The best restaurant in China isn't a restaurant.

Went to a home dinner hosted by Steven and Norika @plus1chopsticks . They started these dinners so that foreigners traveling or working in China can get a little taste of the “real touch” — what local people actually make, eat, and talk about at home. None of us knew each other before, but we ended up talking for 3+ hours — from travel adventures, to surviving workplace “PUA” in China 😂, to the weirdest comments we’ve encountered on social media There’s a saying in Chinese that I really love: 人间烟火气，最抚凡人心 it’s the warmth of ordinary life that comforts the human heart the most. Here’s to another Sunday night with heartwarming food, laughter, and strangers who don’t feel like strangers at all :)

Yiren · friends couples with Norika and Steven

The best restaurant in Shanghai that isn't a restaurant. This is real home cooking — where the wok has been seasoned by use for decades, homegrown ingredients come straight from the garden, and the interactions are genuine. An experience that lets you connect with local culture on a deeper, more meaningful level.

Sophie & friend · friends couples with Jiading Ayi

First time in China and this was one of the highlights of the trip. The food was incredible and the conversation made it feel like we were visiting old friends. Chuan and her family were so warm and welcoming — it was the kind of authentic experience you just can't get at a restaurant. Highly recommend to anyone visiting Shanghai.

Josh & friend · friends couples with Chuan 川

We already miss the amazing food from our Saturday lunch. In fact I've just discovered a new Shanghainese restaurant a 20 min walk from our home. It seems to have the iconic dishes like Si Xi Kao Fu and "Grandma's braised pork" in a black pot that looks like what Aunt Shen treated us to... We must explore this place urgently! It's been a highlight of our trip and I've been telling my colleagues about this experience. It's a unique opportunity to experience life in China in a different way, meet new people, learn something new and of course have some good food. Definitely keen to do this again when we're back to China next! Appreciate your hosting the lunch too and telling us more about what led you to launch the project, the dishes served, and Chinese culture.

Danil & Katerina · friends couples with Jiading Ayi

The experience was great, and exactly what we were expecting and looking for. The absolute standout was the food… flavours exactly as I remembered eating as a child in Shanghai. The company and conversation was fantastic as well. It was good to talk about Shanghai as I remembered it, and as it is now. My friend got a lot out of it too; he really enjoyed the home-cooked meal after two weeks of eating street snacks and at restaurants. We really appreciate the quick and clear communication, from you as well as Auntie Shen and her daughter. It made the process smooth and painless. Also appreciate getting picked up and dropped off at the metro station.

Ethan Xu · friends couples with Jiading Ayi

Grace was very friendly and welcoming and cooked delicious food that was very different to the Chinese food that I had previously tried in restaurants and from street food vendors. I get to learn more about Shanghai from someone who lives there. I can recommend this experience to anyone who visits China!

Claire (@lost_with_claire) · solo with Grace Tong

Thanks for having us, it was a terrific experience and we are glad we could be the first ones to try it out! The food was delicious and the hosts very welcoming. I think it's a great initiative and will be very popular once word gets out.

Danny · families with Jiading Ayi

It was a very interesting experience and everything went well! I enjoyed the conversations and the cozy vibe. It felt like going to a friend's house and just hanging out. It also gave me a glimpse of how locals live their everyday lives, which is what I enjoy most during all my travels. Good food with good vibes and definitely one of the highlights of my trip.

En Kai · solo with Chuan 川