How do I book a local dining experience in China?

Choose a +1 Chopsticks host, select your date, meal time and group size, then complete secure checkout to confirm your experience instantly. Your host will follow up with the exact meeting time and any final details.

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.

Layna (小雨)

Cuisine: Chongqing Home Cooking

Location: Chayuan New District, Nan'an, Chongqing

Price: ¥300 per person

Group size: 1–6 guests

Meet Layna (小雨)

Hear Layna (小雨)'s story in their own words

Welcome

This will be a lot of fun! No one who comes to my home needs to feel constrained — making people feel at ease is what I do best. My English is not very good yet, but that has never stopped me from feeling relaxed.

You can cook with me, and I will teach you how to make delicious, simple Chinese dishes. We can invite a few friends over for a drink too. Their English may be even less fluent than mine, but they are very eager to communicate!

We can also play games, Mahjong, write Chinese calligraphy, paint Chinese paintings, or play Go… Our only worry will be that there is not enough time!

About me

I am a Chinese-language teacher from Chongqing. Whenever I have free time, I go hiking with friends — rocky mountains are my favourite.

If international friends are interested, I would be delighted to take them hiking and introduce them to the real mountain city of Chongqing.

Travel Experience

I have travelled to many places in China but have not travelled abroad. I used to be interested in going overseas, but now I feel differently.

Every year I spend some time living in another Chinese city, and I also enjoy hosting international friends in different places.

Optional add-on activities

Activities are charged per group, not per person. Your first paid activity is complimentary when you book today; any activity marked free stays free.

Home cooking participation

Cook alongside Layna and learn how to make selected delicious, simple Chinese dishes in her home kitchen.

¥150 per group

Chongqing hiking

Layna will discuss suitable Chongqing hiking routes with you based on your fitness level. This activity is free.

Free

Mahjong and board games

Play Mahjong or other relaxed board games with Layna and her friends after the meal.

¥150 per group

Calligraphy and Chinese painting 101

Try introductory Chinese calligraphy and painting with Layna, including simple brushwork and playful practice.

¥150 per group

Sample menu

Signature dish

Layna’s signature dish is Braised Angci Fish (红烧昂刺鱼), a comforting Chongqing home-style fish dish she has chosen as the centrepiece of her table.

Here are the sample dishes

Here are the sample dishes

Pickled-chili duck (泡椒鸭)
Three-delicacies soup (三鲜汤)
Glass noodles with minced pork (肉末粉条)
Fish-fragrant shredded pork (鱼香肉丝)
Braised Angci Fish (红烧昂刺鱼)
Sweet and sour pork ribs (糖醋排骨)
Pan-fried dumplings (生煎饺子)
Brown-sugar glutinous-rice cake (红糖糯米粑粑)
Quick stir-fried seasonal greens (炝炒青菜)
Loofah and meatball soup (丝瓜丸子汤)
Pork-rib pilaf (排骨抓饭)

Vegan and vegetarian meals, no-pork or no-beef meals, and allergy requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Dietary accommodations

Vegan and vegetarian guests, no-pork or no-beef requests, and allergy requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.

Getting There

Chayuan New District, Nan'an, Chongqing

≈ 14 km · ≈ 30 min from Hongya Cave
≈ 14 km · ≈ 35 min from Jiefangbei
≈ 22 km · ≈ 55 min from Chongqing North Station

Nearest metro: Chayuan (Line 6)

Home Cooking & Cultural Evenings in Chongqing

Book a seat with Layna (小雨)