
Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria
Traveler rating
4.9/5
Based on 358 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria worth booking?
Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria is a 2.5-hour experience in Vancouver Island, Canada, from $94 per person. It scores 82 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 358 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 82 / 100
- Rating
- 4.9/5 (358)
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- From
- $94 per person
This small-group culinary experience explores Canada’s oldest Chinatown and the atmospheric streets of Old Town through the lens of Victoria’s most exciting restaurants. Designed and curated by award-winning food writer and restaurant judge Bonnie Todd, this tour blends refined tastings with expert storytelling and insider access built over 14 years in the industry. Enjoy generous, chef-driven tastings from carefully selected culinary partners — including elevated South Indian cuisine, refined farm-to-table plates, handcrafted dumplings, standout tacos, artisan pastries, craft beer, and more. Between tastings, your professionally trained guide brings the neighbourhoods to life with immersive storytelling — from the legacy of Canada’s oldest Chinatown to hidden architectural details and layered cultural history in Old Town. Yes, you’ll wander down Fan Tan Alley — but you’ll understand why it matters.
What you get
About this experience
This small-group culinary experience explores Canada’s oldest Chinatown and the atmospheric streets of Old Town through the lens of Victoria’s most exciting restaurants. Designed and curated by award-winning food writer and restaurant judge Bonnie Todd, this tour blends refined tastings with expert storytelling and insider access built over 14 years in the industry. Enjoy generous, chef-driven tastings from carefully selected culinary partners — including elevated South Indian cuisine, refined farm-to-table plates, handcrafted dumplings, standout tacos, artisan pastries, craft beer, and more. Between tastings, your professionally trained guide brings the neighbourhoods to life with immersive storytelling — from the legacy of Canada’s oldest Chinatown to hidden architectural details and layered cultural history in Old Town. Yes, you’ll wander down Fan Tan Alley — but you’ll understand why it matters.
What's included
Included
- Local guide
- GST (Goods and Services Tax)
- Food tasting
Not included
- Gratuities (recommended) for tour guide
What you'll see and do
Your experience begins at our central meeting location where you’ll be welcomed by your professionally trained guide and introduced to the small group - including a tasting!
15 minutes here
Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site
The tour spends approximately 30 minutes exploring Canada’s oldest Chinatown while enjoying multiple curated tastings from respected local culinary partners. Between bites, your guide shares the cultural history, architecture, and stories that shaped this vibrant district.
30 minutes here
Fan Tan Alley
Don't just walk through Fan Tan - truly experience it with a guide to bring it to life through stories. This photogenic street is ripe with history and has a ton of hidden treasures that only a local guide can reveal. We of course will also taste some delicious food here.
15 minutes here
Next, we transition into Old Town, walking through Market Square and along heritage brick streets. Over the next 45–60 minutes, you’ll enjoy additional chef-driven tastings — from globally inspired cuisine to elevated local favorites — while learning how Victoria’s dining scene has evolved over the past century.
15 minutes here
Where it starts and ends
Meeting point
Vancouver Island
We meet at our first foodie stop, Maiiz Nixtamal. Please not your guide will meet you in front of the restaurant, they will be holding a clipboard and wearing a nametag. This restaurant opens at 11am.
Hotel pickup
No pickup: everyone meets at the start point.
Ends at
The end location is roughly a 15 minute walk to the starting location.
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
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Group size
- Up to 8 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Off the Eaten Track
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
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
- Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately
- Minimum drinking age is 19 years. We have a non-alcohol sample for youth and for those looking for a non-alcohol experience
- Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking, we need to know of any dietary issues before the tour starts.
- Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
- Please triple check the date that you booked. We can not reschedule your tour if you miss the date - you will have to re-book at full cost.
Photos






What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 358 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
Food and drink
8 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Knowledge and storytelling
6 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
The guide
3 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Traveler reviews
358 verified traveler reviews for Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Best food and cultural experience in Victoria this restaurant specializes in handmade mix, mall tortillas, and gourmet t
Amazing food and cultural experience. Brenda, our tour guide, was exceptional. We were fortunate enough to be the only tour on this particular day, which means we got extremely personalized service. Everywhere we went, she enlightened us about the history of Chinatown and the diverse food culture. And every food stop was unique and memorable. This is a must-tour if you really want to get an inside look at hidden gems in Victoria’s Chinatown.
via Tripadvisor
Foodie Fun in Victoria!
Brenda took us on a perfectly delicious food safari. We went to places we never would have found our own. We were delighted to have her to ourselves. Highly recommend this tour if you are in Victoria! Thank you Brenda’
via Tripadvisor
One of the best (food) tours we ever had
Brenda was amazing, pure gold - amazing tastes, many surprises, but also astonishing knowledge on local (and global) lore. More than highly recommended, only five stars because more weren’t available
via Tripadvisor
This was fun and...
This was fun and informative and had a great variety of food.. iI appreciate that they accomodated dietary needs.
via Viator
Savoring Cultures
This delightful 2.5-hour tour was the perfect conclusion to a beautiful weekend vacation. While some may arrive with expectations, it’s best to leave them at the door. Our guide, Brenda, brilliantly highlighted Victoria Gaines’ insights on how diverse cultures create such a unique experience. Food truly is the perfect way to bring comfort and joy, all while making new friends along the way.
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 2.5 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Tue, Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
- Price range
- $94 to $129
- Hotel pickup
- No pickup, meet at start point
- Booked in 30 days
- 125
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Off the Eaten Track, who run 4 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 79.7.
See everything Off the Eaten Track runsWhy this scores 82
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Vancouver Island.
How much does Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria cost?
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Prices start at $94 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Vancouver Island usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.
How long does Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria take?
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Plan for about 2.5 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 Vancouver Island is not rushed.
Is Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria worth it?
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It holds an Outty Ranking of 82 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 358 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Vancouver Island, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria?
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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 Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria suitable for kids and families?
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Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 2.5-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria?
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Around 125 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 Vancouver Island 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 Vancouver Island and add a light layer if any part of the 2.5-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria 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 Vancouver Island 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 Vancouver Island?
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On Outty we rank every Vancouver Island experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Victoria Guided Food and History Tour, Victoria Whale and Wildlife Cruise, Victoria Half-Day Whale Watching Adventure with Free Photos. 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 Vancouver Island?
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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 Vancouver Island?
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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.
What is included in Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria?
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Included: Local guide; GST (Goods and Services Tax); and Food tasting. Not included: Gratuities (recommended) for tour guide. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Where is the meeting point for Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria?
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We meet at our first foodie stop, Maiiz Nixtamal. Please not your guide will meet you in front of the restaurant, they will be holding a clipboard and wearing a nametag. This restaurant opens at 11am. Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.
What languages is Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria offered in?
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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 Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria?
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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 Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria wheelchair or stroller accessible?
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The operator notes: Wheelchair accessible; Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap; and Transportation options are wheelchair accessible. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria if the weather is bad?
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It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Vancouver Island. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria?
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Across 358 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, knowledge and storytelling, the guide. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
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