Make food part of the route
A meal can be the main experience of an evening rather than something squeezed between viewpoints. If hotpot interests you, leave time for a seated meal and a relaxed return to your hotel. Balance it with simpler meals and smaller stops on other days instead of trying to sample everything at once.
Be specific about spice
Tell your host what you normally enjoy and ask how dishes are prepared. Heat and the numbing sensation associated with Sichuan pepper are different preferences. Do not assume that a dish described as mild will match your usual expectation. Discuss broth, sauces and individual ingredients when ordering.
Dietary needs require a clear conversation
Write down foods you avoid, including ingredients in stocks and sauces. Vegetarian-looking dishes can still contain animal ingredients. If cross-contact matters to you, ask the restaurant directly about its preparation arrangements; an itinerary description alone cannot establish what a kitchen can accommodate.
Combine meals with manageable sightseeing
Choose a food stop near the neighbourhood you are already exploring. Avoid placing a long meal immediately before a fixed departure or a strenuous excursion. Our three-day city itinerary leaves room to choose meals around your interests.
In your trip request, say whether you want casual food exploration, a longer hotpot evening or help communicating your dietary preferences. The final restaurant choices should fit your dates and the group travelling.