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.

Wendi and Simon

Cuisine: Chinese Home Cooking

Location: Songjiang

Price: ¥340 per person

Group size: 1–6 guests

Meet Wendi and Simon

Hear Wendi and Simon's story in their own words

Wendi volunteered as a teacher in Africa at 18, went on to get her Master's degree in the UK, and spent years exploring most of Europe from there. Since then she's kept the passport busy — Peru, Russia, Azerbaijan, Laos, and more. She's currently learning Spanish to make her way back to South America.

Simon was a dedicated solo traveller before marriage — the kind of person who'd head to Universal Studios Osaka alone and have a great time doing it.

Together we've since explored Australia, the US, Italy, Japan, South Korea, Vietnam, and beyond. We're open, curious, and love making friends wherever we go.

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 the kitchen for suitable preparation steps and learn how the hosts make their home dishes.

¥150 per group

Sample menu

Our sample menu:

Braised Pork Ribs — Slow-cooked ribs in a rich, savoury sauce, a proper Chinese home classic
Tomato & Egg Stir-fry — The ultimate comfort dish, silky eggs with sweet tomato and sesame
Dry-fried Green Beans with Pork — Blistered beans tossed with minced pork and aromatics
Braised Beef & Potato — Hearty chunks of beef slow-braised with potato and scallion
Edamame with Minced Pork — A light, protein-packed side dish
Celery & Tofu Skin Stir-fry — Crisp celery with chewy tofu skin in a light sauce
Shrimp & Vermicelli Soup — Whole prawns in a warming broth with glass noodles
Honey-glazed Chicken Wings — Oven-roasted wings with sesame glaze, sticky and caramelised
Spicy Braised Chicken with Leek — Tender chicken pieces braised with leek and chilli

Getting There

Songjiang, Shanghai

≈ 50 min from the Bund
≈ 40 min from Jing'an Temple
≈ 55 min from Lujiazui

Nearest metro: Jiuting (Line 9)

A Real Chinese Home Cooking near Jiuting Station - cozy and yummy

Guest Reviews

Zohreh KeshavarzBagheri · families

We had a truly wonderful experience at the local family home. The host was kind, welcoming, and an exceptional cook. As I had hoped, we were able to enjoy authentic dishes that are rarely found in restaurants. This gave us a deeper appreciation of Chinese culture and family traditions in China. The host prepared a variety of dishes with great passion and care, and the time and effort they devoted to their guests is something we deeply value and sincerely appreciate.

Book a seat with Wendi and Simon