How do I book a local dining experience in China?

Browse our Plus 1 Chopsticks hosts, select a profile, and submit a booking request. Your host will confirm availability for your selected date.

How long does a typical home-cooked meal experience last?

Most home dining sessions last 2-3 hours, covering both the meal and local cultural conversation.

What time do lunch and dinner start?

In China, lunch is usually around 12pm and dinner between 6pm and 7pm — earlier than in many Western countries. Your host will confirm the exact time with you after booking, and most are happy to adjust if you're arriving from elsewhere in the city or coming straight from the airport.

What is the cost per person for a guest?

Prices are set by the host, ranging from ¥280 to ¥390 per person. Exact pricing is listed on each individual host profile.

What is your booking cancellation policy?

Cancel up to 7 days before your scheduled meal for a full refund. This ensures our local hosts have adequate preparation time.

Do I need to speak Chinese to dine with a host?

No. Many +1 Chopsticks hosts are multilingual; you can filter for English-speaking hosts when browsing.

Are the meals and hosts verified for food safety?

Yes. All +1 Chopsticks hosts undergo a verification process for hygiene, food safety, and ingredient quality to ensure a premium experience.

Can hosts accommodate dietary restrictions or allergies?

Yes. Our +1 Chopsticks hosts are local families and professionals who can usually cater to special dietary needs if mentioned during booking.

How do I apply to become a +1 Chopsticks host in China?

Click 'Become a Host' to start our application and verification process. We welcome locals passionate about authentic cooking.

Do you offer partnerships for travel agents?

Yes. We provide special rates for travel agencies and tour operators. Contact plusonechopsticks@gmail.com for partnership details.

Are these dinners suitable for solo travelers in China?

Yes! Many of our hosts are families, couples, and young professionals who enjoy hosting individuals. Most +1 Chopsticks hosts accommodate solo dining, making it a safe and authentic way for solo travelers to experience genuine Chinese hospitality and home-cooked meals.

What makes +1 Chopsticks different from restaurants in China?

Unlike traditional restaurants, +1 Chopsticks offers authentic home-cooked meals prepared by local families in their homes. You get a genuine cultural experience with real Chinese hospitality, family recipes, and meaningful conversations with locals—something you cannot get in a restaurant.

Is home dining in China safe for tourists?

Yes, absolutely. All +1 Chopsticks hosts undergo a thorough verification process including background checks, food safety inspections, and hygiene certifications. We prioritize guest safety and comfort in every experience.

What authentic Chinese dishes can I expect?

Our hosts prepare traditional Shanghainese cuisine including xiaolongbao (soup dumplings), shengjianbao (pan-fried buns), hairy crab, braised pork belly, and other regional specialties passed down through generations. Menus vary by host and season.

Can I find home dining experiences in specific cities or districts?

Yes! We have verified hosts across China including Shanghai (Pudong, Huangpu, Jing'an, Changning, Xuhui, Minhang) and Shenzhen (Nanshan), with more cities coming soon. You can filter by location when browsing our host profiles to find experiences near your hotel or in your preferred area.

What is the best time to book a home dining experience in China?

We recommend booking 1-2 weeks in advance to ensure availability. However, some hosts may accommodate last-minute bookings. Check individual host calendars for real-time availability. Peak seasons (spring and fall) fill up faster.

How do I know if a host is authentic and trustworthy?

All +1 Chopsticks hosts display verification badges, guest reviews, and ratings on their profiles. Read guest testimonials and check their experience level. Our verification process ensures every host meets our high standards for authenticity, safety, and hospitality.

What should I bring or wear to a home dining experience?

Wear comfortable, casual clothing. Remove your shoes when entering the home (hosts will provide slippers). Bring an open mind and appetite! Some guests bring small gifts from their home country, though it's not required. Your host will provide any specific instructions.

+1 Chopsticks · China home dining

The best restaurant in Shanghai isn’t a restaurant.

Experience authentic, home-cooked meals hosted by locals.

Meet your new friends in China

+1 Chopsticks connects international travellers with vetted local host families for authentic home-cooked meals in real family homes across Shanghai, Shenzhen and Chengdu. Prices range from ¥280 to ¥388 per person.

Norika and Steven

Cuisine: Northern-Southern fusion

Location: Songjiang

From: ¥340 per person

Hi! We are avid travelers who have been to more than 60 countries, and just set our foot on all seven continents on eart

Grace Tong

Cuisine: Chinese and Western Fusion

Location: Xuhui

From: ¥300 per person

Hi, I’m Grace. Born in Guizhou and shaped by more than a decade living abroad—mostly in the U.S.—I found my way back to

Jiading Ayi

Cuisine: Local Shanghainese style

Location: Jiading

From: ¥368 per person

Auntie Shen — a true daughter of Jiading Old Town, the very cradle of Shanghai's famous soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao).

Chuan 川

Cuisine: Guangxi-Cantonese Style

Location: Xuhui

From: ¥390 per person

Hi! I'm Chuan, I'm a freelance designer. Since I moved to my current home, I've been hosting dinners every now and then!

Sookie

Cuisine: Chaoshan, Cantonese & Western Fusion

Location: Putuo

From: ¥340 per person

Hello everyone! I'm Sookie, originally from Guangdong and currently based in Shanghai. I work in the music industry, and

Filbert Kang

Cuisine: Hunan spices meets Zhejiang finesse

Location: Longhua, Shenzhen

From: ¥300 per person

I'm Filbert — a registered dietician with a Master's degree from the UK, and I've been cooking for as long as I can reme

Eating (Yiting)

Cuisine: Shanghai & Sichuan

Location: Gubei, Changning

From: ¥340 per person

Hey there! I'm Yiting — you can call me Eating 😄 I'm passionate about everything food-related, and I love welcoming new

Dragon (Xiaolong) 小龙

Cuisine: Mild Sichuan (non-spicy)

Location: Wuhou, Chengdu

From: ¥280 per person

Dragon is a freelance creative professional based in Chengdu's vibrant Wuhou District, working across culture, tourism,

William and Jasmine

Cuisine: Cantonese, Northern Chinese, Southeast Asian

Location: Putuo

From: ¥340 per person

We're William and Jasmine, a global-minded couple living in Shanghai. William is in the tech space running a TikTok Live

Wendi and Simon

Cuisine: Chinese Home Cooking

Location: Songjiang

From: ¥340 per person

Wendi volunteered as a teacher in Africa at 18, went on to get her Master's degree in the UK, and spent years exploring

Emma and Leo

Cuisine: Chinese regional fusion

Location: Pudong

From: ¥300 per person

A couple lives in Shanghai. Emma is a native Shanghainese who works at a foreign pharmaceutical company. She is the fami

Xirui (Siri)

Cuisine: Northern & Sichuan Home Cooking

Location: Gaoxin District, Chengdu

From: ¥340 per person

I grew up in Northeast China, spent twelve years in Beijing, and now call Chengdu home — which means my kitchen tells th

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