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 you have reviews or ratings?

We publish written guest stories rather than star ratings. Every one comes from a guest who completed a booking. We think a number tells you a meal was fine, while someone describing the evening tells you what it was actually like — you can read them on any host's page.

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.

Dragon (Xiaolong) 小龙

Cuisine: Mild Sichuan (non-spicy)

Location: Wuhou, Chengdu

Price: ¥280 per person

Group size: 2–6 guests

Meet Dragon (Xiaolong) 小龙

Hear Dragon (Xiaolong) 小龙's story in their own words

Dragon is a freelance creative professional based in Chengdu's vibrant Wuhou District, working across culture, tourism, city tours, event planning, short video production, hosting/MC, voice-over, and tea promotion. Between the ages of 20 and 35, he was an active Couchsurfing host and traveler, welcoming international visitors into his home and exploring the world through the same spirit of open-hearted exchange — building genuine friendships with people from dozens of countries along the way.

Now, Dragon wants to welcome foreign friends to his home in Chengdu as a true local — sharing a real, warm, and interesting slice of Chinese life. He also creates travel vlogs, so if you don't mind being on camera, you might end up in one of his videos!

Optional add-on activities

¥150 per activity, per group — not per person. Your first selected activity is complimentary when you book today; each additional activity is ¥150 per group.

Home cooking participation

Join Dragon in the kitchen and learn selected steps from the mild Sichuan dishes served at his table.

¥150 per group

Kung Fu tea ceremony

Learn the basics of brewing and appreciating Chinese tea in a relaxed, hosted tasting.

¥150 per group

Chengdu local-culture walk

Add a short local-culture walk guided by Dragon’s experience in tourism and city storytelling.

¥150 per group

Sample menu

Kung Pao Chicken — the iconic Sichuan classic, made mild and fragrant
Fish-Fragrant Pork Shreds (鱼香肉丝) — savory, tangy, and deeply satisfying
Garlic Sprout Twice-Cooked Pork (蒜苗回锅肉) — smoky, umami-rich pork with garlic shoots
Tomato Beef Brisket — slow-braised until melt-in-your-mouth tender
Shrimp & Vermicelli Claypot — delicate and aromatic, a crowd favorite
Seasonal Vegetables in Garlic Sauce — fresh and vibrant

Dishes vary by season and guest preference. Dragon is also happy to tailor the menu based on your nationality or dietary needs. Hotpot can be arranged on request!

+¥80 per person: Add a traditional Kung Fu Tea Ceremony — Dragon will guide you through the art of Gongfu Cha, the meditative Chinese tea ritual, using premium Sichuan teas.

Getting There

Wuhou, Chengdu

≈ 15 min from Kuanzhai Alley
≈ 20 min from Chunxi Road / Taikoo Li
≈ 35 min from Chengdu East Station

Nearest metro: Huanhuaxi (Line 17)

Authentic Sichuan Home Cooking in Chengdu — with a Kung Fu Tea Ceremony

Guest Reviews

Or · friends couples

The experience was great and meaningful. At first, his mother cooked us a local food dinner with verity of typical daily and festive dishes. Afterwards we went for a walk around the neighborhood through a beautiful garden. We really enjoyed the chat, that gave us the opportunity to look into the chinese lifestyle.

Patrice Tobler · friends couples

A very special experience in Chengdu! I gave this local dinner as a gift to my son and his friends – and all four were absolutely thrilled. Dragon welcomed them incredibly warmly and, together with his mother, cooked a royal feast for them. The atmosphere was personal, authentic, and full of hospitality. For my son and his friends, it was not just a meal, but a real experience that they will remember for a long time to come. Many thanks to Dragon and his mother for this wonderful evening. I would love to come back – absolutely recommended!

Book a seat with Dragon (Xiaolong) 小龙