As Shanghai has been proactively dealing with the aging of its population, more community-based canteens have been erected, which have obtained positive feedback from both seniors and younger citizens working or living nearby. Here are some of the best reviewed canteens.

If you want a hotpot with friends, the community canteen in Caoyang New Village in Putuo District sells a customized small hotpot with fifteen kinds of ingredients.“A hotpot, plus a bowl of rice, costs only 38 yuan. It is more than enough for two people. Seniors also enjoy discounts. What a bargain!” said Mr. Xu, an elder resident in Caoyang Community.

In Hongkou District, there is a community canteen nicknamed “Cloud Canteen” as it is shaped like a cloud. The white color in the canteen also makes it look like a space cabin, revealing a touch of science fiction. Apart from the modern design, the canteen features vintage decorations, such as the old-fashioned thermos bottles, flashlight torches and antique enamel cups. To meet the health needs of the elderly, the dishes are cooked with less oil, salt and sugar. Free herbal tea and mung bean smoothies are also available.

When you walk around the Hengfu Historical and Cultural Area, you may happen to come across a canteen next to a British house designed by architect Laszlo Hudec. The average cost for a lunch is less than 20 yuan.“Thanks to the canteen, we enjoy the dividends of home-base care. I hope the canteen will be open forever,” said an elderly resident. At around 11:30 am to 1:00 pm, white-collar workers nearby also come to the canteen for lunch, so stronger flavors of dishes will be offered.

Besides the traditional canteens mentioned above, there is an AI-based community canteen in Changning District. It combines intelligent cooking, automatic settlement, and facial recognition payment. It is China’s first community canteen powered by AI.

At the self-service area, diners simply need to place their dishes on a smart cashier desk and the system will automatically determine the cost of the meal. The canteen accepts a variety of payment options, including bank card, QR codes and the digital yuan.“With 20 yuan, I can buy four dishes and a soup. After the lunch here, I take another serving home as my supper. It is very helpful,” said a resident nearby.

In China there is an old saying that “Food is the paramount necessity of the people,” which shows the importance of canteens like this, especially to elderly people living on constrained budgets.