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(734)
We traveled to 5 different restaurants, all within very easy walking distance of each other. The food was absolutely phenomenal. Each place had something unique, so we never felt we were having multiples of anything. Our tour guide, Alex, was also nothing short of amazing. He was knowledgeable about Chinese food & culture, passionate in his delivery, and very personable. We would highly recommend this tour!
Thank you so much for your wonderful recommendation! We’re thrilled to hear that you enjoyed the variety of flavors and that each of the five restaurant stops brought something unique to your experience. One of our favorite parts of creating our Chinatown Food Tour is carefully selecting dishes that showcase the incredible diversity of the neighborhood, so it means a lot to know that each stop exceeded your expectations. We’re especially happy to hear that Alex made such a lasting impression. His passion for Chinese food, culture, and storytelling shines through on every tour, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with him. Guides like Alex love bringing the history, traditions, and incredible cuisine of Chinatown to life in a way that makes every culinary walking tour both delicious and memorable. We’re proud to be Chicago’s only locally owned food tour operator, and that truly makes a difference. Chicago is our home, and we’ve built genuine relationships with the chefs, restaurant owners, and teams who make this neighborhood so special. Those local connections allow us to create a more authentic and immersive Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago, and we’re honored that so many guests have helped make us the #1 food tour in Chicago. Thank you for recommending us to future travelers. We hope your experience inspires others looking for unforgettable Things to Do in Chicago to join us and discover just how incredible Chinatown’s food and culture truly are. We’d also love to welcome you back on another adventure with Bobby’s Bike Hike & Food Tours, whether it’s our Chicago Favorites Food and Walking Tour or one of our award-winning Bike and Food Tours. We look forward to exploring more of Chicago with you!
This was a very educational and fun tour. Our tour guide-Greg did a super job. We learned about the history of Chinatown in Chicago, ate a variety of food, and had a great time. Highly recommend this tour.
Thank you for taking the time to share your experience! We're so happy to hear you had such an educational and enjoyable time exploring Chinatown with Greg. Combining the rich history of the neighborhood with its incredible cuisine is exactly what we hope every guest experiences, and it's wonderful to know Greg's knowledge, enthusiasm, and engaging personality made your day so memorable. One of the things that makes our Chinatown Food Tour so special is the opportunity to experience authentic flavors while discovering the fascinating stories, traditions, and people that have shaped one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods. We love hearing that you enjoyed both the cultural insights and the delicious variety of food throughout the tour. That's exactly what makes a Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago such a memorable culinary walking tour. We're especially 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 lasting relationships with the restaurant owners, chefs, and families who welcome our guests every day. Those local connections allow us to provide a deeper, more authentic experience, and we're honored to be recognized as the #1 food tour in Chicago. Thank you for recommending us to others looking for unforgettable Things to Do in Chicago. We also want to share that Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours is passionate about our four core tenets of travel, community, health, and service, and we're grateful that guests like you allow us to share those values through every experience we create. We hope to welcome you back again for another Chicago adventure!
This was a great tour. Started on time and the tastings and restaurant visits were well paced. I enjoyed the food as well as the historical overview and related trivia. Our tour guide, Alex, was fantastic!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the pace of the tour, from the thoughtfully timed restaurant visits to the delicious tastings along the way. Creating a seamless experience where guests can relax, savor each stop, and immerse themselves in the stories behind the neighborhood is exactly what we strive for on every Chinatown Food Tour. We're especially grateful for your kind words about Alex. His passion for sharing the history, culture, and hidden stories of Chinatown, along with his engaging personality, helps turn every Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago into much more than just a meal. We're thrilled that you enjoyed both the incredible food and the historical insights that make this culinary walking tour such a memorable experience. We're proud to be Chicago's only locally owned food tour operator, and that truly sets us apart. Chicago isn't just where we work—it's our home. We've built meaningful relationships with the chefs, restaurant owners, and local businesses that make Chinatown so special, allowing us to offer a deeper, more authentic experience that we're honored has helped make us the #1 food tour in Chicago. Thank you again for recommending us to future visitors searching for unique Things to Do in Chicago. We also want to share that Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours is ranked among the Top 20 Tour Operators in the World, an honor made possible by amazing guests like you. We hope you'll join us again soon to discover even more of Chicago's incredible neighborhoods and flavors!
