Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 840 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour worth booking?
Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour is a 3-hour experience in Chicago, United States, from $80 per person. It scores 88 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 840 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 88 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (840)
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $80 per person
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.
What you get
About this experience
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.
What's included
Included
- See vibrant murals, ornate architecture, & rich cultural landmarks on our Chicago Chintown Food Tour
- Steamed Cantonese dim sum offers tender dumplings, warm buns, and rich savory fillings.
- Receive insider tips on must-see attractions, activities, and culinary delights for your stay
- Led by an English-speaking local guide who shares bold flavors, culture, & Chinatown Food Tour info.
- Meals
- Xi’an Regional cuisine: Cumin lamb flatbread layers tender spiced lamb inside warm, crispy bread.
- Enjoy Szechuan cuisine: crispy meats, bold chilies, garlic, and that addictive numbing spice.
- Crisp, flaky Portuguese egg tarts with creamy custard and lightly caramelized tops.
Not included
- $10-15 per person (or more) suggested guide gratuity. (via Cash, Venmo and PayPal)
- Alcoholic beverages
What you'll see and do
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.
20 minutes here · Admission included
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.
20 minutes here · Admission included
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.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Chicago Chinatown
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
20 minutes here · Admission included
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.
20 minutes here · Admission included
Chinatown Square
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.
15 minutes here
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.
15 minutes here
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.
10 minutes here
Nine Dragon Wall
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.
10 minutes here
Chicago Chinatown
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.
30 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Chicago
Meet at Phoenix restaurant for your Chicago Chinatown Food Tour. Your Guide will be wearing a Bobby's Bike Hike shirt with branded paddle.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
This is the ending point for your Chicago Food Tour in Chinatown.
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Every day
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Bobby's Bike, Hike & Food Tours - Chicago
Know before you go
- 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.
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 827 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
9 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Food and drink
9 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
The guide
6 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
827 verified traveler reviews for Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Great experience
Come hungry. You get a lot of very good food. It's fun to hear the history of the Chinese coming to Chicago and how it influenced the area and the food.
via Viator
Fun, Educational, & Delicious!
AJ was a most excellent tour guide who regaled us with the history of China and the different waves of immigration to the U.S. There were five stops on the tour with four savory samples and one sweet treat from a bakery. We were able to sample from various regions in China where the food is different but delicious. The dumplings & lamb sandwich were the standouts but all of the food was yummy. It was not skimpy. We left full. The tour lasted about 3 hours and was within a 6 block radius of our meeting place. Highly enjoyable and highly recommended!
via Tripadvisor
Chicago China Town Food Tour
Tour with AJ was awesome. Great food and plenty of it. Pace was manageable for everyone. Aj was attentive, funny and made sure to provide historical information at every stop. Would definitely recommend.
via Viator
Great experience!
Greg was a great entertaining and knowledgeable guide who provided interesting history of Chinatown and a wonderful array of restaurant experiences.
via Tripadvisor
Xie Xie
If you like to eat good food, you will truly enjoy this delicious experience! Greg was a knowledgeable, humorous and helpful guide. A hidden treasure in Chicago!
via Viator
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Every day
- Price range
- $80 to $85
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 294
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Bobby's Bike, Hike & Food Tours - Chicago, who run 12 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 76.4 and 1 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Bobby's Bike, Hike & Food Tours - Chicago runsWhy this scores 88
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chicago.
How much does Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour cost?
+
Prices start at $80 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Chicago usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour take?
+
Plan for about 3 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Chicago is not rushed.
Is Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 88 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 840 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable most popular in Chicago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 3-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour?
+
Around 294 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Chicago can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.
What should I bring or wear?
+
Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Chicago and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour start and how do I get there?
+
The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Chicago within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.
What are the best things to do in Chicago?
+
Chicago's signature experience is still the architecture boat cruise, and the difference between the docent-led originals and the party-boat imitators is the single biggest quality gap in the city. Beyond the river: gangster history walks, Art Institute access, deep-dish and hot-dog crawls, and skydeck timed entry. Outty Ranking leans on guide credentials and how consistently the promised route runs. On Outty we rank every Chicago experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Original Chicago Architecture Interiors Tour: Dazzling Interiors, Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking Tour, Chicago Murder Mystery Tour. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.
When is the best time to visit Chicago?
+
May to October. Winter cruises stop running when the river ices. Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.
How many days do you need in Chicago?
+
Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.
Do I book through Outty or through the operator?
+
Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.
What is included in Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour?
+
Included: See vibrant murals, ornate architecture, & rich cultural landmarks on our Chicago Chintown; Steamed Cantonese dim sum offers tender dumplings, warm buns, and rich savory fillings; Receive insider tips on must-see attractions, activities, and culinary delights for your s; Led by an English-speaking local guide who shares bold flavors, culture, & Chinatown Food; and Meals. Not included: $10-15 per person (or more) suggested guide gratuity. (via Cash, Venmo and PayPal); and Alcoholic beverages. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour?
+
Meet at Phoenix restaurant for your Chicago Chinatown Food Tour. Your Guide will be wearing a Bobby's Bike Hike shirt with branded paddle. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour offered in?
+
It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.
Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour?
+
Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.
Is Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour if the weather is bad?
+
This experience depends on good weather. If it is canceled because of poor weather, you are offered a different date or a full refund.
What do travelers say about Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour?
+
Across 840 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include knowledge and storytelling, food and drink, the guide. Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Chicago's Chinatown Food and Walking Tour.
Pick your date
