Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour
Description
Chicago's Chinatown: Few neighborhoods in America combine such delicious cuisine with fascinating history. Join Bobby’s Bike Hike & Food Tours, whose food tours have ranked Top 10 in America by USA Today & Top 20 in the world by Tripadvisor, for a day of interesting stories and scrumptious eats on this delicious Food Tour in Chinatown. This 3-hour Walking and Chintown Food Tour, you’ll see the bustling Chinatown Square, then get to sampling some of the richest cuisine around; including Cantonese dim sum, Portuguese-Chinese bakery treats, Szechuan style, and even Xi'an cuisine, all while learning about the history of how these foods & culture arrived in Chicago. This is a totally unique culinary tour experience, and not to be missed! Upon arrival to the tour, you can add a VIP Drink option for alcoholic and ethnic drink pairings! Chinatown can be challenging to navigate on your own, so let our expert local guides show you the way & discover 5 of our all-time favorite dishes.
Tour Options
Itinerary
Savor one of the most iconic stops on our Chinatown Food Tour with a visit to the legendary Phoenix Restaurant, a pillar of Chicago Chinatown dining. This flavorful highlight of our Chicago Food Tour features handmade dumplings—steamed, juicy, delicate, and crafted with generations of culinary tradition. It’s one of the tastiest moments on our Food Tour in Chinatown, and a must for anyone searching for delicious Things to Do in Chinatown. Bite into the soft dough, rich fillings, and authentic flavors that make Phoenix a local favorite, and discover why this beloved restaurant remains a cornerstone of Chinatown’s food culture. Perfect for food lovers eager to explore the best of Chicago’s dumpling scene.
Get ready for one of the most mouthwatering stops on our Chinatown Food Tour: the beloved Yummy Yummy Noodles, a true gem in Chicago Chinatown. Food lovers rave about this spot for its hand-pulled noodles, simmered broths, and bold regional flavors that capture the heart of authentic Chinese comfort food. As part of our top-rated Chicago Food Tour, you’ll sample a signature noodle dish bursting with fresh herbs, tender meats, and the kind of depth that only comes from generations of tradition. This flavorful tasting is a highlight of our Food Tour in Chinatown, perfect for anyone craving rich, slurp-worthy goodness and looking for unforgettable Things to Do in Chinatown. Whether you love spicy heat, silky noodles, or aromatic broths, Yummy Yummy Noodles delivers a craveable experience that makes the tour worth booking on its own.
A standout highlight of our Chinatown Food Tour is the stop at Xi’an Cuisine, one of the most beloved hidden gems in Chicago Chinatown and a must-visit for anyone who craves bold, unforgettable flavors. As part of our top-rated Chicago Food Tour, you’ll sample their famous cumin lamb flatbread—a dish that bursts with the aromas of toasted cumin, fragrant spices, and tender slices of perfectly seasoned lamb. The meat is tucked inside a warm, crispy-yet-chewy flatbread that’s handmade daily, creating a mouthwatering contrast of textures and flavors. This tasting is one of the most unforgettable bites on our Food Tour in Chinatown, offering a true taste of northwest China’s legendary street food scene. If you're looking for delicious Things to Do in Chinatown, this savory, aromatic specialty delivers a flavor experience so addictive and satisfying that many guests return just to order it again. It's a foodie favorite and an irresistible reason to book the tour.
