cheerful, Wei Xiang Zhai is recommended as an authentic lunch option for smaller groups and children aged six and up.> 14 Yandang Lu, by Huaihai Zhong Lu

What to get: sesame paste noodles (麻酱面, májiàng miàn), fried pork cutlet (炸猪排，zhà zhūpái)English Menu/Service: Yes/Yes

7. Lost Heaven

Serving up tasty Western palate-friendly Yunnan dishes, Lost Heaven is another favorite of ours for out of town visitors. Inside, the restaurant is decorated with exotic interiors that lend the place a fun atmosphere. 
Most of the dishes are very light on spice, but ask for ‘bu la’ if you’re cautious. Standouts include their signature crispy roast chicken (opt for the versions with chopped scallions for a bolder flavor). We also love their Lijiang-style beef, fried pork short ribs and Mandalay-style stir fried beef with veggies. 
Lost Heaven has three branches in Shanghai. The one on the Bund, is slightly more formal and best suited to children aged eight and over. > Lost Heaven (The Bund): 17 Yan'an Dong Lu, by Sichuan Nan Lu; Lost Heaven (Gaoyou Lu): 38 Gaoyou Lu, by Fuxing Xi Lu; Lost Heaven Silk Road (Julu Lu): 758 Julu Lu, by Fumin Lu

What to get: everythingEnglish Menu/Service: Yes/Yes

8. Xibo

Specializing in Xinjiang food, Xibo’s dishes keep that authentic Northwestern China flavor but package it in a way that appeals to Western diners. The ambiance is also comfortable and clean, feeling more in line with a bistro than a regional Chinese restaurant.
Kids will love the simplicity of their crispy shredded potato cakes and lamb chops, and be sure to get the fluffy housemade flatbreads to fill up on. For kids who are comfortable with trying new things, Xibo’s cumin-flavored grilled lamb skewers are also exceptional. Once again, do be sure to specify ‘bù là’ if you’re worried about the spice factor. > Xibo (Yang Pu): Room 103, 1/F, Building 5, Shangpu Business Center, 99 Jiangwai City Lu; Xibo (Jing'an): 3/F, 83 Changshu Lu, by Julu Lu

What to get: flatbreads, potato rosti, lamb skewers, lamb chopsEnglish Menu/Service: Yes/Limited

> For more food tips and restaurant recommendations, click 'read more' at the bottom.

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下餐馆是中国人的习惯，事实上，有些本地人可能连厨房都没进过。幸运的是，这样的生活方式让孩子们能更早的体会到中国的餐饮文化，这和欧美国家“12岁以下不适宜进入”的政策全然不同。在中国，吃饭就意味着聚会。餐馆里随处可见一家老小一起围坐在餐桌前吃饭，不如一起加入他们感受一下这样的文化氛围！

话虽如此，但是并不是很多地方有儿童菜单，口味方面可能不是特别清淡，材料可能也没有那么讲究。因此，小编为读者们整理了一份孩子们喜爱的餐厅。

在此，介绍一个有用的小贴士：如果你觉得菜品的辛辣程度不适合孩子，可以和服务员要求“不辣”，他们会建议厨房特别注意。

1. 鼎泰丰

鼎泰丰是家连锁中餐馆，通常是我们招待访友的第一选择。理由？就餐环境清洁，价格公道，每次去菜品都一如既往的美味。

这里主打简单的海派点心，但是非常适合西方人的口味，是午餐及晚餐的好去处。菜单还附有对应图片。

推荐菜品: 小笼包, 炸猪排, 担担面和馄饨 等.英文菜单/服务: 有/有

2. 牛牛火锅

大厨Anthony Zhao当初开这家餐厅的目的就是为了让他的孩子能够吃到健康安全的火锅，所以和“海底捞”的风格是完全不一样的。

目前上海已有两家分店，这家火锅店的涮肉类选择非常丰富，最受欢迎的大概是极品雪花肥牛，再配上牛肉汤锅底和蔬菜佐料。无论是菌菇类还是绿色蔬菜，素食类的选择也非常多。在徐家汇分店的菜单上还可以点小笼包来涮。地址：小木桥路608号1楼, 近中山南二路

