If you walk into a Costco in the States, you know exactly what to expect. The smell of floor wax and rotisserie chicken hits you first. Then, you see the massive TV displays. But the real destination—the holy grail for anyone who just spent three hours wrestling a flatbed cart through the aisles—is the food court. You want that $1.50 hot dog. It’s a ritual.
In Shanghai, Suzhou, or Shenzhen, the vibe is different. It’s intense. The Costco China food court isn't just a place to grab a quick bite; it is a full-blown cultural phenomenon that manages to be both familiar and completely unrecognizable at the same time. People aren't just there for a cheap lunch. They are there to document the experience.
When the first Shanghai store opened in Minhang back in 2019, the police had to shut it down early because the crowds were literally dangerous. People weren't just fighting over discounted Birkin bags. They were swarming the food court. Why? Because Costco managed to do something very difficult in the Chinese market: they kept the American "soul" of the menu while adding localized items that actually taste good.
What’s Actually on the Menu?
You can still get the hot dog. It’s iconic. It’s also incredibly cheap, priced at 10.90 RMB, which is roughly $1.50. They kept the price point identical to the US because that "loss leader" strategy is what builds the brand's mythos. You get the soda too. Refills are still a thing, which is actually kind of a novelty in many parts of China where "bottomless" drinks aren't the standard.
But the pizza? That’s where things get interesting.
You’ll find the standard cheese and pepperoni, but the real star is often the seafood pizza. We aren't talking about a few sad shrimps. We are talking about a literal garden of the sea on a doughy crust. It’s loaded. There’s also the Beijing Duck pizza that pops up seasonally, featuring hoisin sauce and scallions. It sounds like a gimmick, but it actually works because the saltiness of the cheese pairs surprisingly well with the sweetness of the duck glaze.
The Beef Roll Obsession
If there is one item that defines the Costco China food court experience more than the hot dog, it is the beef roll. In the US, we have the chicken bake. It’s fine. It’s a tube of dough filled with Caesar dressing and chicken.
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The China version is a Bulgogi beef roll.
It’s heavy. It’s juicy. It’s packed with thinly sliced marinated beef, gooey cheese, and green onions. Honestly, it’s better than the chicken bake. You’ll see entire families sharing one because they are massive. If you’re visiting a Costco in China and you don’t get the beef roll, you basically didn't go.
Then there’s the clam chowder. In American Costcos, the chowder is hit or miss—usually a seasonal thing or relegated to specific regions like the Pacific Northwest. In China, it’s a staple. It’s thick, creamy, and served in a massive cup that could honestly double as a weapon. People love it. It’s common to see shoppers pairing a savory beef roll with a cup of chowder, creating a carb-and-protein bomb that requires a nap immediately afterward.
Why the Crowds Are So Different
In the US, Costco is a chore. It’s a Saturday morning "get in, get out" mission. In China, particularly in cities like Shanghai, it’s a weekend excursion. It’s "retailtainment."
The food court is the center of this.
You have to understand the layout. The seating area is usually packed to the point of absurdity. In the US, you might see a stray shopping cart left near a table. In China, the carts are part of the architecture. People park their massive wagons—filled with Kweichow Moutai and giant bags of pistachios—right next to their tables, creating a maze of stainless steel and cardboard.
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There is a specific kind of "Costco etiquette" that has developed in these stores. Because seating is so limited, you’ll see people "scouting." This involves standing uncomfortably close to someone who looks like they are on their last bite of pizza. It’s not considered rude; it’s just necessary. If you aren't aggressive, you aren't eating.
The Soft Serve Game
Let’s talk about the ice cream.
Costco’s vanilla soft serve is legendary for being dense. In China, they take it a step further with flavors like Matcha or Alphonso Mango, depending on the season. The portions are still "American sized," which means they are roughly three times larger than what a normal human should eat in one sitting.
People don't just eat it; they photograph it. The "Costco Haul" post on Xiaohongshu (China’s version of Instagram) isn't complete without a shot of the mango soft serve against the backdrop of the red and white Costco logo. It’s a status symbol. It says, "I have a membership, I have a car to get here, and I have the patience to stand in this line."
Navigating the Logistics
If you’re planning to visit, don't just show up at noon on a Saturday. That’s a mistake. You will spend forty minutes in a line just to get a hot dog.
- Go on a weekday. Tuesday or Wednesday afternoons are the sweet spot.
- The membership is global. If you have a US or Canadian Costco card, it works in China. You just scan it at the kiosk or show it to the attendant.
- Digital payments rule. Forget cash. You’re using WeChat Pay or Alipay. The kiosks are streamlined for this, and the process is actually much faster than the clunky card readers often found in North American stores.
- The "Condiment Station" is a war zone. In the US, people are generally chill with the onions and mustard. In China, the onion crank machine has become a point of contention. Some people take a lot of onions. Like, a whole plate of onions. It’s a thing.
The Business Reality Behind the Pizza
Why does Costco put so much effort into the food court in China? It’s simple: brand loyalty.
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China is a tough market for big-box retailers. Carrefour struggled. Tesco left. Walmart/Sam’s Club is the only one that really figured it out before Costco arrived. Costco realized that to win, they couldn't just sell bulk paper towels. They had to sell an "American Lifestyle" experience.
The food court is the "hook." It’s the reward for the membership fee. When you can get a massive, high-quality meal for less than the price of a coffee at Starbucks, you feel like you’re winning. That psychological win makes you more likely to drop $400 on a giant bear or a set of imported cookware you didn't know you needed.
The Future of the Costco China Food Court
As Costco expands into cities like Nanjing and Hangzhou, the menu continues to evolve. We are starting to see more localized snacks—things like pork floss buns or bubble tea-inspired desserts.
But they have to be careful. If they localize too much, they lose the "Americana" appeal that makes them special. The balance is delicate. They need to keep the greasy pepperoni pizza while making sure there’s enough seafood options to satisfy local palates.
One thing that won't change is the scale. Everything about the Costco China food court is designed to be big. Big portions, big crowds, and big flavors. It’s a sensory overload that somehow works.
If you find yourself in a Chinese tier-one city, skip the fancy mall food courts for one day. Get a membership, find the nearest Costco, and fight your way to a beef roll. It’s the most authentic "unauthentic" experience you can have.
Next Steps for Your Visit:
- Check the local app: Download the Costco China app before you go to see if there are any food court-specific coupons or new seasonal items.
- Bring a thermal bag: If you can't find a seat—which is likely—you’ll want to keep that Bulgogi roll warm for the trek back to your apartment or hotel.
- Avoid the 12:00 PM to 2:00 PM window: This is the peak "lunch rush" where the line can wrap around the tire center. Aim for 3:30 PM for a much smoother experience.