_1cd227a6.jpeg)
The best restaurant in Shanghai isn't a restaurant.
Experience authentic, home-cooked meals hosted by locals.
Ni Hao! We are +1 chopsticks
In Chinese culture, when we invite friends over for dinner, we say "ε δΈεη·ε"βit's simply adding a pair of chopsticks.
That's our mission: providing curated, affordable home dining for travelers who want more than a tourist menu.
Wait, home dining in China? I never heard of that
Yup. Because it didn't exist until we made it happen.
Dine at locals' homes. Share homemade dishes, stories, and neighborhoods you won't find on any tour.
Sounds fun! Who are the hosts? Can they cater my dietary needs?
Our diverse community of hosts includes families, couples, and young professionals who share passion of cooking and meeting new people. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, we'll match you with the perfect host.
No matter whose table you join, one thing is guaranteed: we will carefully accommodate all your dietary needs and restrictions to ensure a perfect meal.
All hosts are verified by the platform on the readiness to host, including language capability, food style and hygiene, and home environment.
Home-cooked menus
Regional dishes, seasonal ingredients, family recipes.
Hosted by local families
Meet your hosts, see their neighborhoods, eat like a local.
Small groups, real conversations
1β6 guests per table. Come as a traveler, leave as a friend.
Meet your new friends in Shanghai - Authentic Home Dining Experiences
Chuan ε·
Guangxi-Cantonese Style
Chuan's culinary journey began in childhood when she couldn't find delicious, lightly-oiled stir-fried eggplant in resta...
Jiading Ayi
Ancient Shanghaiese style
Auntie Lee β a true daughter of Jiading Old Town, the very cradle of Shanghai's famous soup dumplings (Xiao Long Bao). S...
Norika and Steven
Northern-Southern fusion
Hi! We are avid travelers who have been to more than 60 countries, and just set our foot on all seven continents on eart...
π₯’ How +1 Chopsticks Works
Browse
Explore our curated selection of local hosts and their unique dining experiences.
Book
Select your preferred date and time. The host will confirm your booking.
Prepare
Confirm any dietary needs and get ready for an authentic culinary experience.
Eat
Enjoy delicious home-cooked food and meaningful conversations with your host.
About Us
Steven completing the 7th continent with the lovely penguin
Home dining at Peer's place in Copenhagen
Home dining at Ahmed's place in Fez
_f1453687.jpeg)
Steven teaching a new friend how to play '15-20', a famous Chinese drinking game
Home dining at Peer's place in Copenhagen
Home dining at Ahmed's place in Fez
Steven teaching a new friend how to play '15-20', a famous Chinese drinking game
Hi, I'm Steven
I'm the founder and CEO of +1 Chopsticks. Born and raised in Hong Kong, I have studied in the US, married my beautiful wife from Tianjin, and lived and worked in China for more than 15 years. As an expert in cultural travel experiences and authentic dining, I'm passionate about creating genuine connections between travelers and local communities through home-cooked meals.
My Travels & Passion
I'm an avid traveler who's been to 60+ countries and all seven continents. I enjoyed making new friends everywhere, and have shared numerous stories at my friends' homes from Copenhagen, Denmark to Fes, Morocco; from Nairobi, Kenya to San Paolo in Brazil. These became my favourite travel memories! This global experience directly informs how we design authentic home dining experiences.
Bridging Cultures
I'm the author of the "China vs the West" series as I'm deeply passionate about bridging the gap, debunking the myths, and showing the authentic China to everyone. In the era of AI, I believe real connection is the new luxury. Meeting a new friend at home is going to foster better connections than at a restaurant!
Professional Background
I'm a proud MBA graduate from Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University. I'm a seasoned management consultant and a serial entrepreneur in the hospitality and education sectors. My professional expertise in business strategy, hospitality operations, and community building ensures that +1 Chopsticks operates with the highest standards of quality and safety. My track record of success in multiple ventures demonstrates my ability to create meaningful, sustainable businesses that prioritize both guest and host experiences.
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about dining with us
Booking & Logistics
Concerns & Safety
For Hosts & Partners
Still have questions?
Contact us at [email protected]Love cooking and meeting new people?
Join our community of hosts and share your culinary passion with travelers from around the world. It's easy, rewarding, and fun.
Earn income doing what you love
Set your own prices and keep 80% of earnings
Meet travelers from around the world
Build meaningful connections and share your culture
Flexible hosting schedule
Host when it works for you, no minimum commitments
Coming to China this year?
Get updates on new hosts. No spam, just delicious updates.