San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour
San Francisco, United States

San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour

Outty Ranking 80 4.9 · 152 traveler reviews3 hoursFrom $99
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Outty Ranking

80/100

Exceptional. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.9/5

Based on 152 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour worth booking?

San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour is a 3-hour experience in San Francisco, United States, from $99 per person. It scores 80 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 4.9/5 rating across 152 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
80 / 100
Rating
4.9/5 (152)
Duration
3 hours
From
$99 per person

On this guided food tour of San Francisco’s Chinatown, you will taste five different mouthwatering delights. Three of the tastings (enough for lunch) will be done seated inside the restaurants and two tastings will be done on the street in front of the establishment. In between delectable food tastings, your guide will tell fun and interesting stories about the history and culture of the neighborhood. It's a food, and culture walking tour with 5 tastings in 3 hours. Come eat with us!

What you get

    About this experience

    On this guided food tour of San Francisco’s Chinatown, you will taste five different mouthwatering delights. Three of the tastings (enough for lunch) will be done seated inside the restaurants and two tastings will be done on the street in front of the establishment. In between delectable food tastings, your guide will tell fun and interesting stories about the history and culture of the neighborhood. It's a food, and culture walking tour with 5 tastings in 3 hours. Come eat with us!

    What's included

    Included

    • Local guide
    • Bottled water
    • City map
    • Food tasting

    Not included

    • Hotel pickup and drop-off
    • Gratuities

    What you'll see and do

    1. Portsmouth Square

      Portsmouth Square, formerly known as Portsmouth Plaza, is a one-block park in Chinatown, San Francisco, California, bounded by Kearny Street on the east, Washington Street on the north, Clay Street on the south, and Walter Lum Place on the west

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    2. Old Saint Mary's Cathedral

      The Old Cathedral of St. Mary of the Immaculate Conception is a proto-cathedral and parish of the Roman Catholic Church located at 660 California Street at the corner of Grant Avenue in the Chinatown neighborhood of San Francisco, California

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    3. Tin How Temple

      The Tin How Temple is the oldest extant Taoist temple in San Francisco's Chinatown, and one of the oldest still-operating Chinese temples in the United States. It is dedicated to the Chinese sea goddess Mazu, who is known as Tin How in Cantonese.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    4. Golden Gate Fortune Cookies Co

      Landmark bakery prepares homemade fortune cookies in a tiny open kitchen, with free tours available.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    5. New Hollywood Bakery: (est. 1991): Our favorite light and buttery buns filled with barbecue-flavored cha siu pork.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    6. Xian House of Dumplings: Handmade noodles and dumplings in the Chinese tradition

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    7. Some of the best dim sum options in Chinatown, SF

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    8. Local favorite known for Hong Kong-style dim sum and Chinese specialties.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    9. AA Bakery: (est. 2002): Freshly made, out of the oven, Hong Kong-style egg tarts cooked to a smooth flan-like perfection with a buttery flaky crust.

      15 minutes here · Admission included

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    San Francisco

    We will be meeting outside in front of The East/West Bank

    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
    Sat, Sun
    Group size
    Up to 12 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Sidewalk Food Tours

    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
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
    • Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required
    • A minimum of two people per booking is required

    Photos

    Egg Tarts, San Francisco Chinatown Food TourAA Bakery, San Francisco Chinatown Food TourVeggie Buns from New Hollywood Bakery, San Francisco Chinatown Food TourWhere the locals go for Chinese food, San Francisco Chinatown Food TourSan Francisco Chinatown Food Tour, photo 6

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 152 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    Food and drink

    8 mentions

    The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

    The guide

    7 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Knowledge and storytelling

    6 mentions

    Reviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.

    Traveler reviews

    152 verified traveler reviews for San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

    5 star
    143
    4 star
    6
    3 star
    3
    2 star
    0
    1 star
    0
    Sort
    Kendall_W · October 2026

    Great food, great guide!

    Kenric was a wonderful guide! He shared so much about the history and character of the neighborhood, as well as specific establishments. He was entertaining, personable, and was so kind in assisting with wheelchair accessibility. Would definitely book this tour again.

    Response from the operator: Hi Kendall, Thank you so much for sharing this! We are thrilled to hear that Kenric helped make your experience such a positive one. We will be sure to pass along your kind words to him. We would love to welcome you back for another delicious adventure!

    via Viator

    javiermY8633ZK · September 2026

    You want traditional Chinese food. This is the right place. Kenric really good guide.

    This food tour has been one of the greatest ones that we have ever been to. We love going on food tours and we have some experience and this one, top 3. - Guide Kenric - he was great, knowledgeable and polite. As the tour was taking place, he would tell us stories about Chinatown, really good ones. - Food - delicious. Make sure that you either skip breakfast or have a light one. There is a lot of tasty food. - 6 stops: two sweets, and 4 savory (fried rice, dumplings, dim sum, Cantonese duck, Chinese curry, vegetables… - There is not too much walking. Three hours fly by.

