Lost Plate
Lost Plate
5
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Monday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Tuesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Friday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
9:00 AM - 7:00 PM
About
Get hungry for adventure! As China's largest food tour company, we are focused on sharing the living history of its cuisine. Get off the beaten path on our culinary multi-day trips through Yunnan, or join our Lijiang cooking class hosted by a Naxi minority family and learn all about local cuisine while making and eating three dishes. Don't miss Yunnan's melting pot of cultures and cuisines!
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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
5.0
26 reviews
Excellent
26
Very good
0
Average
0
Poor
0
Terrible
1
TheophaniaSeattle
Seattle, WA455 contributions
Jul 2022
It's not just the food (but oh! the food!). It's also the activities and the philosophy of travel. Lost Plate organizes small groups guided by experts, staying in boutique hotels, eating at family run restaurants, and enjoying experiences that aren't possible either with big bus tours or as an independent traveler.Â
Why not just travel independently? Well, in large part because travel in China is hard right now. It's not a real vacation if you're spending all your time worrying about health codes, trying to find hotels that allow foreigners, or figuring out the when and where and how for COVID tests. But even if China lifted all travel restrictions tomorrow, I'd still travel with Lost Plate because they're just that good.
Groups are small enough to fit around one large table, eating family style, trying a few (or lots of) bites of well over a hundred dishes over the course of a week. Even a well-practiced eater like myself couldn't sample that variety while traveling on my own. And don't worry, if there's a dish that's a hit with the whole table, your guide will order seconds (or thirds)!
Activities are also designed to appeal to those who want unique and varied experiences. Yunnan isn't a place where you go with a checklist of sights to see like you might in Beijing or Shanghai. It's where you go to enjoy the minority (non-Han) cultures and the scenery and the pace of life. Lost Plate has created an itinerary that keeps you engaged and interested but not so busy you can't catch your breath. Highlights include walking through multiple adorable and historic old towns, visits to a tiny shop to see how they handmake their famous stuffed bread, an optional hike well away from the crowds at Tiger Leaping Gorge, and a local market tour followed by a cooking class using the very freshest ingredients.Â
Hotels were also a highlight for me, with each of them offering something memorable, from a 500-year old history to some neverending views. Not places you'd ever stay if traveling with a big bus tour of 30+ people.Â
If you want to explore some of the best that Yunnan has to offer, I can't recommend this tour enough. And if you think organized tours aren't for you, let Lost Plate change your mind.
Why not just travel independently? Well, in large part because travel in China is hard right now. It's not a real vacation if you're spending all your time worrying about health codes, trying to find hotels that allow foreigners, or figuring out the when and where and how for COVID tests. But even if China lifted all travel restrictions tomorrow, I'd still travel with Lost Plate because they're just that good.
Groups are small enough to fit around one large table, eating family style, trying a few (or lots of) bites of well over a hundred dishes over the course of a week. Even a well-practiced eater like myself couldn't sample that variety while traveling on my own. And don't worry, if there's a dish that's a hit with the whole table, your guide will order seconds (or thirds)!
Activities are also designed to appeal to those who want unique and varied experiences. Yunnan isn't a place where you go with a checklist of sights to see like you might in Beijing or Shanghai. It's where you go to enjoy the minority (non-Han) cultures and the scenery and the pace of life. Lost Plate has created an itinerary that keeps you engaged and interested but not so busy you can't catch your breath. Highlights include walking through multiple adorable and historic old towns, visits to a tiny shop to see how they handmake their famous stuffed bread, an optional hike well away from the crowds at Tiger Leaping Gorge, and a local market tour followed by a cooking class using the very freshest ingredients.Â
Hotels were also a highlight for me, with each of them offering something memorable, from a 500-year old history to some neverending views. Not places you'd ever stay if traveling with a big bus tour of 30+ people.Â
If you want to explore some of the best that Yunnan has to offer, I can't recommend this tour enough. And if you think organized tours aren't for you, let Lost Plate change your mind.
Written August 4, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
WOW! What a great review from such an amazing guest. We can't thank you enough for being such a die-hard Lost Plate fan, but also for taking the time to write this review. We're so happy to hear that you had a great time, we'll see you again soon!
Written September 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Robbboys
Rio de Janeiro, RJ8 contributions
Oct 2021
We spent a wonderful week touring ancient towns from Dali to Lijiang and enjoying fabulous food and experiences. We saw and ate amazing things that we would never have experienced if we had traveled without this tour. Our guides Ruixi and Longjiao were very attentive and informative, and our driver Agwan was professional and thoughtful. We stayed in unique small hotels and guest houses in breathtaking locations. Lost Plate helps make experiencing China so much more accessible and I would highly recommend this tour. They did/do extensive planning to find really special places to visit and they are open to feedback and accommodations. Thank you for a great holiday!
Written October 11, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hey Robbboys, it was so great spending a week with you in Yunnan! Thank you so much for choosing us and we're so happy to hear you enjoyed your trip with Ruixi and Longjiao. Thanks so much for the review and here's to another holiday together soon!
