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(793)
Food was delicious, and unique. Met some wonderful fellow travelers. Our guide, Alex, was fun, knowledgeable, had plenty of stories to tell, and managed a comfortable pace. I'd highly recommend it!
A wonderful 2-1/2 hours of walking the streets of both "new" and "old" chinatown. The guide, Alex, was deeply knowledgeable about the history of the neighborhood as well as Chinese cuisine and its US counterpart (and how they are different and why). The stops (5 for food at restaurants and several more along the way for fun-facts of the area) were all close enough to be easy on the feet but separated enough to show how large and diverse Chicago's Chinatown area is. Alex studied (either formally or otherwise) Mandarin and Chinese history and spoke enough Cantonese to translate the plaques and street signs we encountered. Extremely well orchestrated--efficient but not rushed, the restaurants we visited were ready for us and promptly set our dishes down, Alex had described them all--with fun facts--in advance. Just really well orchestrated all around. We are new transplants to Chicago and have had wonderful experiences with all of the 5 or 6 "city tours" we've been on. This one was no different. Tip: take the water taxi/ferry down to Chinatown (its the one run by Wendella) from Michigan Avenue for lovely views of the skyline ($10 pp), and then you can take the Red Line back up--the L station is a block or two from where the tour ends. No need for a car--it's a hindrance, if anything.
Alex was super fun and knows quite a lot about the Chinese culture making the experience enjoyable. I enjoyed the food choices and the cultural lessons.
Great food. Learned about the different cuisines of China and history of Chinese Americans in Chicago.
My bestie and I loved this tour! Our guide, Valerie, was so sweet and passionate about the food. We met so many nice people from group members to shop owners, and every dish was delightful! She even helped me find some Mooncake for me to bring home to my daughter. I highly recommend this tour, and you will be very lucky if you get Valerie as your guide!
You will see a unique part of Chicago. I had been to the city several times and I didn't know it had a Chinatown.
This was definitely worth it off the food alone. There were several in our party from the area and they were also pleased. I appreciated not having to wait and having a different offering at each restaurant. We not only were full of food at the end, we got dessert. Along the way we walked and learned about old and new Chinatown. Very interesting to learn from the perspective of Alex (i think that is his name) who is married to someone from China. And he also piinted out places which we had time to visit afterward. I'd definitely do it again.
This was a great tour. Alex was great. Very informative. Come prepared to eat. Lots of food. The dry chili chicken was our favorite.
Thank you so much for joining us and sharing your experience! We’re thrilled Alex made the day both fun and informative, and we love your advice to come hungry. There’s definitely no shortage of delicious food on this Chinatown Food Tour! The dry chili chicken is a guest favorite for good reason, and we’re so glad it was the standout bite for you. What makes our Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago especially meaningful is that Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours is Chicago’s only locally owned food tour operator. Chicago is our home, and the relationships we’ve built over the years with neighborhood restaurants, chefs, owners, and their teams allow us to share Chinatown in a way that goes far beyond simply stopping in for a meal. Those connections bring the stories, culture, and flavors together into a truly authentic culinary walking tour. We’re incredibly proud that this local approach has helped us earn the distinction of being ranked the #1 food tour in Chicago. We’re also honored that Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours is ranked among the Top 20 in the World. For anyone searching for memorable Things to Do in Chicago, we hope your review inspires them to explore Chinatown with a big appetite and discover some new favorite dishes of their own. Thank you again for spending part of your Chicago adventure with Alex and our team. We hope to welcome you back for another delicious experience!
Alex was very knowledgeable of the food and the restaurants in Chinatown would highly recommend.
Thank you for the wonderful recommendation! We’re so glad you enjoyed exploring the neighborhood with Alex. His knowledge of Chinatown’s food, restaurants, history, and culture adds so much to the experience, and we’ll be sure to share your kind words with him. Our Chinatown Food Tour is about much more than tasting great dishes. As Chicago’s only locally owned food tour operator, Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours has deep roots in the city we call home. We’ve spent years building genuine relationships with the chefs, restaurant owners, and teams who make Chicago’s neighborhoods so special. Those local connections allow our Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago to offer guests a more personal and authentic look at the people, traditions, and incredible flavors behind every stop. It’s also why being ranked the #1 food tour in Chicago means so much to our locally owned team. We’re passionate about our four core tenets of travel, community, health, and service, and our culinary walking tour is a wonderful example of how those values come together. For travelers looking for unique Things to Do in Chicago, we hope your recommendation encourages them to get beyond the typical sightseeing experience and discover Chinatown through its food and stories. Thank you again for choosing Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours. We’d love to have you join us again on another Chicago adventure!
My 15 year old son, 19 year old daughter and I had a great time in the Chinatown food tour. Greg was our guide and he was great, very personable and knowledgeable which helped add depth to the tour.
Thank you so much for sharing your experience! We love hearing that you, your 15-year-old son, and your 19-year-old daughter all had such a great time exploring the neighborhood together. Chinatown is such a wonderful place for different generations to experience side by side, especially when food, history, and culture are all part of the adventure. We’re especially happy to hear your kind words about Greg. His personable style and knowledge of the neighborhood can really bring the stories behind each stop to life, and we love that he added another layer of depth to your Chinatown Food Tour. We’re proud to be Chicago’s only locally owned food tour operator, and we believe that local connection makes a meaningful difference. Chicago is our home, and our relationships with the chefs, restaurant owners, and neighborhood businesses allow us to share more than just great food—we get to introduce guests to the people, stories, traditions, and flavors that make these communities special. That commitment to authentic Chicago experiences is also why we’re incredibly honored to be ranked the #1 food tour in Chicago. For families searching for memorable Things to Do in Chicago, we hope your experience shows just how much fun a Food Tour in Chinatown Chicago can be for both teens and adults. There’s something special about experiencing the city together through a culinary walking tour—and creating some delicious family memories along the way. Bobby's Bike Hike & Food Tours would love to welcome your family back for another adventure, whether that's our Chicago Favorites Food and Walking Tour or one of our award-winning Bike and Food Tours. There is always another Chicago neighborhood, story, and flavor waiting to be discovered. Thanks again for spending part of your family time with us!