This was an excellent tour. Our guide Alex, was informative, prompt and friendly. I would do this tour again!
Thank you so much for your fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you had such an excellent experience and that Alex made your day so enjoyable. His enthusiasm, knowledge, and friendly approach are exactly what we hope every guest experiences, and we're delighted that his passion helped make your visit to Chinatown so memorable. It means so much to hear that you'd do the tour again. That's one of the greatest compliments we can receive! Every Chinatown Food Tour is designed to offer a delicious blend of incredible cuisine, fascinating history, and authentic cultural experiences, so whether it's your first visit or your second, there's always something new to discover. We love creating a Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago that leaves guests with lasting memories while enjoying one of the city's most vibrant neighborhoods through a culinary walking tour. 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've built genuine relationships with the restaurant owners, chefs, and families who welcome our guests every day. Those local connections allow us to provide an experience that's more authentic, personal, and flavorful than any other, and we're honored to be recognized as the #1 food tour in Chicago. Thank you again for your kind words and for recommending us to others looking for unforgettable Things to Do in Chicago. We'd absolutely love to welcome you back for another adventure with Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours, whether it's our Chicago Favorites Food and Walking Tour or one of our award-winning Bike and Food Tours. We can't wait to explore more of the city with you!
What a delightful - and delicious - way to get to know a little about Chinatown. We had a great time and met some wonderful people on the tour. The selection of food from different regions of China was great and learning about them along with the history of the neighborhood was great. Our guide - a theater student - was fun, knowledgeable and engaging. Thank you, Valerie!
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We love hearing that your experience was both delightful and delicious, and that you enjoyed getting to know Chinatown through its incredible food, fascinating history, and welcoming community. One of our favorite parts of our Chinatown Food Tour is introducing guests to the rich diversity of regional Chinese cuisine while sharing the stories that have shaped this remarkable neighborhood. We're especially happy to hear that Valerie made such a positive impression. Her engaging personality, love of storytelling, and enthusiasm for creating memorable experiences are what make every Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago feel so special. We'll be sure to pass along your kind words—she'll be thrilled to know she helped make your day so enjoyable. 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 local businesses that make Chinatown so unique. Those connections allow us to offer a deeper, more authentic culinary walking tour, and we're honored to be recognized as the #1 food tour in Chicago. Thank you again for sharing your experience and for recommending us to others looking for memorable Things to Do in Chicago. We hope you'll join us again for another adventure with Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours. Whether it's our Chicago Favorites Food and Walking Tour or one of our award-winning Bike and Food Tours, we'd love the opportunity to show you even more of the neighborhoods, stories, and flavors that make Chicago such an incredible city.
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!
Thank you so much for your amazing review! We can't think of a better compliment than hearing you enjoyed our Chinatown Food Tour so much that you came back for a second visit and brought your mom along to experience it with you. Knowing that she loved it just as much makes your kind words even more meaningful. We're thrilled that Greg helped make your return visit such a memorable one. His passion for sharing the history, culture, and incredible flavors of Chinatown creates an experience that's both entertaining and educational. Every Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago is designed to offer something new to discover, whether it's your first visit or your second, and we're so glad Greg made the experience another one to remember. We're proud to be Chicago's only locally owned food tour operator, and that truly makes all the difference. Chicago is where we live, work, and build lasting relationships with the chefs, restaurant owners, and local businesses that make Chinatown such a special neighborhood. Those connections allow us to provide a more authentic and immersive culinary walking tour, and we're honored that guests have helped make us the #1 food tour in Chicago. Thank you again for your enthusiastic recommendation and for sharing this experience with your mom. Your support means the world to our local team. Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours is passionate about our four core tenets of travel, community, health, and service, and we hope to welcome both of you back again soon for another unforgettable adventure and to explore even more of the best Things to Do in Chicago.
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.
