Provided by +1 Chopsticks— China's first curated home dining marketplace, connecting international travellers with vetted local host families.https://plus1chopsticks.com/hosts/chengdu?utm_source=240hoursinchina&utm_medium=partner&utm_campaign=chengdu-home-dining
Details
About This Experience
Chengdu’s best food is not always found in restaurants. It is found at local family tables — everyday Sichuan dishes passed down through generations, rarely seen on any menu.
+1 Chopsticks is China’s first curated home dining platform for foreign guests. We carefully select and support local host families, helping travellers experience authentic Chengdu home cooking.
You’ll arrive as a guest, not a customer. Your host family will prepare a full Sichuan meal, sit down and eat with you, and share stories about their food, culture and daily life. All hosts speak English, making the dinner a genuine cultural exchange.
Why You’ll Love It
- Share a meal at a real Chengdu family home
- Try authentic Sichuan home cooking, not tourist restaurant versions
- Eat and chat with English-speaking local hosts
- Experience Chengdu beyond typical tourist routes
- Choose from different host families, neighbourhoods and cooking styles
- Adjust the spice level according to your preference
- Every family is personally vetted by +1 Chopsticks
What You Can Expect
You’ll visit a real home in a local neighbourhood — the side of Chengdu most visitors never see.
Your evening begins with tea and introductions. Your hosts will prepare a multi-course Sichuan dinner, served family-style with a variety of dishes, including starters, main courses, soup and vegetables.
While sharing the meal, your hosts will explain each dish, where it comes from, and how their family prepares it. You’ll also hear about everyday Chengdu life — how locals shop, cook, celebrate festivals and spend time with family.
This is more than a meal. It is a chance to have the kind of local conversation that usually only happens when you know someone in the city.
No Chinese skills or cooking experience are required. +1 Chopsticks handles the matching, booking and support before, during and after your meal.
Meet Your Host Families
Dragon (Xiaolong) — Wuhou District
Mild Sichuan home cooking by two generations · Up to 6 guests
Dragon is a radio host and translator who cooks with his mother. Their table focuses on authentic Sichuan flavours with gentle spice, making it ideal for guests who want to enjoy Sichuan cuisine without too much heat.
Xirui (Siri) — Tianfu New Area
Sichuan classics with northern Chinese influences · Up to 4 guests
Originally from northeast China and having lived in Beijing, Xirui brings different regional influences into his Chengdu kitchen. Expect Sichuan favourites such as twice-cooked pork, mapo tofu and kung pao chicken, together with northern home-style dishes rarely found in restaurants.
Michelle’s Family — Shuangliu District
Family hotpot with everyone at the table · Up to 4 guests
A family of four who all join the dinner together. Their specialty is homemade hotpot with a double broth: spicy beef-tallow broth and mild tomato broth.
Guests can cook together, create their own dipping sauces, and enjoy homemade desserts prepared by the sisters.
Melody & Duke — Tianfu New Area
Handmade dumplings, home baking and cultural exchange · Up to 4 guests
Melody and Duke are well-travelled hosts with international backgrounds. Their dinner features handmade dumplings, Sichuan home dishes, clay-pot soup and Melody’s famous orange chiffon cake.
Guests are welcome to join the dumpling-making if they wish.
What's Included
Included
✔ A seat at a local family’s table arranged by +1 Chopsticks
✔ Full multi-course home-cooked Sichuan meal
✔ Tea and soft drinks
✔ English-speaking host family dining with you
✔ Spice and dietary adjustments on request
✔ Guest support before, during and after the meal
Not Included
✘ Transportation to and from the host family’s home
✘ Alcoholic beverages unless offered by the host
✘ Personal expenses
Booking Information
Availability
- Available Monday to Sunday
- Lunch starts from 12:00
- Dinner starts from 18:00
- Exact time can be arranged with your host family
Group Size
- Minimum 1 guest
- Maximum 6 guests
- Maximum capacity varies by host family
Advance Booking
- Booking at least 48 hours in advance is recommended
Dietary Requirements
Please inform us of any allergies, vegetarian preferences or dietary restrictions when booking. Most requirements can be accommodated with advance notice.
Children Policy
- Children aged 0–5 join free of charge
- Children aged 6–15 receive 50% discount
- Children count toward the maximum group size
Home Address
The exact address will be shared after your booking is confirmed to protect the privacy of host families.
Cancellation
- Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (Chengdu local time)
- If the host family cancels, guests may choose a full refund or reschedule
FAQ
Is this a restaurant or a private home?
This is a private home dining experience, not a restaurant visit. You’ll enter a real local home, sit at a family table, and enjoy the food and conversations that locals share every day.
Will I be able to communicate with the host family?
Yes. English ability is a requirement for all +1 Chopsticks host families. Your hosts don’t just prepare the meal — they eat with you, answer your questions and share their stories.
I can’t handle spicy food. Can I still join?
Absolutely. Sichuan home cooking is much more diverse than its spicy reputation. Hosts can adjust the spice level according to your preference, and some families specialise in mild Sichuan cooking or offer both spicy and non-spicy options.
How do I choose a host family?
You can choose from the families listed above, or tell us your preferences regarding location, cuisine and host background. We can recommend the best match for your group.
Can you accommodate dietary requirements?
Yes. Vegetarian meals, allergies and other dietary needs can usually be arranged with advance notice. Please tell us when booking and we will confirm the details with your host family.