The original Lao Sze Chuan Restuarant: Prepare for the boldest bite on our Chinatown Food Tour with a stop at the legendary Lao Sze Chuan, a cornerstone of Chicago Chinatown & a national icon for flavor-packed Sichuan cuisine. As part of our top-rated Chicago Food Tour, you’ll savor their famous Chef’s Special Dry Chili Chicken—crispy, juicy pieces of chicken wok-tossed with aromatic garlic, toasted chili peppers, & Chef Tony Hu’s signature blend of numbing Sichuan spices. Every bite delivers a perfect balance of heat, crunch, & deep, savory richness that keeps food lovers coming back again & again. This unforgettable tasting is one of the standout moments on our Food Tour in Chinatown, & a must for anyone searching for delicious Things to Do in Chinatown. If you crave bold flavors, authentic regional cooking, & dishes that spark conversation the moment they hit the table, this spicy fav makes the tour worth booking. *Please note: you can control the spice & keep more mild if you wish
One of the sweetest highlights of our Chinatown Food Tour is the unforgettable stop at Chiu Quon Bakery, the oldest bakery in Chicago Chinatown and a must-visit for anyone who loves pastries. As part of our top-rated Chicago Food Tour, you’ll savor their famous Portuguese egg tart—flaky, warm, lightly caramelized, and filled with the richest, silkiest custard in the neighborhood. This melt-in-your-mouth treat perfectly blends Chinese baking traditions with Portuguese influence, creating a flavor that leaves guests raving. It’s a delicious moment on our Food Tour in Chinatown, and one of the most irresistible Things to Do in Chinatown for food lovers. If you’re looking for a memorable bite that captures the heart of the community, Chiu Quon’s egg tart is reason enough to book the tour.
A centerpiece of our Chinatown Food Tour is the vibrant and cultural heartbeat of Chicago Chinatown—the iconic Chinatown Square, one of the most fascinating Things to Do in Chinatown for anyone who loves history, architecture, and storytelling. As part of our top-rated Chicago Food Tour, you’ll step into this open-air plaza framed by traditional Chinese design, zodiac statues, colorful murals, and symbols that reflect centuries of heritage. Our Food Tour in Chinatown brings the square to life as your guide explains the meaning behind each sculpture, the significance of the pagoda-style roofs, and the community stories woven into the art. It’s a cultural immersion that blends seamlessly with the neighborhood’s flavors, making it a must-see destination for travelers who want to understand the deeper spirit of Chinatown. From family-owned shops to historic landmarks, Chinatown Square offers beauty, symbolism, and a sense of discovery that makes the tour unforgettable.
A truly unforgettable cultural highlight of our Chinatown Food Tour is the breathtaking Pui Tak Center, one of the most architecturally significant landmarks in Chicago Chinatown and an absolute must for culture lovers searching for meaningful Things to Do in Chinatown. As part of our top-rated Chicago Food Tour, you’ll stand before this stunning 1920s masterpiece, often called the “Gateway to Chinatown,” with its ornate terra-cotta detailing, sweeping rooflines, and design elements inspired by southern Chinese architecture. On our immersive Food Tour in Chinatown, your guide will reveal the building’s remarkable history—from its origins as the On Leong Merchants Association to its essential role as a community hub for language programs, cultural services, and historic preservation. For travelers who love architecture, symbolism, and the deeper meaning behind a neighborhood, the Pui Tak Center is a captivating and photo-worthy stop that enriches the entire tour experience.
A highlight of our Chinatown Food Tour is stepping beneath the iconic Chinatown Gateway, the grand entrance that welcomes you into the heart of Chicago Chinatown and one of the most essential Things to Do in Chinatown. This towering archway, inspired by traditional Paifang architecture, is adorned with vibrant colors, symbolic characters, and ornate details that celebrate heritage, prosperity, and community pride. As part of our top-rated Chicago Food Tour, you’ll learn how the Gateway was built to honor Chinese culture and mark the neighborhood as a thriving center of history, cuisine, and tradition. On our immersive Food Tour in Chinatown, your guide will share the meaning behind its design, the story of the community that rallied to create it, and why it remains one of the most photographed landmarks in the city. Passing beneath the Gateway sets the tone for an unforgettable journey into culture, flavor, and discovery.
One of the most visually stunning stops on our Chinatown Food Tour is the magnificent Nine Dragon Wall, a cultural treasure right in the heart of Chicago Chinatown and one of the most fascinating Things to Do in Chinatown. Inspired by the famous imperial screens in Beijing, this mural glows with vivid colors, intricate tilework, and nine powerful dragons—each representing strength, protection, and prosperity. As part of our top-rated Chicago Food Tour, you’ll explore this landmark up close while your guide shares the symbolism behind each dragon, the traditions that shaped its design, and its connection to ancient Chinese architecture. Our Food Tour in Chinatown blends these cultural insights with delicious tastings, making this stop a perfect moment for travelers who love history, art, and photography. The Nine Dragon Wall is more than a beautiful backdrop—it’s a gateway into the mythology and meaning that make Chinatown one of Chicago’s most unique neighborhoods.
