Best Chinese Restaurant POS Systems: Top Features & Picks

Running a Chinese restaurant isn’t easy. You’ve got fast-paced service, big groups and a menu full of customizations. Plus, the high volume of takeout orders can add another layer of complexity.

A Chinese restaurant point of sale (POS) system isn’t just for taking payments—it should make your day-to-day smoother. I’ve seen too many restaurant owners struggle with outdated POS systems that slow them down. 

The right system helps you manage orders, handle takeout and delivery, and track inventory without extra hassle. It’s important technology that can help your restaurant thrive. 

Let’s go over what to look for in a POS system designed for Chinese restaurants. I'll also show you how the right choice can help you run a smoother, more profitable business.

Must have features for a Chinese POS

Choosing the best POS system for your Chinese restaurant is about smoothing your operations. You need a system that can handle the unique aspects of your restaurant, from custom orders to high-volume takeout.

Here are the must-have features I recommend to make your POS system a true asset.

Multilingual support 

 A POS system that supports multiple languages removes language barriers to make sure everything runs smoothly. In a Chinese restaurant, having multilingual options in your POS system can provide convenience for customers who speak different languages.

Menu customization tailored to Chinese menu items

Chinese food is all about variety, and your POS should reflect that. I’ve seen how helpful it is for restaurants to have a system that lets you easily customize your menu.

Here are some customization considerations:

• Spice levels: Everyone has different spice preferences. A POS that tracks spice levels ensures your customers get exactly what they want.‍
• Family-style dishes: Family-style meals require clear tracking for shared orders. I’ve found that a good POS helps your kitchen prepare exactly what the customers ordered.‍
• Hotpot: Hotpot orders require lots of customization, from ingredients to sauces. Your POS should let customers choose from a wide variety of options.
• ‍Substitutions: With more customers requesting substitutions, your POS should make handling these requests easy. This way, I know you can accommodate dietary needs while keeping everything on track in the kitchen.

Strong inventory management

Whether it’s rare spices, specialty meats or fresh produce, a good POS system will help you monitor your inventory. 

This way, you avoid running out of essential ingredients and reduce waste. You’ll save time, money and hassle while keeping everything stocked and ready.

Key benefits include:

• Real-time tracking: Stay ahead of stock levels and avoid running out during peak times.
• Automated alerts: Get notified when it’s time to reorder, preventing last-minute shortages.
• Reduced waste: Manage stock efficiently and minimize overstocking or spoilage.

As a comprehensive restaurant management tool, a POS system with robust inventory tracking features makes sure you’re always on top of your ingredients and ready for the next rush.

Order management

Managing dine-in, takeout and delivery orders all at once can get tricky. A solid POS system tracks all orders across channels in one place, so no more juggling separate systems or risking an order slipping through the cracks.

It also improves communication with the kitchen, so cooks know exactly what needs to be prepared.

Mobile and online ordering features

With so many customers opting for takeout, Chinese restaurants can really benefit from a POS system that is equipped with an online ordering feature or can easily integrate with one.

Plus, creating your own restaurant mobile app that features an online ordering system makes ordering from your restaurant even more convenient, further enhancing the customer experience. 

Here’s why these features matters:

• Fewer phone calls: A great online ordering system reduces the number of phone orders by allowing customers to place orders directly through the system, freeing up your team to focus on fulfilling those orders.
• ‍Faster, more accurate orders: When customers customize and enter their own orders online, it speeds up the process and reduces errors, leading to faster service and fewer mistakes.
• ‍More efficient service: With a streamlined ordering system, your team can focus more on delivering quality service and less on taking and confirming orders.

That’s why I’d recommend using a solid online ordering system. It boosts efficiency, improves customer satisfaction and helps your restaurant keep pace with the growing demand for takeout.

Loyalty reward program

A loyalty program is a great way to attract new customers and keep them coming back. 

With a POS system that integrates rewards, you can easily track customer purchases and offer incentives like discounts or free items after a set number of visits.

Based on my experience, a loyalty program is a smart way to build long-term customer relationships. It keeps your regulars happy and encourages new customers to return for more.

Order modification handling

As a Chinese-American restaurant owner, you’ll often receive specific requests like “no MSG,” “extra spicy” or “sauce on the side.” A great POS system helps you track these modifications and communicate them to the kitchen so everything is prepared correctly.

It should also let you quickly mark common substitutions, like swapping white rice for fried rice at an upcharge, keeping the ordering process organized and accurate.

Top Chinese restaurant POS systems 

There are several great options to consider when choosing a POS system for your Chinese restaurant. Here's a closer look at some of the top systems I recommend designed with your needs in mind.

Chowbus  

Key features:

• Mobile ordering integration
• Delivery service support
• Customer management tools

‍Chowbus is an ideal choice for Chinese restaurants that rely heavily on takeout and delivery. It integrates mobile ordering with delivery services, making it easier for you to manage the ordering process while focusing on preparing great food.

