Taste Chicago’s cultural diversity firsthand with Chicago Foodways Tours. Their Uptown and Lincoln Square trips go beyond typical dishes, revealing the flavorful story of the city’s global street foods.
More ways to explore the area's outdoor wonders
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Difficulty
easy
Duration
2–3 hours
Fitness Level
Suitable for most fitness levels; requires moderate walking over city streets
Wildlife
History
Uptown flourished as an entertainment hub in the early 20th century, attracting immigrants who brought culinary traditions still reflected in today’s food stops.
Conservation
Chicago Foodways Tours supports local businesses by shining a light on independently owned eateries, helping sustain diverse cultural food heritage.
Chicago Foodways Tours
Taste Chicago’s cultural diversity firsthand with Chicago Foodways Tours. Their Uptown and Lincoln Square trips go beyond typical dishes, revealing the flavorful story of the city’s global street foods.
Chicago Foodways Tours is a culinary tour company based in Chicago, Illinois, that designs guided food experiences highlighting local neighborhoods and authentic flavors. The company offers both public and private options, including a Private Tour with customizable itineraries that accommodate group size and budget, and a Saigon to Stockholm Food Tour that explores the Argyle and Andersonville neighborhoods.
Private Tour itineraries can include wine tastings, neighborhood walks, multi-course dinners, market visits, gallery stops, and other personalized experiences. Planning services and additional arrangements are available to tailor events for gatherings, celebrations, and corporate outings. The Private Tour emphasizes flexibility, allowing groups to choose pacing, menu focus, and special requests.
The Saigon to Stockholm Food Tour showcases the cultural diversity of Chicago through Vietnamese, Middle Eastern, and Swedish cuisines. Participants visit local restaurants, markets, and shops, sampling regional specialties and a nationally recognized pie noted on the route. Stops highlight community history, family-run businesses, and off-the-beaten-path food vendors that contribute to each neighborhood’s character.
Chicago Foodways Tours presents factual, place-based itineraries that connect guests with neighborhood stories and flavors. Descriptions focus on what participants will experience—tastes, walks, and discoveries—rather than promotional hyperbole. Private events are planned with attention to logistical details and guest preferences to make each gathering unique and memorable. Tour narratives underscore local entrepreneurs, cultural traditions, and the evolving food landscape across Chicago neighborhoods and communities.
Location
Chicago, IL
Tours run in local neighborhoods
Tours Offered
2 Trips
Private and neighborhood tours available
Culinary Variety
Vietnamese • Swedish • Middle Eastern
Neighborhood flavors and specialties
Featured Route
Saigon to Stockholm
Argyle and Andersonville route
Book a Private Tour or join the Saigon to Stockholm Food Tour — customizable itineraries and planning services available.
Bring an appetite but pace yourself
Portions are generous and balanced to keep you energized throughout the walk.
Wear comfortable walking shoes
Tours cover neighborhood streets with multiple stops—expect about 2 to 3 miles on foot.
Check for any dietary accommodations ahead of time
Contact the operator to arrange options for allergies or special diets.
Bring a reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated as you stroll through the city’s urban neighborhoods.
Comfortable walking shoes
Supportive shoes are key for navigating urban sidewalks and multiple stops.
Reusable water bottle
Stay hydrated especially during warm-weather tours.
summer
Weather-appropriate outerwear
Layered clothing helps adjust to changing temperatures during longer walks.
fall
Small backpack or daypack
Useful for carrying any takeout purchases or personal items comfortably.