Loading...
Don't leave Qingdao without a great meal! Explore the diverse restaurants and cafes at Jiaodong International Airport, including popular spots like Yonghe Doujiang and Pawangchaxi, before your flight.
Qingdao, China Travel: Airport Restaurant Options,
Top Eateries & Cafes, Including Cha Bai Dao Tea
Text/Photos ©HiBooboo
The final leg of your Qingdao adventure will likely
see you spending some time at the airport.
Today, I’m excited to introduce you to the variety of
restaurants and cafes available at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport!
First, let’s explore the different types of restaurants
you can find in Qingdao Airport's food court.
After you’ve checked in at Jiaodong International Airport,
head up to the second floor, and you’ll discover a bustling area
with a variety of restaurants.
Along the long stretch of food court establishments,
you'll find plenty of open seating,
making it easy to order and savor various types of cuisine!
This area hosts a wide array of dining spots.
At the entrance of the food court, you’ll find Yonghe Dawang,
renowned for its breakfast delights, the fast-food chain Dicos, and
several noodle shops!
Beyond that, there were also skewer shops, beef noodle restaurants,
dumpling eateries, and even Vietnamese restaurants.
With such a vast selection, I really struggled to decide
where to eat!
Don't worry, below I’ll share the dishes I ordered and my honest review!
My first order was Majiangmian (sesame paste noodles) from a noodle specialty restaurant.
It cost 32 RMB (based on early 2025 prices).
For my second pick, I ordered braised pork trotters over rice
and a refreshing draft beer from a Chinese home-style eatery.
To be honest, the sight of that delicious-looking draft beer
is what really drew me to this place!
The braised pork trotters over rice was 38 RMB,
and a 500ml beer was 35 RMB.
(prices based on early 2025)
Generally, the food prices were quite high for Qingdao,
and the beer, in particular, felt really pricey.
Since the two shops were adjacent, we could get our food almost immediately.
As Qingdao is known as the city of beer, I had to start with a glass of draft beer.
While it wasn't quite as good as the beer I had in the city center, it was cold, bubbly, and tasted pretty decent.
Next up, I tried Majiangmian with chicken.
It was topped with peanuts, cucumber, carrots, and chicken, laid over a bed of thin noodles.
I mixed the Majiangmian sauce thoroughly and gave it a taste.
Honestly, it was a bit blander than I expected, and the noodles lacked that satisfying chewy texture, so it was a slight disappointment.
I wondered if it would have tasted better with a richer sauce.
It's definitely not something I'd order again..!
Then came the braised pork trotters with rice, a dish featuring a small portion of trotters, white rice, a boiled egg, and bok choy.
I ordered it with high expectations, remembering how delicious I found this dish in Taiwan.
It lacked the sweet and deeply savory umami flavor I look for in braised pork trotters, and the rice had a slight off-smell, so personally, I didn't find myself reaching for it much.
Perhaps because it was at the airport, both dishes left me with significant regrets, making me think I'd definitely try something different if I visited again.
However, the draft beer was still quite enjoyable!
Qingdao Airport Beverage Cafe: Cha Ji (霸王茶姬)
Next, let me introduce you to Cha Ji (霸王茶姬), a must-try Chinese beverage spot that you simply can't go wrong with!
Cha Ji (霸王茶姬) is located near the entrance of the food court.
It was a drink I enjoyed every day during my Qingdao trip, so I just had to get one last one before leaving.
I ordered my absolute favorite, the Boya Juexian (伯牙绝弦) Jasmine Green Milk Tea.
The price was 19 CNY for a medium and 23 CNY for a large! (Prices as of early 2025)
Even if it looks like there's a long queue, orders come out surprisingly fast.
Also, I highly recommend picking up your drink and enjoying it with the food you ordered from the adjacent restaurant!
The Boya Juexian Jasmine Milk Tea has such a subtly addictive jasmine flavor, it's truly hard to go wrong with this drink – I wholeheartedly recommend it!
For your reference, the standard sweetness level is quite mild, so
if you prefer something sweeter,
I'd recommend opting for a higher sweetness level.
While there weren't any truly outstanding food menu options
at Qingdao Airport, which was a bit disappointing,
the draft beer and fizzy drinks were quite satisfying.
If I were to eat at the airport again,
I'd probably choose something like a hamburger or skewers,
which are already proven good options!
So, make sure to check out the restaurant information
and enjoy your last meal at the airport
at a delicious spot!
▼ How to Get to Qingdao Jiaodong Airport from the City Center ▼
After checking in at Qingdao Jiaodong International Airport, head up to the second floor, and you'll find a food court with various restaurants. Options include Yonghe Doujiang, Dicos, a noodle shop, a skewer shop, beef noodles, dumplings, and a Vietnamese restaurant.
As of early 2025, sesame paste noodles at the noodle shop cost ~$22. Braised pork hock rice at the Chinese home-style restaurant is ~$26, and a 500ml draft beer is ~$24. Overall, the food prices were quite expensive for Qingdao.
Ba Wang Cha Ji (Chaji) cafe is located near the entrance of the food court. We recommend the Boya Juexian Jasmine Green Milk Tea. As of early 2025, a medium size of this drink costs ~$13, and a large size is ~$16.
The sesame paste noodles were bland and lacked a springy texture, which was disappointing. The braised pork hock rice lacked a sweet and rich umami flavor, and it had a slight rice odor, so I personally didn't enjoy it much. The draft beer was cold and carbonated, making it palatable.
Discover more travel stories curated around the same theme.
Your ultimate guide to using DiDi via WeChat in Qingdao! Learn how to hail a taxi, select vehicle types, track your driver, and effortlessly pay for rides on your next China adventure.
Looking for an amazing 5-star stay in Qingdao without breaking the bank? The InterContinental Qingdao offers unbeatable value, a stunning location, and top-notch facilities.
Discover the Holiday Inn Qingdao City Center, strategically located near May Fourth Square and MixC Mall. Find out why its spacious rooms and convenient amenities make it perfect for your 2026 Qingdao trip.
Debating a China trip? This guide compares package vs. independent travel for 2026 and reveals the top 5 must-visit cities for your first adventure. Start planning!
Discover Lanzhou Lamian in Qingdao, a local favorite for authentic, budget-friendly beef noodles and generous portions. Perfect for travelers seeking real Chinese flavors!
Heading to Qingdao? Don't miss the AEON Mall! This 2026 guide uncovers the Top 8 must-buy souvenirs and snacks to fill your luggage.
Qingdao Travel: How to Get to the Airport from the City Center, Comparing Subway, Taxi, Pickup & Drop-off Services