Calling all food lovers! Our Chinatown Food Tour is the ultimate Chicago Food Tour for anyone craving bold flavors, rich history, and authentic dishes. This culinary-forward Food Tour in Chinatown features five hand-picked restaurants where you’ll sample savory dumplings, spicy stir-fries, hand-pulled noodles, regional specialties, and sweet bakery treats that showcase the incredible diversity of Asian cuisine. For culture lovers, this experience also explores iconic Things to Do in Chinatown, including historic landmarks, colorful murals, traditional architecture, and stories that shaped Chicago Chinatown into one of the most vibrant cultural neighborhoods in the city. Come hungry—you’ll enjoy generous portions, authentic flavors, cultural insights, and insider stories that make this journey delicious, enriching, and unforgettable.
Highlights
What's included
Traveller Ratings
Important Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Tour Operator can accommodate vegetarians or those who don’t eat beef or pork but can’t cater for vegan (limited options) or gluten-free (extremely limited options) diets.
- VIP Adult Beverage upgrade (3 samples) available upon arrival (Ages 21+)
- TripAdvisor rated this tour its highest-level Traveler’s Choice Award each year since 2002.
- Our groups have exclusive VIP access to locations we visit.
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Minimum numbers apply. There is a possibility of cancellation after confirmation if there are not enough guests to meet requirements. In the event of this occurring, you will be offered an alternative or full refund.
Reviews(727)
This was my second time going on this food tour! It was so good that I had to take my mom. She loved it! The food was great and Greg was a phenomenal tour guide. Highly recommend!
Great tour, food was excellent. Informative on the area and extras about Chicago. Our guide Greg was fun and knowledgeable. He definitely tried to go above and beyond.
If you’re into something different this was an amazing tour! We had a wonderful guide and enjoyed all the food we tasted. Chinatown in Chicago is a touch sketchy so it was nice to go there with someone who knew their way around. Fun to see something I wouldn’t normally visit on my own.
Great tour! Great food! Our tour guide, York, was absolutely amazing as well!
Food was delicious and it was a great way to be introduced to Chicago China town, while learning so much about the culture. We were lucky to have York as our guide, who has many great personal stories to add to the tour. 10/10 recommend this tour.
Come hungry! You will enjoy a variety of Asian foods on your tour and finish up with a delicious dessert
Thank you so much for your fantastic recommendation! We love hearing that you came hungry and enjoyed the incredible variety of authentic Asian flavors before finishing with a delicious dessert. Creating an experience that's both satisfying and memorable is exactly what we strive for on every Chinatown Food Tour. Our culinary walking tour is about much more than great food—it's about introducing guests to the stories, traditions, and local businesses that make this neighborhood so special. That's why so many visitors consider our Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago one of the best Things to Do in Chicago. We're especially proud to be Chicago's only locally owned food tour operator, and that truly makes a difference. We don't just know these neighborhoods—we're part of them. We've built genuine relationships with the chefs, owners, and restaurant teams who make every stop so special, allowing us to offer a deeper, more authentic, and incredibly delicious experience. It's an honor to be recognized as Chicago's top-rated food tour, and we're grateful you chose to spend your time with us. We'd love to welcome you back for another adventure, whether it's our Chicago Favorites Food and Walking Tour or one of our award-winning Bike and Food Tours. Thanks again for your kind words, and we hope to see you again soon!
