Chinatown Food Tour
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September 2026
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Adults
Age 13 and over
Children
Age 12 and under
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Quick answer
Is Chinatown Food Tour worth booking?
Chinatown Food Tour is a 3-hour experience in Chicago, United States, from $78 per person. It scores 51 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 51 / 100
- Rating
- Not yet rated
- Duration
- 3 hours
- From
- $78 per person
Experience the authentic flavors of Chinatown on a 3-hour guided food tour curated by Chicago Tribune Good Eating Award winner Z.J. Tong. As you explore the neighborhood with a local guide, you'll sample regional Chinese
What you get
About this experience
Experience the authentic flavors of Chinatown on a 3-hour guided food tour curated by Chicago Tribune Good Eating Award winner Z.J. Tong. As you explore the neighborhood with a local guide, you'll sample regional Chinese specialties, discover the stories behind each dish, and gain a deeper understanding of Chinatown's rich culture and history. Tea and ice water are included throughout the tour. - Sample authentic regional Chinese dishes at local favorite eateries. - Explore Chinatown with knowledgeable guides connected to the community. - Learn the cultural traditions and stories behind every tasting. - Enjoy an award-winning culinary experience curated by Z.J. Tong.
What's included
Included
- A stop at a BBQ Shop to taste the fresh off the oven BBQ pork
- Talk on Chinatown and Chinese culture along the way
- Dessert with Matcha Crepe Cake at a hidden dessert shop
- Appetizer at a Cantonese Dim Sum Restaurant
- Entree with famous Peking Duck and multiple dishes
- A visit to an Asian candy store where even Kit Kat has 10+ flavors you don't find anywhere else.
- Meal, Tea and Ice Water are included.
- Meals
Not included
- Gratuity to the guide is not included and encouraged
What you'll see and do
Begin your culinary journey at Triple Crown Restaurant, one of Chinatown’s oldest family-owned establishments and a beloved local landmark. Here, you'll experience the tradition of Cantonese dim sum, often referred to by locals as “tea time.” As you settle in, savor freshly prepared specialties, including delicate shrimp dumplings, a classic dish often used to judge the quality and authenticity of a Cantonese restaurant. You'll also sample flavorful sticky rice wrapped in lotus leaves, infused with the leaves’ subtle aroma, along with other traditional favorites. Paired with a soothing cup of chrysanthemum tea, this stop offers an authentic introduction to the flavors, customs, and culinary heritage of Chicago’s Chinatown.
20 minutes here · Admission included
As you explore the heart of Chicago’s Chinatown, you'll uncover the fascinating stories behind some of its most iconic landmarks. Admire the historic On Leong Merchants Association Building, now known as the Pui Tak Center, from the outside and learn about its important role in the growth and development of the local Chinese American community. Standing before the magnificent Nine Dragon Wall, you'll discover the powerful symbolism of dragons in Chinese culture and why they are regarded as symbols of strength, prosperity, and good fortune. You'll also stop at the impressive Chinatown Gate, where your guide will reveal the meaning behind the four Chinese characters displayed above the entrance, offering insight into the traditions and values they represent.
15 minutes here
No visit to Chinatown would be complete without tasting the world-famous Peking Duck. At Imperial Restaurant, you'll enjoy this iconic dish prepared and served in two delicious ways: wrapped in a delicate pancake with traditional accompaniments and featured in a flavorful lettuce wrap. You'll also sample a variety of local favorites, including savory Mongolian Beef, crispy Orange Chicken, and Combination Seafood Bird's Nest, a popular dish showcasing fresh seafood and vegetables. Surrounded by local Chinese diners, you'll experience an authentic dining atmosphere while learning about the flavors and traditions that have made these dishes beloved staples of Chinese cuisine.
30 minutes here · Admission included
Have you ever wondered what those glistening roasted meats hanging in Chinatown restaurant windows taste like? At New Great Wall BBQ, you'll get to sample one of the neighborhood’s most beloved specialties—freshly roasted Cantonese BBQ pork (char siu). Enjoy its perfect balance of sweet, smoky, and savory flavors, with tender, melt-in-your-mouth bites that showcase the artistry of traditional Chinese barbecue. As you savor this local favorite, you'll learn about its importance in Cantonese cuisine and why it remains a comfort food cherished by generations. This unforgettable tasting is sure to leave you craving more long after your Chinatown adventure comes to an end.
15 minutes here · Admission included
Aji Ichiban
Be a kid at a candy store, literally. This Asian candy store has a great variety that you don't find anywhere else. How about some Matcha Kit Kat? Or Cream Dried Plum? You'll love it and whoever you are buying the treats for will thank you for it.
15 minutes here
Hidden on the 2nd floor in Chinatown Square, this dessert place is a favorite of many locals and visitors. Take a bite of the unique flavor of Matcha Crepe Cake. You'll be a fan for life.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Chicago
Meet at the southwest corner of Wentworth Ave and Archer Ave, in front of the Chinatown Library.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
Returns to the starting point
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
- Fri, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute
Know before you go
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Specialized infant seats are available
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- Casual outfit is recommended.
- Please wear comfortable shoes. The walking distance is about 5-6 short blocks for an hour.
- Please let us know if there is any strict dietary restriction. Depending on the special requirement, we may or may not be able to accommodate.
Photos
Good to know
- Duration
- 3 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Fri, Sun
- Price range
- $78 to $98
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 0
- Verdict
- Worth a Look
Why this scores 51
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Chinatown Food Tour: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Chicago.
How much does Chinatown Food Tour cost?
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Prices start at $78 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 Chinatown Food Tour take?
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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 Chinatown Food Tour worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 51 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (0/5 across 0 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Chicago, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Chinatown Food Tour?
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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 Chinatown Food Tour suitable for kids and families?
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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 Chinatown Food Tour?
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Around 0 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?
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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 Chinatown Food Tour start and how do I get there?
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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?
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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 Murder Mystery Tour, Chicago Favorites Ultimate Food and Walking 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?
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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?
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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?
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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.
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