Can I really eat out for $3 USD in China?

Kong Pao Chicken

The answer to this question: YES!  And you can eat quite well too.  $3 USD is about 20 RMB, which is around the amount I would spend when eating out with colleagues during our lunch break.  One of my favorite dishs (apparently a favorite of all western visitors to China) was kong pao chicken with rice from a small restaurant near my apartment.  This would usually cost me about 15 RMB ($2.31 USD).

The key to eating out for cheap in China: eat at local restaurants.  There are more famous establishments and plenty of places that serve western food.  However, these places tend to be much more expensive.  Besides, eating at local restaurants introduces you to genuine Chinese cuisine.  Take a look at these commonly ordered dishes from local spots.

Also, remember that there's no tipping and no taxes in China.  So the price you see on the menu is the price you pay!  Awesome huh?!