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.

Grace Tong

Cuisine: Chinese and Western Fusion

Location: Xuhui

Price: ¥300 per person

Group size: 1–4 guests

Meet Grace Tong

Hi, I’m Grace. Born in Guizhou and shaped by more than a decade living abroad—mostly in the U.S.—I found my way back to Chinese cooking through a familiar homesickness: missing the flavors of home.

Cooking authentic Chinese dishes became my love language, and after two years back in China, I’m excited to open my kitchen to fellow travelers from around the world. Come share a thoughtfully prepared meal, good conversation, and a genuine cultural exchange—one table, many stories.

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 Grace in the kitchen and learn practical steps behind the home-style dishes she prepares.

¥150 per group

Local market visit

Visit a neighbourhood market with Grace to see the ingredients that shape a Chinese home meal.

¥150 per group

Local park and neighbourhood walk

Take a relaxed walk through a nearby park and neighbourhood while hearing Grace’s perspective on daily life in Shanghai.

¥150 per group

Sample menu

My specialty is creating a warm, authentic "Shanghai home" dining experience, blending nutritious local flavors with comforting international dishes. I prepare fresh meals using market ingredients, featuring classics like:

Braised Beef Brisket with Daikon Radish (萝卜炖牛腩)
Spinach in Supreme Broth with Century Egg (上汤菠菜)
Signature Seafood Noodle Soup (海鲜汤面)
Foil-Baked Whole Fish with Lemongrass (香茅烤鱼)
Creamy Coconut Chicken Curry (椰香咖喱鸡)
Oven-Roasted Chicken Feast (烤鸡大餐)

The menu can be updated on the day depending on what’s fresh. Or let me know what you want to try :)

Getting There

Xuhui, Shanghai

≈ 35 min from the Bund
≈ 25 min from Jing'an Temple
≈ 40 min from Lujiazui

Nearest metro: Shanghai Indoor Stadium (Line 1, Line 3, Line 4)

Authentic "Shanghai home" dining experience featuring Braised Beef Brisket with Daikon Radish

Guest Reviews

Arie · solo

The food was very good, and the conversation was fluent and very informative. I didn't realize the dinner was prepared only for me because space was limited at Grace's place, but it made it even more special. I am sorry we didn't take any photos.

Dustin · solo

Grace was nice. Very good English. Felt like I was visiting old friends from San Francisco. As a solo traveller was refreshing to have some companionship over dinner.

Claire (@lost_with_claire) · solo

Grace was very friendly and welcoming and cooked delicious food that was very different to the Chinese food that I had previously tried in restaurants and from street food vendors. I get to learn more about Shanghai from someone who lives there. I can recommend this experience to anyone who visits China!

Book a seat with Grace Tong