Written October 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
TheophaniaSeattle
Seattle, WA455 contributions
Jul 2022
I took this trip immediately after Lost Plate's other Yunnan adventure (Dali to Lijiang) and the two are very different, but both fabulous.
You're in for longer (and bumpier) car rides on the roads between Lijiang and Shangri-La, but it's so worth it to visit far flung wineries and small villages.
Highlights included dinner at the winemaker's house in Cizhong and of course Yubeng, which has views that simply cannot be beat. Even if you're not a regular hiker (I'm not), consider doing the waterfall hike. You have an entire day to complete it and while I've seen more spectacular waterfalls, I've never seen anything like the prayer-flag festooned scenery en route.
(All of this with a caveat that while I'm no great hiker, I don't seem to be sensitive to altitude. If you are, or suspect you might be, the hike might not be for you.)
When you add up the hotels and transport and tours and personal assistance (especially with those pesky Covid tests and health codes), never mind the unending food and drink, I can't even believe what a value Lost Plate provides. Unless you are a fluent Chinese speaker, you're not likely to have a more varied, fun, and delicious time in Tibetan Yunnan than by taking this tour.
You're in for longer (and bumpier) car rides on the roads between Lijiang and Shangri-La, but it's so worth it to visit far flung wineries and small villages.
Highlights included dinner at the winemaker's house in Cizhong and of course Yubeng, which has views that simply cannot be beat. Even if you're not a regular hiker (I'm not), consider doing the waterfall hike. You have an entire day to complete it and while I've seen more spectacular waterfalls, I've never seen anything like the prayer-flag festooned scenery en route.
(All of this with a caveat that while I'm no great hiker, I don't seem to be sensitive to altitude. If you are, or suspect you might be, the hike might not be for you.)
When you add up the hotels and transport and tours and personal assistance (especially with those pesky Covid tests and health codes), never mind the unending food and drink, I can't even believe what a value Lost Plate provides. Unless you are a fluent Chinese speaker, you're not likely to have a more varied, fun, and delicious time in Tibetan Yunnan than by taking this tour.
Written August 20, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
It was such a pleasure spending two weeks with you this summer while you joined BOTH of our Yunnan trips. Thanks again for joining us and we're so happy you had a great time. See you again soon!
Written September 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Internationalbabe001
Shenzhen, China21 contributions
Jul 2022 • Solo
Food, wine and scenery. The places visited were further apart so be prepared for three or four hours drive. Believe me the drives between each places are worth it because the views all around you are breathtaking.
Written August 7, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for joining us in Yunnan this summer, was had a great week with you! We're so happy to hear you had a great time. :-)
Written September 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lm_shepherd
Caloundra, Australia62 contributions
Lost plate tours brings together likeminded travellers who love trying new foods and being outdoors. Small groups (maximum 10) allows for a personalised service where we could move at a pace not so different than if we were on our own. We were very fortunate to have Daisy as our lead guide and Brian supporting. I cannot fault their manner and willingness to ensure our trip was memorable.
Written August 3, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Thank you so much for joining us in Yunnan this summer! It was such a pleasure to spend the week with you, and we're so happy to hear you had a great time. Hope to see you again soon!
Written September 15, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Ilaria C
3 contributions
Jan 2022
My partner and I loved every single moment of this tour. The itinerary took us through breathtaking scenery off the beaten path, it felt like we went on an adventure! Our guide was incredibly attentive and helpful, and we had a lot of fun spending time with her and the rest of the crew. The food was absolutely delicious and we all looked forward to our next meal despite being still full from the previous one! We'll definitely join more Lost Plate tours while we live in China.
Written April 21, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Mission Accomplished! We're so happy to hear you had a great time with us - and most importantly were very well fed. See you again soon!
Written April 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
NStowell
19 contributions
Dec 2021
This was a fabulous trip put on by a fabulous organization! I had already been on their evening food tours in Chengdu and Xi'an, and these longer trips had come highly recommended by a friend. It absolutely lived up to her hype.
This is an off-the-tourist-trail adventure for sure, which might not be for everyone, but was exactly what I was looking for. The food was always delicious and the travel and accommodations were as good as the areas allowed. (It was December though, so it was COLD sometimes! Just be prepared.)
Our trip was even more unique because we got snowed in at Yubeng Village! It wasn't ideal, but it was incredibly gorgeous, and our trip leader worked tirelessly to make adjustments to the trip as we went and made sure we were comfortable and still (very) well fed.
I would strongly recommend Lost Plate for an uncommon adventure!
This is an off-the-tourist-trail adventure for sure, which might not be for everyone, but was exactly what I was looking for. The food was always delicious and the travel and accommodations were as good as the areas allowed. (It was December though, so it was COLD sometimes! Just be prepared.)
Our trip was even more unique because we got snowed in at Yubeng Village! It wasn't ideal, but it was incredibly gorgeous, and our trip leader worked tirelessly to make adjustments to the trip as we went and made sure we were comfortable and still (very) well fed.
I would strongly recommend Lost Plate for an uncommon adventure!