    Response from the operator: Hi Javier, Thank you so much for the incredible review! It means a lot to know that your experience with us ranks among your favorite food tours. We’ll be sure to pass your kind words along to Kenric, too! We’re so glad he helped make the experience memorable, and we hope to welcome you back for another delicious adventure soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    SandBAtlanta · July 2026

    So much fun!

    We had an amazing tour of Chinatown with Kenric. I was impressed by the whole tour but especially his timing. Everything just clicked! I could tell how much time he spent teeing things up and it was perfection. He knows his history but still managed to keep it light, fun and entertaining. Great food, easy walking, it was easily one of the highlights of our visit to SF!

    Response from the operator: Hi, This review means so much to our team! Kenric is truly an all-star and brings joy and passion to each tour. We're so happy to hear you enjoyed it!

    via Tripadvisor

    Jennifer_B · July 2026

    The tour was very...

    The tour was very informative, fun and delicious! Jinny was very knowledgeable about Chinatown history and she made it very fun!

    Response from the operator: Hi Jennifer, We're so happy you enjoyed your Sidewalk Food Tour of Chinatown!

    via Viator

    Joan S · June 2026

    Nice exploration of Chinatown

    It was easy to find the group at the starting point. Catherine made a point of making everyone feel welcome. Made a quick trip to a fortune cookie manufacturer and had a tasty sample, still warm from the oven. Next stopped for dumplings that were large and fresh. After that we had Cantonese Duck (differentiated from Peking Duck) and pork belly. Catherine picked up some pork buns and then we hiked up a steep hill to find a spot in a park to eat them. Not sure the park was worth the hike as we perched on a raised part of a piece of playground equipment. But there was a slide that several members of our group tried out. Then we were off to have delicious fried chicken and noodles. This stop was the highlight food wise. Ended the tour at a lovely tea shop where the proprietor’s son did a superb job of preparing multiple types of tea for us to try. Most of us purchased tea, but there was no pressure to do so. Catherine provided a very fresh custard tart, still warm from the oven. The group gelled beautifully and were exchanging contact info at the end. Wonderful way to celebrate Father’s Day!

    Response from the operator: Hi Joan, Thank you for sharing such a thoughtful review! We're thrilled to hear that Catherine made everyone feel welcome and helped create such a fun and memorable experience. It sounds like you enjoyed our variety of foods throughout the tour! We're especially glad the group connected so well and that the tour was a memorable way to celebrate Father's Day. Creating experiences that bring people together over great food and local culture is exactly what we strive for! Thank you for joining us, and we hope to see you on another tour soon!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    3 hours
    Free cancellation
    Up to 24h before
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Sat, Sun
    Hotel pickup
    No pickup, meet at start point
    Booked in 30 days
    53
    Verdict
    Exceptional

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Sidewalk Food Tours, who run 13 experiences we rank across 8 cities, with an average Outty Ranking of 73.8.

    See everything Sidewalk Food Tours runs

    Why this scores 80

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)90
    Review evidence (18% weight)65
    Booking momentum (14% weight)60
    Value for money (12% weight)88
    Listing quality (10% weight)74
    Local standing (8% weight)87
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)100

    San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for San Francisco.

    How much does San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour cost?

    +

    Prices start at $99 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in San Francisco usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does San Francisco Chinatown Food 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 San Francisco is not rushed.

    Is San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 80 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.9/5 across 152 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in San Francisco, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule San Francisco Chinatown Food 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 San Francisco Chinatown Food 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 San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour?

    +

    Around 53 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco and add a light layer if any part of the 3-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does San Francisco Chinatown Food 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 San Francisco 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 San Francisco?

    +

    San Francisco packs Alcatraz, Muir Woods, Napa and the bay into day-trip range, which makes booking order matter more than anywhere else in the US. Alcatraz sells out weeks ahead, wine-country vans fill on weekends, and the best food walks in the Mission and Chinatown cap at a dozen people. Our ranking favours small groups and guides who live in the neighbourhood they walk. On Outty we rank every San Francisco experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Small Group Yosemite and Giant Sequoias Day Trip from San Francisco, Golden Gate Bridge Muir Woods Sausalito with Optional Alcatraz, Chinatown, North Beach, Little Italy: 7 Tastings & History. 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 San Francisco?

    +

    September and October, the city's real summer, once the fog season breaks. 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 San Francisco?

    +

    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 San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour?

    +

    Included: Local guide; Bottled water; City map; and Food tasting. Not included: Hotel pickup and drop-off; and Gratuities. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Where is the meeting point for San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour?

    +

    We will be meeting outside in front of The East/West Bank Hotel pickup is not included, so plan your own transport and arrive 15 minutes early.

    What languages is San Francisco Chinatown Food 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 San Francisco Chinatown Food 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 San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour wheelchair or stroller accessible?

    +

    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 San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour if the weather is bad?

    +

    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in San Francisco. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.

    What do travelers say about San Francisco Chinatown Food Tour?

    +

    Across 152 reviews averaging 4.9 out of 5, recurring themes include food and drink, the guide, knowledge and storytelling. The tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.

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