New York Food Tour: Chinatown

Starting off, your route for the day will be influenced by your expert and your tastes. You may start with classic dim sum at a local restaurant, or you may ease into the neighborhood with smaller bites, sampling noodle rolls fresh from the steamer, glistening hanging roast meats, or a spoonful of delicate soft tofu, learning why texture matters as much as flavor in Chinese cooking. 

Between tastings, your expert will point out temples, statues, side streets, and stories that reveal how Chinatown has changed over time and how it continues to feed generations of New Yorkers.

Whatever path your tour takes, you’ll taste Chinatown classics at their best and discover foods you may never have ordered on your own. You’ll leave better oriented and with a deeper understanding of why Chinatown remains one of New York City’s most essential—and delicious—places to explore.

Please note that all tastings are expert and availability-dependent. Each tour is truly an individual experience, but please let us know in your reservation notes if there is anything in particular you would love to taste or prefer to avoid! Here is a sampling of what previous travelers have tasted on this experience: 

All tastings are covered in the cost of the tour, except should you wish to indulge in a treat or two to take home with you (we wouldn’t blame you!). 

This is an all-outdoor walking tour, and private car service is not included with this tour. 

We understand that some of our valued guests may have mobility concerns, and we want to ensure you have a comfortable and enjoyable experience throughout your tour. If there are any accessibility concerns that your tour guide will need to be aware of, please let our team know at the time of booking.

Some of the shops we visit are small and many will have a step up to access them. The general route may include small streets with narrow sidewalks. Please contact us if you have any questions regarding accessibility. We have routes that can be adapted to all levels of accessibility. 

This is an outdoor walking tour, therefore service dogs are welcome. Please let us know if you are attending the tour with a service animal so we can be sure to choose accommodating shops and restaurants. 

We usually meet near the Chinatown information kiosk on Canal St. and end near Kulu Desserts on Grand Street, though the route may differ slightly, depending on your expert. Your confirmation email will include the exact meeting point on a map.

Is this suitable for children? 

Yes, we can tailor this walk to adventurous eaters at your party. Please let us know the children's ages at the 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 to share your accessibility concerns and discuss an adaptable route for your needs.

Yes. If anyone in your group has specific allergies or intolerances, please indicate these in the Notes section when booking. Your expert 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.

Are the food samples included in the tour cost? Yes, all the food that your expert has selected for this tour is included in the cost. Bringing along bottled water (which is readily available in Chinatown, too) is a good idea.

Do you offer a food tour in Flushing's Chinatown?

New York City is actually home to multiple Chinatowns. Our regularly scheduled tour is in Manhattan, home to the city's most historic Chinatown, but in recent years, the vibrant Chinatown of Flushing, Queens, has become famous among food lovers. If you're interested in a tour of this neighborhood, please reach out to our team. 

Book with confidence — See Context's flexible cancellation policy here.