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.

William and Jasmine

Cuisine: Cantonese, Northern Chinese, Southeast Asian

Location: Putuo

Price: ¥340 per person

Group size: 1–3 guests

Meet William and Jasmine

Hear William and Jasmine's story in their own words

We're William and Jasmine, a global-minded couple living in Shanghai. William is in the tech space running a TikTok Live agency, while Jasmine works in finance handling Investor Relations for a USD fund. We are super easygoing, love hosting, and can't wait to hang out like old friends.

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 selected preparation steps and learn how a Shanghai home meal is put together.

¥150 per group

Sample menu

Appetizers

Marinated cherry tomatoes (梅渍小番茄)
Braised beef shank (卤牛腱子)

Vegetables

Seasoned vegetables with mushrooms (香菇青菜)

Main dishes

Braised pork belly with quail eggs (鹌鹑蛋红烧肉)
Steamed shrimp with garlic and vermicelli (蒜蓉粉丝虾)
Stir-fried celery, cured pork and dried tofu (芹菜腊肉炒香干)

To finish

Fruit, tea, drinks and dessert (水果+茶水饮料+甜品)

Getting There

Putuo, Shanghai

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

Nearest metro: Zhenru (Line 11, Line 14)

Home Dining with a Global-Minded Shanghai Couple

Guest Reviews

Fanny · families

As a family visiting from Hong Kong with almost no friends or relatives in the mainland, this was a rare and genuinely meaningful experience for us. Jasmine and William welcomed us so warmly, and the food was wonderful — braised pork belly, sliced beef, shrimp with glass noodles, all clearly made with care. What made the evening special wasn't just the meal. We talked for hours about education, and about the differences between life in Shanghai and Hong Kong. They're both well-educated and switched easily between Mandarin and English whenever we needed it, so nothing got lost. We came away understanding the city on a much deeper level, and it made our whole trip more meaningful. Highly recommend to any family or traveler who wants to see a side of China you can't find as a tourist. Thank you both!

Book a seat with William and Jasmine