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 is the cost per person for a guest?

Prices are set by the host, typically ranging from 200-500 RMB. 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.

Dine at Local Family Homes

Daniel Sun has travelled China numerous times over the last couple of years - upon his last return, he pulled together a comprehensive guide to break down his perspective on exactly which apps you need — and how to use them effectively.

📱 The Critical Apps (Non-Negotiable)

These are the apps Daniel considers essential for any trip to China:

WeChat — China's "super-app" - messaging, payments, mini-programs, and more, all in one. Daniel describes the ability to use AliPay for payments as well, but found WeChat more comprehensive personally.
Google Translate — Essential for navigating the language barrier, with a camera / photo upload feature that is useful for reading signs and menus.
AMAP — Daniel's go-to mapping application while in mainland China - accurate directions, public transit info, and local business listings.
Didi — Daniel's go-to China's ride-hailing app and used to get around cities safely, affordably and easily (especially given a really Uber / Lyft-like familiar UI).
LetsVPN — Daniel's go-to VPN provider (easy, affordable) though he mentions that there are many options that people use.

✨ Nice-to-Have Apps That Enhance Your Experience

Beyond the essentials, Daniel recommends several apps that can significantly improve your travel experience:

Dianping + Meituan — The go-to apps for finding restaurants, food delivery, and local services. Think of it as China's Yelp (e.g., Dianping) meets DoorDash (e.g., Meituan).
Xiaohongshu (Little Red Book) — A social platform that is China's go-to for discovering trendy restaurants, cafes, travel experiences (e.g., Citywalks) and more.
Ctrip — China's major travel booking platform for flights, hotels, and tours (e.g., Chinese Trip.com) that often has better prices than international booking sites and can accept foreign payment easily.

🌍 Why This Matters for Your China Journey

The difference between a frustrating China trip and an amazing one often comes down to preparation and having the right tools. With these apps properly set up before you arrive, you'll:

Navigate cities confidently without getting lost
Pay for everything seamlessly without cash
Communicate across language barriers
Discover authentic local experiences beyond tourist attractions
Move around safely and affordably

Read Daniel Sun's full article for even more detailed recommendations, personal travel stories, and additional tips:

→ "A tourist's 2026 'China App Stack': Field notes on critical & nice to have apps"

Daniel's insights come from years of traveling in China and helping other visitors navigate the unique digital landscape. His comprehensive guide covers not just which apps to download, but how to use them effectively to unlock the best of what China has to offer.

Originally published on Daniel Sun's Substack. This post features highlights and key recommendations from his full article. Read the complete guide for more detailed tips, personal experiences, and additional app recommendations.