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.

Lynne’s Family

Cuisine: Authentic home-style Sichuan food

Location: Shuangliu District

Price: ¥300 per person

Group size: 1–6 guests

Meet Lynne’s Family

Hear Lynne’s Family's story in their own words

Welcome

Welcome to my warm home in Chengdu! I host authentic Sichuan home dining experiences that go far beyond ordinary meals. During our evening gathering, guests can taste classic homemade Chengdu dishes, experience genuine local slow life culture, and have relaxed cross-cultural conversations. I love connecting with international friends, sharing Chengdu’s history, food and local stories, and creating warm, sincere and unforgettable dining memories for every guest.

About me

I’m a local Chengdu resident with a background in Business English. I have rich experience in international reception, cross-cultural communication and high-end private tour guidance. I am passionate about Chinese traditional culture, Sichuan cuisine, and urban humanities of Chengdu. In my spare time, I love cooking home-style Sichuan food, exploring old streets and ancient teahouses in Chengdu, and I enjoy watching classic American and British TV series as well as European films .I am gentle, outgoing and patient, and I enjoy making friends with people from all over the world,so we can exchanging personal life stories with each other . And I learned so much from this. It feels as if I am travelling around the world.

Travel Experience

The Asian countries I have visited include Japan, Singapore, Thailand and Malaysia. The European countries I have visited are Italy, France, Spain, Switzerland and Malta. Although I have not lived overseas long-term, I am fully familiar with Western dining culture, social etiquette and cross-cultural communication habits, and can perfectly accommodate international guests’ living and communication needs.

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 Lynne and her aunt in the kitchen and learn selected steps from their home-style Sichuan dishes.

¥150 per group

Sample menu

Signature dish

Mapo Tofu

Here are the sample dishes

Mapo Tofu

Sichuan Boiled Green Vegetables

Kung Pao Chicken

Home-style Braised Pork Ribs

Spicy Sichuan Cucumber Salad

Tomato Egg Soup

Dry-fried Green Beans

Stir-Fried Yellow Cattle Beef

Sichuan Boiled Fish

Traditional Chengdu Glutinous Rice Dessert

Fruit Platter for Dessert

Dietary accommodations

I can fully accommodate vegetarian diet, no pork, no beef requirements. I can also adjust ingredients and seasonings according to guests’ food allergies and dietary taboos in advance.

Getting There

Shuangliu District

📍 Shuangliu · ≈ 55 min from Chunxi Road

Your host will share exact door-to-door directions after your booking is confirmed.

Home dining in Chengdu with Lynne’s Family

Book a seat with Lynne’s Family