My friend from Japan was traveling solo in Chengdu. She wanted hotpot. But hotpot is a social food — it's designed for groups.
She went anyway.
The restaurant:
A famous Chengdu hotpot chain. She walked in. Asked for a table for one.
The hostess paused. Looked at her. Looked around.
"Just one?"
"Yes."
She was seated at a large round table meant for 6 people.
The teddy bear:
A few minutes later, a waiter brought a large teddy bear and placed it in the seat across from her.
"So you won't feel lonely," he said.
The teddy bear wore a tiny bib. It sat there staring at her while she cooked her food.
Other diners noticed. Some smiled. Some took photos. She felt both embarrassed and amused.
Eating hotpot alone:
It's actually not bad:
• You control the pot. No arguing about spicy vs mild.
• You don't have to share the good meat.
• You can eat at your own pace.
But the portion sizes are designed for groups. A single person can't order enough variety without waste.
Solo dining in China:
It's becoming more common:
• "Single-person economy" (单身经济) is a growing trend
• Many restaurants now have solo seating areas
• Some ramen and noodle shops have counter seating specifically for solo diners
But some places still find it odd:
• Hotpot restaurants
• BBQ places
• Large banquet-style restaurants
Tips for solo diners:
• Look for counter seating (吧台) — it's designed for singles
• Food courts in malls are very solo-friendly
• Street food is perfect for one person
• Some restaurants have "small pot" (小锅) options for solo hotpot
• Bring a book or phone. No one cares if you're alone if you're occupied.
The bill:
She ordered: half-half pot, beef, tripe, tofu, vegetables, noodles.
Total: ¥120 ($17). More than enough food. She took leftovers back to her hotel.
My Japanese friend:
"I went to hotpot alone expecting to feel awkward. Instead I got a teddy bear dinner companion, a free photo shoot from other diners, and the best meal of my trip. Chengdu doesn't judge solo eaters. Chengdu gives them teddy bears."
Anyone else eaten alone in China? Did you get a teddy bear too?
Posted on 2026-6-6 18:38:51