推荐菜品: 全部英文菜单/服务: 有/有

3. 莉莲蛋挞

外形精致，香烹烹、热腾腾的脆皮蛋挞，难道还有比这更好的下午茶甜品选择吗？这种葡式风味的小食在风靡港澳地区之后，也迅速在上海流行起来，目前在这里已经有超过50家商店了。
新鲜出炉后食用最佳，或者打包一盒带回家当做下午茶小点也不错。

4. 琳怡

这家店以地道的粤式口味为主打，和中餐纷繁的味觉体验相比，点心可能是孩子们最保险的选择。琳怡坐落在静安区南京西路上，他们还提供价值98元一位的超值周末点心早午餐。
 可能这家店的点心种类有限，但是经典的几款都有提供，包括蜜汁叉烧包，虾饺，排骨和肠粉。
一到周末这里就坐满了来吃早午餐的家庭，所以建议大家提前定位。而且人多的时候，可能服务也会受到影响。地址：西康路99-1号，近南京西路

推荐菜品: 文中提到的以及鸡肉馄饨汤, 春卷英文菜单/服务: 有限/有

5. Mr. Pots

Mr. Pots是另一家经典的点心餐厅，最受欢迎的除了美味菜品还有轻松的就餐氛围。
菜单上的选择还是很丰富的，而大多数都是不辣的，非常适合孩子们口味。你可以根据自己的喜好来点单，但是别忘了尝尝他们的人气推荐：鲜虾油条肠粉。好吃得不得了！
除此之外，还要推荐一下他家的油炸虾馄饨，烤肉菠萝包，再点一盘蒸白菜来均衡一下营养。地址：延安中路802号， 近茂名北路

推荐菜品: 鲜虾油条肠粉, 脆皮馄饨, 烤肉菠萝包.英文菜单/服务:  有/有

6. 味香斋面馆

这是上海本地人气最高的面馆之一。很久之前，他们家还是有其他菜品选择的，但是由于其中一款太受欢迎，以至于之后他们就致力做这款了。所以，不用看菜单了，去了就点：麻酱面。

这家店各个年龄段的食客都有，所以在高峰时期（上午11点30分—下午1点30分）通常要等位。在前台点单之后，记得要叮嘱做“不辣”的，因为正常的面里都会洒上辣椒油。性价比高，气氛也不错，这家店作为正宗的当地美食，非常适合三两个人一起，小朋友最好在六岁及以上。地址：雁荡路14号，近淮海中路

菜品推荐: 麻酱面, 炸猪排英文菜单/服务: 有/有

7. 花马天堂云南餐厅

花马天堂云南餐厅也是亲友来上海拜访时最常带去的餐厅，这里的云南菜口味非常适合西方人的口味。餐厅内部的设计非常具有异域风情，别有味道。

这里的菜品都不太放辣味，但为了保险，你也可以提醒服务员做不辣的。人气菜品有脆皮烤鸡（还可以尝尝放葱段的，口味会更加重一下），还有丽江牛肉，炸猪排骨和还有曼德勒式的蔬菜炒牛肉。

上海共有三家分店，其中外滩店更加正式一些，适合8岁及以上年龄段的孩子。地址：外滩店—延安东路17号, 近四川南路; 高邮路店—高邮路38号, 近复兴西路; 巨鹿路店—巨鹿路758号, 近富民路

推荐菜品: 全部英文菜单/服务: 有/有

8. 锡伯

锡伯餐厅主打新疆菜，但是巧妙的将正宗西北风味打造成外国食客喜欢的方式。就餐环境也非常干净舒适，与其说是一家风味中餐馆，不如说更像小酒吧。

孩子们肯定喜欢脆皮土豆片蛋糕和羊排，还有松软的自制馕饼片，所以一定要记得加满。如果他们喜欢尝个鲜，非常推荐这家的孜然烤羊肉串。别忘了，你可以和服务员说做不辣的口味。地址：杨浦店—江湾城路99号尚浦商务中心5号楼1层103室；静安店—常熟路83号3楼，近巨鹿路

推荐菜品: 馕饼, 土豆片, 羊肉串, 羊排English Menu/Service: 有/适量

> 在线查看更多美食推荐，请点击下方“阅读原文”。

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