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Explore Chicago's Chinatown on a Flavor-Packed Food Tour - Chicago

Explore Chicago's Chinatown on a Flavor-Packed Food Tour

Chicagoeasy

Difficulty

easy

Duration

3–4 hours

Fitness Level

Suitable for all fitness levels; involves moderate walking with plenty of food breaks.

Overview

Discover authentic Chinese cuisine and culture on a private food tour in Chicago's Chinatown. Explore hidden gems and enjoy five delicious meals with a local guide.

Chicago, Illinois

The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour

3 Hours • All Ages • Culinary & Cultural Immersion

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Adventure Photos

The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour photo 1

About This Adventure

Embark on a culinary journey through Chicago's vibrant Chinatown, savoring five authentic meals that showcase the rich flavors of Canton, Mandarin, and Szechuan cuisines. Guided by a local expert, explore hidden gems and cultural landmarks while enjoying delicious dishes like Dim Sum and bubble tea, making for an unforgettable experience.

Savor Chinatown with a full immersion into the culinary & ethnic pageantry at five authentic, mouthwatering restaurants

Duration

3 Hours

About

  • Enjoy 5 delicious meals and tastings including etiquette and pageantry demonstrations of ancient Chinese culture and customs
  • Bypass the language & cultural barriers with our local food expert as they take you behind the scenes and deep into the heart of Chinatown
  • Nosh on delicacies including Hong Kong Dim Sum, spicy Szechuan dishes, sweet milk egg tarts, delicious bubble tea and much, much more
  • Full portion samples, enough for a large lunch or dinner, include authentic cuisine from the Canton, Mandarin and Szechuan regions
  • Explore the hidden secrets in Old and New Chinatown including Ping Tom Memorial Park and the Chinese Zodiac

What to Expect

On our #1 TripAdvisor Rated Chinatown Adventure, you’ll enjoy seated dining at five restaurants and bakeries featuring upscale Chinese recipes while navigating Chicago’s historic Chinatown neighborhood. We understand how intimidating Chinatown can be, even for local Chicagoan’s, as it’s a hugely diverse area with hidden side streets, two distinct sections (New and Old Chinatown), historic landmarks and various foods from all over China and Asia. With so many amazing sights to see, authentic foods to devour and interesting stories to be heard, where do you start?

The Chinatown Adventure Food Tour addresses all these concerns as it uncovers China’s sophisticated flavors and vast spectrum of regional cooking styles in a neighborhood filled with hugely rich ethnic heritage and modern mystique. We help you bypass the language and cultural barriers and as we take you deep behind the scenes into the heart of Chicago’s most iconic, and often misunderstood, food community waiting to be explored. Between full portion tastings ranging from Hong-Kong Dim Sum, spicy Szechuan cuisine and French inspired Chinese pastries, you’ll receive a behind-the-scenes look at Chicago’s Chinatown with visits to intriguing cultural, religious and historic landmarks including Ping-Tom Memorial Park and the Pui-Tak Building. Your informative guide will share their expertise of local customs, eclectic folklore and authentic Chinese specialty stores.

Our Chinatown Adventure is ideal for Chicago residents and travelers eager to discover the culinary secrets and ancient traditions of this extraordinary neighborhood. Whether you’re vacationing in Chicago for the first time or a proud Chicagoan with roots that go back generations – we guarantee that you’ll walk away with a greater understanding of the geographic diversity and culinary techniques of arguably Asia’s finest cuisine. Join us today on the Chinatown Adventure Food Tour and connect with authentic Chinese foods in unexpected ways!

Where We'll Eat

Triple Crown Triple Crown was opened by Ling Ling Tin in 1996, who originally came from Hong Kong and established this Canton regional cuisine and Hong Kong style Dim Sum family restaurant.

Lao Sze Chuan Chef Tony shaped Lao Sze Chuan into one of the America’s most beloved Chinese restaurants with a nationally-acclaimed reputation for Sze Chuan regional-style cuisine.

Chiu Quon Featuring traditional baked goods, Chiu Quon, first opened in 1986, and is the oldest existing bakery in Chinatown. Owner, Pui Chiu, came from Hong Kong in the late-1970's.

Saint Anna Traditional Chinese-style baked goods, desserts and Shanghai-French inspired pastries that has been serving Chicago since 1994.

Saint Alps Teahouse and Gourmet This Chinatown gem showcases authentic tea and tasty Chinese snacks.

Adventure Tips

Wear comfortable shoes

This tour involves walking on city streets for a few hours; comfortable footwear will keep you energized.

Bring a reusable water bottle

Stay hydrated as you stroll through the neighborhood and sample various dishes.

Notify of dietary restrictions in advance

Inform the tour company ahead of time to accommodate allergies or dietary needs.

Carry cash for small purchases

Some vendors or shops may prefer cash for quick transactions or souvenirs.

Local Insights

Wildlife

  • Urban squirrels common in nearby parks
  • Various city-dwelling birds like pigeons and sparrows

History

Chicago’s Chinatown was established in the early 20th century and has grown into a thriving cultural neighborhood preserving authentic Chinese heritage and traditions.

Conservation

Local businesses participate in sustainable practices by minimizing waste and supporting eco-friendly packaging to maintain a clean urban environment.

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Adventure Hotspots in Chicago

Frequently Asked Questions

Recommended Gear

Comfortable walking shoes

Essential

Essential for navigating city streets and ensuring comfort throughout the tour.

Light jacket or sweater

Essential

Useful for cooler temperatures and changing weather conditions.

spring|fall|winter specific

Portable phone charger

Keeps your devices charged for photos and navigation during the tour.

Reusable water bottle

Essential

Staying hydrated is important, especially during warmer months.

summer|spring|fall specific