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New York Food Tour: Chinatown

Experience Chinatown’s famous local foods and popular traditions in the neighborhood
From US$416 privately
Book a Tour
Tour Details
Duration
3 hours
Product Type
Tour
Venues
  • Chinatown
  • Doyers Street
  • Various specialty food shops
Photos & Highlights
  • Discover the neighborhood's best foods, while learning about its unique history
  • Guided tour led by an acclaimed chef or culinary expert
Tour Description
Our local experts have handpicked a selection of Chinatown’s most mouthwatering delicacies – and combined it with the historical narratives which give you a newfound appreciation for Chinatown’s unique position as one of the largest immigrant communities in North America. During this 3 hour tour, we’ll contextualize local monuments, schools, and temples as we learn about Chinese-American history and social justice.

Sites Visited 

  • Local shops and grocers – such as Mott Street Eatery
  • Doyers Street vendors and the Mahayana Buddhist Temple
  • Samples of foods such as beef pancakes, rice rolls, egg tarts, dumplings, and more 
    • We can accommodate vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free diets – please let us know in advance

Included

  • Food sampled on the tour

Itinerary Details

Your tour begins from the center of Chinatown, with an introduction to the neighborhood’s historical foundations. Home to one of the densest immigrant populations in the country, this part of New York is like none other — the markets, small eateries, stands, shops, and streets will transport you to China. Its rich history, culture, and traditions are incredibly alive here, both in the food and the other sites you’ll see along the way.
 
After a briefing on the area, you’ll set off on your culinary journey, stopping at several styles of establishments which may include a tea parlor, a market, a sweet shop, a dumpling house, or another local style eatery. Along the way, let your expert know of any particular interests (or cravings) you might have while exploring this unique side of New York. 

As your taste your way through the growing neighborhood, we will contextualize historical monuments that have had a great influence on Chinese culture and New Yorkers alike. A visit to Chinatown would be remiss without a stop at Doyers Street. An influx of Chinese people into America and the Long Depression of the 1870s led to the Chinese Exclusion Act–causing racial discrimination and inevitably clans and associations to provide protection. 

What became known as the “Bloody Angle,” the Doyers street intersection was at the center of more deaths in one year than at any other street intersection in the United States. The narrow, near ninety-degree angle street, was lined with tenement buildings which were also prone to fires that were incredibly difficult to put out. A street that caused an NYC mayor to suggest that the entire neighborhood be replaced is now a thriving center for tourists and locals to enjoy speakeasy bars and delicious Chinese food restaurants.
 
By the end of our walk, you'll come away with an appreciation for and understanding of the rich Asian culinary tradition that still exists in Chinatown. Using the lessons learned with our gastronomic expert, you'll also comfortably be able to navigate the neighborhood’s best eateries and shops during your next trip to New York City.

To continue your exploration of NYC, take a look at our Italian Food Tour, New York in a Day Tour, and Met Museum Crash Course Tour.

FAQ

For more information about Context tours, please visit our FAQs.
Book with confidence — See Context's flexible cancellation policy here. 

Where do we meet? Where does it end?
We usually meet near the Chinatown information Kiosk and end near Kulu Desserts on Grand Street, though your route may differ slightly according to your guide. Your confirmation email will have the exact meeting point details along with a map.

Is this suitable for children? 
Yes, we can tailor this walk to adventurous eaters in your party. Please let us know the children's ages at time of booking. 
 
Is this tour wheelchair accessible?
Unfortunately, several stops on this tour do have front steps which can be hard to maneuver with strollers or wheelchairs. Please reach out to our team at info@contexttravel.com to share your mobility concerns and we can discuss if an expert has an adaptable route for your needs.

Can I participate in food tours if I have food allergies? 
Yes. If anyone in your group has specific allergies or intolerances, you must indicate these in the Notes section when booking. Your guide will do their best to accommodate. Vegetarian, gluten-free, and nut-free diets can certainly be accommodated, although the shops we visit do use wheat flour and nuts in the kitchen for other items.
Experts
Madelein Madelein
Local Guide
Kendra Kendra
Local Guide
Dave Dave
Local Guide
Stephanie Stephanie
Local Guide
Pengfei Pengfei
Architectural Historian
Where You'll Start
(4.75) 13 Reviews

Reviews can only be left by Context customers after they have completed a tour. For more information about our reviews, please see our FAQ.

interesting history, great food from places I probably would never have found.
Great experience with Dave.
My sister and I enjoyed an engrossing tour with Dave, full of the most delicious offerings, carefully ‘curated’ to take into account my food allergy. It was such a fun afternoon and I give this experience the highest recommendation, with thanks to Dave who is smart and sensitive; he really knows the cuisines of Chinatown and the different foods were wonderful.