An Unforgettable Evening Dining with a Local Host Family in Beijing

One of the truly unforgettable moments of our China Discovery Trip was having the chance to spend time and enjoy dinner with a local family in Beijing.

We strolled through the back streets of Beijing, close to the city centre and the Forbidden City, to meet our host family in the Jiaodaokou Neighbourhood of Dongcheng. We were immediately greeted with a warm welcome. Our hosts for the dinner were in a modest but comfortable 2-storey house in suburbia.

Our group consisted of about 35 people, making it quite a sizable gathering, akin to an Aussie family Christmas party. Despite the large number, this family truly excelled. Their food was outstanding—fresh, flavorful, and abundant. The focus was on the simplicity and freshness of local ingredients rather than on elaborate restaurant sauces, with generations of family cooking at its heart. The dishes were well-cooked and seasoned, all using local ingredients.

Our group was divided into several rooms within the cozy home. Our room is adorned with warrior-style artifacts and weapons everywhere. Some are crafted from wood, while others are made of brass.

Alongside the splendid food provided by the family, we had the opportunity to try traditional homemade Chinese rice wine. It was potent, the kind that is said to put hair on your chest. However, it also offered a warm, soothing sensation, though it might not appeal to everyone.

The highlight of the evening occurred after dinner when we had the opportunity to meet the family and discover their history, culture, and background. We listened to stories about their upbringing in China, their family, and especially the development of their son's career in martial arts films. Proudly hung on the walls were photos of their son on set with Jackie Chan and other prominent action stars.

Lastly, before we said our farewells, we enjoyed a performance by our host showcasing his skills on the Erhu, a two-stringed bowed instrument integral to Chinese traditional music. Following a classical Chinese piece, he transitioned into 'Click goes the Shears', which amused many of us Australians over 50. The Gen Z members in the group struggled to grasp the connection.

In summary, this was an extraordinary experience, highly recommended for anyone visiting China. Numerous families are willing to open their homes and share these experiences with you. This particular experience was arranged through a TripADeal package, but many other tour operators provide similar opportunities.

#China #Food #Travel

About the Author

Unless stated otherwise, the author of this blog is not connected with any property or business mentioned in the article. No free accommodation or compensation has been received from any businesses, unless specified. The views expressed in this blog are solely those of the author and do not constitute professional advice. The author of this BookDirect blog is a travel and tourism expert with more than 30 years of experience in international hotel management, global travel, and short-term rental management, and serves as a tourism awards judge specialising in accommodation and attractions.