Great guided tour. Small group. Lots of great food with rich history! Very informative. Rich history.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're so happy you enjoyed the combination of amazing food, a small group experience, and the rich history that makes our Chinatown Food Tour so special. Our goal is to create a culinary walking tour that is as educational as it is delicious, giving guests an authentic look at the culture, traditions, and incredible restaurants that make this Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago one of the top Things to Do in Chicago. We're proud to be Chicago's only locally owned food tour operator, and that truly makes a difference. This city is our home, and we've built genuine relationships with the chefs, restaurant owners, and neighborhood businesses that allow us to share stories and experiences you won't find anywhere else. It's because of those local connections that we're honored to be recognized as Chicago's #1 food tour. We're also incredibly proud that Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Tour Operators in the World. Thank you again for joining us, and we hope to share another unforgettable Chicago experience with you in the future!
Have a good knowledge about Chicago Chinatown. It’s well money spent eating 5 different restaurants and bakeries.
Thanks so much for your kind words! We're delighted you enjoyed learning about the history and culture of the neighborhood while sampling delicious dishes from five different restaurants and bakeries. That's exactly the experience we strive to create on every Chinatown Food Tour. We believe a great culinary walking tour should leave you with a full stomach and a deeper appreciation for the community, making our Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago one of the most rewarding Things to Do in Chicago. We're especially proud to be Chicago's only locally owned food tour operator, and that local connection makes all the difference. Chicago is our home, and we've built lasting relationships with the chefs, restaurant owners, and families who make Chinatown such a vibrant neighborhood. Those partnerships allow us to offer a more authentic, immersive, and delicious experience than anyone else, and we're honored to be recognized as Chicago's #1 food tour. We'd love to welcome you back to explore even more of the city with us, whether it's on our Chicago Favorites Food and Walking Tour or one of our award-winning Bike and Food Tours. Thank you again for joining us, and we hope to see you on another adventure soon!
What an excellent food tour. I grew up in the suburbs and never did this. What an awesome way to try several authentic Chinese restaurants with a side of local history. Great value for the money and very friendly guide.
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We love hearing that, even as someone who grew up in the Chicago suburbs, you discovered a whole new side of the city through our Chinatown Food Tour. It's incredibly rewarding to know you enjoyed sampling authentic dishes from several local restaurants while learning about the neighborhood's fascinating history. We believe that's what makes our culinary walking tour one of the best Things to Do in Chicago and why our Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago offers such a unique and memorable experience. We're proud to be Chicago's only locally owned food tour operator, and that truly makes all the difference. Chicago is our home, and we don't just know these neighborhoods—we live in them. We've built meaningful relationships with the chefs, restaurant owners, and their teams, allowing us to share stories, flavors, and experiences that go beyond what you'll find on a typical tour. It's an honor to be recognized as Chicago's #1 food tour. Thank you again for your kind words about your guide and the value of the experience. We'd love to welcome you back for another adventure, whether it's our Chicago Favorites Food and Walking Tour or one of our Award-winning Bike and Food Tours!
Highly recommend this tour. It’s a great way to experience authentic cuisine and gain some insight of the area. The food is pre-selected, which I was a little cautious of because I can be a picky eater. Everything we had was delicious. We had 6 stops each place served something I would not normally consider ordering. We fully enjoyed this tour and would definitely go again!
Thank you so much for your thoughtful recommendation! We especially love hearing from guests who were a little hesitant about trying pre-selected dishes and ended up discovering new favorites along the way. That's one of the most rewarding parts of our Chinatown Food Tour—introducing people to authentic flavors they may never have experienced otherwise. We're thrilled you enjoyed all six stops and gained a deeper appreciation for the neighborhood's culture and history. That's exactly what we hope every guest takes away from our culinary walking tour, making our Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago one of the most memorable Things to Do in Chicago. We're proud to be Chicago's only locally owned food tour operator, and that truly makes all the difference. This city is our home, and we've built genuine relationships with the chefs, restaurant owners, and their teams throughout Chinatown. Those local connections allow us to create a more authentic, welcoming, and delicious experience that we're honored to share with every guest. It's a privilege to be recognized as Chicago's #1 food tour. We're also incredibly proud that Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours has been recognized as one of the Top 20 Tour Operators in the World. Thank you again for trusting us with your culinary adventure, and we can't wait to welcome you back for another unforgettable Chicago experience!