Thank you for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear you had such a great experience and enjoyed both the incredible food and the fascinating stories behind Chinatown and Chicago. Our goal is to create a Chinatown Food Tour that blends amazing local cuisine with the history and culture that make this neighborhood so special, so it's rewarding to know that combination made your visit memorable. We're especially grateful for your kind words about Greg. He truly loves sharing his knowledge while making every guest feel welcome, and it's wonderful to hear that his enthusiasm and dedication stood out. Going above and beyond is exactly what we strive for on every Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago, and we'll be sure to pass along your compliments to him. We're proud to be Chicago's only locally owned food tour operator, and that makes all the difference. Chicago is our home, and we've developed authentic relationships with the chefs, restaurant owners, and local businesses that bring Chinatown to life every day. Those connections allow us to deliver a culinary walking tour that's deeper, more personal, and more authentic than a typical sightseeing experience. It's also why we're honored to be recognized as the #1 food tour in Chicago. Thank you again for your recommendation and for choosing to spend part of your visit with us. We hope your experience inspires others searching for unforgettable Things to Do in Chicago to discover the flavors, history, and culture of Chinatown with us. We would also love to welcome you back on another adventure, whether it's our Chicago Favorites Food and Walking Tour or one of our award-winning Bike and Food Tours.
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.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We're thrilled to hear you enjoyed trying something different and that your guide helped make the day both fun and memorable. One of the things we love most about our Chinatown Food Tour is introducing guests to a neighborhood they may not have explored on their own while showcasing its incredible cuisine, rich history, and vibrant culture. We're glad having a knowledgeable local guide helped you feel comfortable navigating the area. Chinatown is a fascinating neighborhood with so many hidden gems, and our guides enjoy sharing the stories, traditions, and family-owned restaurants that many visitors might otherwise miss. That's what makes a Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago such a rewarding culinary walking tour. We're especially proud to be Chicago's only locally owned food tour operator, and that truly makes all the difference. Chicago is our home, and we've built lasting relationships with the chefs, restaurant owners, and local businesses that make Chinatown so special. Those connections allow us to offer a more authentic, immersive, and delicious experience, and we're honored to be recognized as the #1 food tour in Chicago. Thank you again for your recommendation and for stepping outside your comfort zone to discover one of Chicago's most unique neighborhoods. We hope your experience inspires others looking for unforgettable Things to Do in Chicago to join us and experience the incredible flavors and culture of Chinatown for themselves. We're also proud that Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours is ranked among the Top 20 Tour Operators in the World, and we hope to welcome you back for another Chicago adventure in the future!
Great tour! Great food! Our tour guide, York, was absolutely amazing as well!
Thank you so much for the fantastic review! We're thrilled to hear you had such a great time enjoying the delicious food and that York made your experience even more memorable. We'll be sure to share your kind words with him—he'll be delighted to know he helped make your day so special. Our goal is to create a Chinatown Food Tour that combines incredible flavors with the rich history and culture of one of Chicago's most vibrant neighborhoods. Whether guests come for the food, the stories, or both, we want every Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago to be an unforgettable culinary walking tour filled with authentic experiences and lasting memories. 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've built genuine relationships with the chefs, restaurant owners, and local businesses that make Chinatown such an incredible destination. Those local connections allow us to offer a deeper, more authentic experience, and we're honored to be recognized as the #1 food tour in Chicago. Thank you again for your recommendation! We hope your experience encourages others looking for unique Things to Do in Chicago to discover Chinatown with us. Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours is passionate about our four core tenets of travel, community, health, and service, and we hope to welcome you back for another unforgettable adventure soon!
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.
Thank you so much for your wonderful review! We're delighted to hear that you enjoyed the delicious food and that the tour provided such a meaningful introduction to Chicago's Chinatown. Sharing the neighborhood's rich culture, history, and incredible culinary traditions is exactly what we hope every guest takes away from our Chinatown Food Tour. We're especially happy to hear that York made such a positive impact on your experience. His personal connection to the neighborhood and the stories he shares bring an extra level of authenticity that guests truly appreciate. Those firsthand experiences help make every Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago more than just a meal—they create a memorable culinary walking tour that connects visitors to the people and traditions behind the food. 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 families who make Chinatown such a vibrant community. Those local connections allow us to offer a deeper, more authentic experience than anyone else, and we're honored to be recognized as the #1 food tour in Chicago. Thank you for your incredible 10/10 recommendation and for encouraging others to experience one of the best Things to Do in Chicago. We'd love to welcome you back on another adventure with Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours, whether it's our Chicago Favorites Food and Walking Tour or one of our award-winning Bike and Food Tours. We look forward to exploring even more of Chicago with you!