Compared to other systems like Toast, which is more comprehensive, Chowbus stands out by simplifying the delivery and takeout process. It’s particularly great for restaurants that need a straightforward solution for high-volume delivery orders without extra complexity.

That said, there are a few things to keep in mind:

• Limited POS customization: Chowbus offers less POS customization. It may not be the best fit if you're looking for more advanced features or tailored settings.
• Focus on delivery: While it’s great for takeout and delivery, Chowbus doesn't offer as many in-depth tools for in-person dining.

Why I like Chowbus: If you’re looking for a simple, no-fuss solution to streamline takeout and delivery, Chowbus does it well. It’s especially useful for restaurants that focus heavily on these services, saving time and keeping orders organized.

MenuSifu 

Key features:

• Customizable menu options
• Built-in online ordering
• Loyalty program integration

MenuSifu is a great choice for Chinese restaurants that need a high level of customization. It offers great flexibility for creating special menu items and integrates a loyalty program to keep your customers coming back. 

Plus, it works seamlessly as an online ordering system, making the customer experience smooth and straightforward.

What really stands out to me is how well MenuSifu helps restaurants personalize their offerings. It’s a great tool for building customer loyalty and offering a tailored experience.

That said, the customization options can be a bit overwhelming at first. There’s a learning curve as you get familiar with all the features, so it may take some time to get fully comfortable with the system.

Why I like MenuSifu: If you want a system that offers customization options and a strong loyalty program, MenuSifu is a solid choice. It’s perfect for restaurants that want to stand out with a unique menu and build strong relationships with repeat customers.

HungerRush 

Key features:

• Order management
• Inventory tracking
• Reporting tools

HungerRush is a straightforward POS system that focuses on the basics, like order management and inventory tracking. It’s a solid choice for smaller Chinese restaurants or those just getting started, offering simplicity without a lot of extra complexity.

I like that it’s affordable, easy to use and perfect for restaurants that need a reliable system to handle the essentials without unnecessary features.

However, HungerRush doesn’t offer as many advanced tools as some other systems. So, if you're looking for more robust customization or features, you might need to look elsewhere.

Why I like HungerRush: If you want a simple, budget-friendly POS system that handles the essentials without complications, HungerRush is a great option. It's simple, reliable and ideal for restaurants that don't need all the bells and whistles.

Benefits of a Chinese restaurant POS

A tailored POS system for your Chinese restaurant brings efficiency and empowers you to deliver better service, reduce mistakes and focus on growing your business.

Here’s why a specialized POS can really make a difference:

• Faster order processing and reduced wait times: With the right system, your orders are processed quickly, which helps reduce wait times, especially during busy hours. Faster service means happier customers.‍
• Fewer mistakes: Chinese restaurants often deal with complex orders, like spice levels or special requests. A good POS system minimizes mistakes, keeping customers satisfied and your kitchen on track.
• ‍Better customer experience: A specialized POS lets you offer more personalized service, whether it's remembering past orders or customizing menus. When your system supports your staff, they can provide better service and create loyal customers.
• ‍Improved revenue tracking and business analytics: A POS designed for Chinese restaurants gives you the insight into sales trends, inventory and performance to make smarter decisions and grow your business.

Upgrade your Chinese restaurant with the right POS system

Your POS system should make running your restaurant easier, not harder. A POS tailored to the needs of your Chinese restaurant improves order accuracy, speeds up service, and keeps payments simple—so you can focus on great food and happy customers.

When you’re ready to explore how a great POS system can make a difference, try a demo of Owner.com. We’ll show you how our system helps restaurants streamline their operations and grow their sales.

‍FAQ about Chinese restaurant POS 

When you’re looking for the right POS system, you probably have many questions. Let’s cover a few of the most common ones to help you make the best choice for your restaurant.

Is POS installation easy? 

Installing a POS system for your Chinese restaurant can be simple, but it depends on the system you choose. Many modern POS systems are easy to set up, with clear instructions and technical support available.

You’ll want a system that offers installation support and training to ensure your team can get up and running.

How much does a restaurant POS system cost? 

The cost of a POS system can vary depending on features, customization options and the size of your restaurant.

Basic systems are available at a lower cost, while more advanced setups with features like inventory management, reporting and loyalty programs may come at a higher price. I’d say it’s important to consider both your budget and the long-term benefits the system will bring to your business.

Do POS systems support other languages? 

Yes, many POS systems support multiple languages, which is especially important for Chinese restaurants.

Having both English and Chinese options can facilitate communication between your staff and customers, ensuring smooth operation even during the busiest times.

Upgrade your Chinese restaurant with the right POS system

Your POS system should make running your restaurant easier, not harder. A POS tailored to the needs of your Chinese restaurant improves order accuracy, speeds up service, and keeps payments simple—so you can focus on great food and happy customers.

When you’re ready to explore how a great POS system can make a difference, try a demo of Owner.com. We’ll show you how our system helps restaurants streamline their operations and grow their sales.