Jiading Ayi: Shanghainese home cooking

Jaye · From United Kingdom

Dined on Sep 13, 2026 with Jiading Ayi’s family

I had such a lovely time at Shen Ayi’s home in Jiading with Plus One Chopsticks! There were so many vegan dishes to try, and everything tasted really fresh and full of flavour. My favourite was the eggplant! It was a little spicy and super fragrant - really delicious! I also loved the yams, and the vegan mooncakes and fresh tea were such a lovely and thoughtful touch. Steven was super friendly and easy to chat with. He shared stories about some of the dishes as we ate, which made the meal even more interesting. It was a fun way to learn more about Chinese culture and Shanghainese cuisine while enjoying a home-cooked meal. Everyone was welcoming, the conversation flowed easily, and I left feeling very well fed and happy! I would definitely recommend this experience to travellers in China, or anyone who wants to learn more about Chinese culture and eat delicious, home-cooked food!

Katina · From Bahamas

Dined on May 23, 2026 with Jiading Ayi’s family

The family, Aunt Shen and her sister were beautiful hosts. I will remember their smile, easy to talk with and really embraced us. The food was cooked with love but the dumpling making was hilarious. We affectionately called them 'the united nations dumplings' — ours didn't look like Chinese dumplings, but they surely tasted like them and we had loads of fun making them. I'm enriched by this beautiful experience!

Danil & Katerina · From United Kingdom

Dined on May 9, 2026 with Jiading Ayi’s family

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.

Sophie & friend · From France

Dined on Apr 19, 2026 with Jiading Ayi’s family

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.

Ethan Xu · From Australia

Dined on Mar 29, 2026 with Jiading Ayi’s family

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.

Danny · From Australia

Dined on Mar 22, 2026 with Jiading Ayi’s family

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.