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 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.

Norika and Steven

Cuisine: Northern-Southern fusion

Location: Songjiang

Price: ¥340 per person

Group size: 1–4 guests

About Norika and Steven

Hi! We are avid travelers who have been to more than 60 countries, and just set our foot on all seven continents on earth! (Antarctica is a great honeymoon location :). We love hosting friends and have some nice chats over Chinese dinner. Cultural exchange is what I have been doing in life - I have lived in four continents (Shanghai, Copenhagen, Nairobi and Chicago). Come and enjoy a nice meal and good conversations!

When the North meets the South (南北融合) Welcome to our table! This menu features Jiā Cháng Cài (Home-style Cooking)—the heart and soul of Chinese dining. Unlike restaurant food, these dishes are designed for comfort and balance. We bring together a mix of Northern heartiness and Southern delicacy, featuring savory stir-fries, tender braises, and classic family favorites. Meat & Poultry 1. Honey Glazed Cumin Chicken Wings Savory and sweet wings with a fragrant kick of cumin spice. 2. Steamed Chicken Wings with Shiitake Mushrooms A lighter, healthier option where the savory juices of the mushrooms infuse the tender chicken. 3. Homestyle Stir-fried Beef Slices of beef stir-fried with fresh peppers and spices for a rich, savory taste. Vegetables & Tofu 4. Sautéed Green Beans with Minced Pork & Olive Veg Crunchy green beans stir-fried with savory minced pork and "Olive Vegetable" (a classic savory preserve). 5. Stir-fried Snow Peas with Chinese Sausage Crisp, sweet snow peas paired with the rich, smoky flavor of cured Chinese sausage. 6. Braised Tofu with Scallions Silky tofu braised in a savory sauce infused with the aroma of fried scallions. 7. Home-style Braised Tofu Puffs Spongy tofu puffs that absorb all the delicious sauce of the dish. Staples 8. Handmade Dumplings The ultimate Chinese comfort food. Hand-wrapped and boiled to perfection.

When the North meets the South

Guest Reviews — 5.0 / 5

Andrew, Jayne & Brooke Pyke · families

G'day mate. What a wonderful afternoon. We had a great time together and I could have sat and talked about all sorts of things for ages! The food was delicious and your company was amazing. Please keep my details and if you're ever in Cairns we would love to have you over dinner or lunch or a trip out on our boat to the reef to fish and dive (we scuba dive as well as ski!). Please thank your beautiful wife for us again and we look forward to any opportunity to seeing you guys in the future. Cheers, Andrew, Jayne and Brooke

Manolis Roditakis · families

Amazing experience overall!! Our hosts were super friendly and accommodating, the food was really good-the best dumplings in Shanghai-, the atmosphere and communication was fantastic as Steven speaks English fluently, he even booked a Didi for us to the metro station and didn’t let us pay for it!! Thanks again, we enjoyed it so much!!

Book a seat with Norika and Steven