Written March 29, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
We're so happy to hear you had a great adventure!! It was an absolute pleasure spending the week with you, and we hope to see you on another trip soon! :-)
Written April 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Adam B
7 contributions
May 2021
What a charming and authentic experience learning about Lijiang and Naxi culture while cooking an amazing meal!
Fancy was so hospitable, first showing us around the market to buy ingredients for our meal, and second inviting us into her cooking studio to cook and enjoy good food, local drink and conversation. To make the experience even more special, Fancy went to the market earlier that morning to ensure she got some of the first mushrooms of the rainy season which had just begun that week. She cooked the mushrooms up in her favorite way, with some mushrooms and spices, and we absolutely loved it!
This is an experience that should not be missed. So many experiences in China these days are tinged with a feeling of inauthenticity, so it was a refreshing surprise that this was the most authentic experience we had on our trip across Yunnan. You won't be disappointed!
Fancy was so hospitable, first showing us around the market to buy ingredients for our meal, and second inviting us into her cooking studio to cook and enjoy good food, local drink and conversation. To make the experience even more special, Fancy went to the market earlier that morning to ensure she got some of the first mushrooms of the rainy season which had just begun that week. She cooked the mushrooms up in her favorite way, with some mushrooms and spices, and we absolutely loved it!
This is an experience that should not be missed. So many experiences in China these days are tinged with a feeling of inauthenticity, so it was a refreshing surprise that this was the most authentic experience we had on our trip across Yunnan. You won't be disappointed!
Written November 2, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Adam, thanks so much for your incredible review! We're so happy to hear you had a great time with Fancy, and that the experience was a highlight of your trip. Hope to see you again soon!
Written April 25, 2022
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Lia J
New York City, NY2 contributions
Oct 2021
This was definitely one of the top three trips of my life - the others being an epic Sagrada Valle tour (think Manchu Picchu) and a storied Indian wedding (think Taj Mahal). The difference is that those trips were planned with groups of friends, and this one I went on "alone"... but our group of strangers soon became friends due to the detailed planning and care put into the itinerary and activities. I am usually an extemely independent traveler, so I was shocked by how much I enjoyed this trip, but the activities are perfectly curated so that the group time is well spent and there is free time each day for one to go out and explore on one's own. What makes this tour so special is the care and effort put into it by each member of the team; you can tell they truly want you to have an amazing experience. The sights were unbelievably gorgeous, the food adventures sooooo delicous, varied, and soooo much fun, and the itinerary included so many optional activities (bike rides, hikes, bookstores, cafes, crafts, cooking...) that perfectly complement to all that delicious food. Moreover, the company founder, Ruixi, shared just the right amount of cultural, historical, and food-related information at just the right time, so I learned a lot. I also loved that while the focus was on food, it wasn't just about eating: we explored markets, participated in cooking classes, and learned about various food-related traditions.
Lost Plate will even take care of you if you aren't the easiest person to eat or trave with. In fact, the company founder, tour guides, and driver made adjustments to fit the needs of the group, which was extremely thoughtful. For example, I have a gluten intolerance, and the guides let me know what foods I should be aware of. In another example, I easily get car sick, so the Lost Plate team came up with a locally sourced innovative cure which not only prevented car sickness, it also provided a fun distraction for me and the group. I didn't have to worry about anything for the entire trip, every moment was a delightful surprise, and Ruixi even helped me plan the day I came early and the days after I left. This trip is worth every penny! I will definitely be joining again.
Lost Plate will even take care of you if you aren't the easiest person to eat or trave with. In fact, the company founder, tour guides, and driver made adjustments to fit the needs of the group, which was extremely thoughtful. For example, I have a gluten intolerance, and the guides let me know what foods I should be aware of. In another example, I easily get car sick, so the Lost Plate team came up with a locally sourced innovative cure which not only prevented car sickness, it also provided a fun distraction for me and the group. I didn't have to worry about anything for the entire trip, every moment was a delightful surprise, and Ruixi even helped me plan the day I came early and the days after I left. This trip is worth every penny! I will definitely be joining again.
Written October 19, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Lia, WOW! Thanks so much for taking the time to write such kind words. It was an absolute pleasure hosting you, and I'm so glad you enjoyed your time with us. We'll continue to do our best to make sure each guest has an incredible time on our trips, and we can't wait to host you again soon!
Written October 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
Marissa K
1 contribution
Oct 2021
I loved the way that the trip was planned with many different types of activities in addition to delicious food. There was a tie dye activity, cooking classes, historical tours, biking and hiking, and also options for enjoying the night life as well. It was truly a beautiful and wonderful experience packed with fun and good food! Timings were flexible and every need was accommodated. Our guides were also very knowledgable, friendly, and fun! It was truly a dream trip for me.
Written October 14, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Hi Marissa, We're so happy that you decided to choose us when traveling to Yunnan! We had so much fun with you and we're so happy to hear you enjoyed your trip. Thanks again and we hope to have the pleasure of traveling with you again in China!
Written October 22, 2021
This response is the subjective opinion of the management representative and not of Tripadvisor LLC.
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