Ele.me (饿了么)
China's other big food delivery, owned by Alibaba.
What Ele.me (饿了么) is
Ele.me is one of China's two largest food-delivery platforms, owned by Alibaba, connecting users to restaurants, groceries, and convenience items delivered to their door. Travelers staying in China use it to order meals without language barriers at the counter, often handy late at night or when avoiding a trip out. Like most Chinese super-apps, it's built around in-app Chinese-language ordering and local payment methods.
What it does for travelers
- ✓Food delivery from a wide range of local restaurants
- ✓Grocery, pharmacy, and convenience-store delivery in many cities
- ✓Integration with the Alibaba ecosystem, including Alipay payment
- ✓Scheduled and on-demand delivery with live order tracking
Good to know
- The app and interface are primarily in Chinese, which is a real barrier for non-readers
- Payment generally relies on Chinese methods like Alipay; linking a foreign card may be possible via Alipay's tourist features but isn't guaranteed
- A Chinese phone number is often needed for registration and delivery contact
- It operates within mainland China and requires a data connection
Tips from the road
- Many travelers access Ele.me through Alipay's mini-program rather than the standalone app, which can simplify payment
- Use a translation app's camera mode to read menus and the interface as you order
- Have your exact address in Chinese characters ready, and add building/room details for the courier
- Consider ordering through your hotel's front desk if registration or payment proves difficult
When to reach for it
Use Ele.me when you're staying in mainland China and want food or essentials delivered, especially if you've already set up Alipay and want an alternative to Meituan.
Ele.me (饿了么) — frequently asked
Can I use Ele.me without speaking Chinese?
It's challenging since the app is mostly in Chinese; a camera-translation app helps, and accessing it via Alipay's mini-program can make ordering and paying easier.
How do I pay on Ele.me as a foreigner?
It typically uses Chinese payment methods like Alipay; you may be able to link a foreign card through Alipay's tourist setup, but it's worth configuring that before relying on delivery.
Is Ele.me the same as Meituan?
No, they're competing platforms — Ele.me is owned by Alibaba while Meituan is its main rival; both deliver food and groceries across China.