This delightful tour takes you for an evening trip through one of San Francisco's most popular destinations for visitors, our historic Chinatown, and concludes with a full, sit-down Chinese banquet.
Hear about the neighborhood's past, peek into side streets and alleyways, and experience the essence of Chinatown, what it was and what it is today. Your local Wok Wiz guide will take you beyond the typical tourist stops to the nooks and crannies of this historic slice of San Francisco.
On this guided culinary adventure you will learn about:
Chinatown's history, folklore, and food
The ancient art of Feng Shui
Our Chinese culture and traditions
Neighborhood markets where you watch residents do their daily shopping
End the evening by sharing in a delicious Chinese banquet that follows the walk.
Wok Wiz founder/chef Shirley Fong-Torres originally organized and ran the Evening Tour herself. Today, her team of food-loving guides and chefs continue to provide one-of-kind tours and experiences of Chinatown!
Hear about the neighborhood's past, peek into side streets and alleyways, and experience the essence of Chinatown, what it was and what it is today. Your local Wok Wiz guide will take you beyond the typical tourist stops to the nooks and crannies of this historic slice of San Francisco.
On this guided culinary adventure you will learn about:
Chinatown's history, folklore, and food
The ancient art of Feng Shui
Our Chinese culture and traditions
Neighborhood markets where you watch residents do their daily shopping
End the evening by sharing in a delicious Chinese banquet that follows the walk.
Wok Wiz founder/chef Shirley Fong-Torres originally organized and ran the Evening Tour herself. Today, her team of food-loving guides and chefs continue to provide one-of-kind tours and experiences of Chinatown!
Meeting Location
Financial District, just outside Chinatown (San Francisco, CA)
(Exact meeting location details will be provided immediately upon purchase of tickets.)
- What time should I arrive for my tour?
- The Wok Wiz Evening tour begins promptly at the scheduled start time, usually at 4:30 p.m., usually at the WOK WIZ office unless otherwise agreed upon. Please make sure to arrive fifteen minutes early so we can sign everyone in and start the tour.
- How far in advance should I book a tour?
- As soon as you have set your plans and you know you would like to attend the tour. Our tours often sell out, and frequently well in advance, so please make sure to purchase your tickets early, especially if you have limited time availability.
- Is food included on the tour?
- Yes, a traditional Chinese Dinner follows the stroll. You will be hungry after seeing all the wondrous food on display, and when the aromas flow out to the streets!
- Where does the tour end?
- The tour finishes in the restaurant in Chinatown where we enjoy our dinner. We will give directions back to your hotel or as you need...
- How many people are in a typical group?
- To ensure that we can provide an intimate experience for all our guests, we limit the size of our tour groups. We average 10 to 16 guests per tour leader.
- Is the walking strenuous?
- Not at all. It is a relaxing walk, with many pauses and a few stops (refer to tour descriptions).
- How much food is served on the tour?
- The tour concludes with a Chinese banquet, where we will sit down for a full meal.
- What if I have a dietary restriction?
- Please let us know if anyone in your group has a dietary restriction (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, etc.) when you purchase your tickets. As long as we know well enough in advance, we can often accommodate your needs. If we do not find out about the special needs until the day of the tour, it is usually impossible for us to adjust in time to accommodate.
- What happens if it rains?
- The tour will run rain or shine. We will be spending time outside, as well as in some of the local establishments, so please dress accordingly. If we know a storm is upon us, we will contact you the night before to cancel the tour and reschedule....
- Is the tour wheelchair and/or stroller-accessible?
- It is wheelchair-accessible as long as someone is with the person to assist; and stroller accessible although most toddlers get tired and cranky, so it's not suitable for most little ones.
- Can I book a private tour?
- Yes, private tours are available. Wok Wiz is happy to provide private tours and events for incentive groups, reunions, friends hanging out, elementary to high schools, etc. If you are interested in booking a private tour, contact Wok Wiz by clicking on the "Contact WokWiz" link.
- Are gift certificates available?
- Yes, gift certificates make a great gift for any occasion! If you are interested in purchasing a gift certificate, please contact Wok Wiz by clicking the "Contact WokWiz" link.
Wok Wiz Chinatown Tours/Cooking Co
Wok Wiz Tours has been in business for over 25 years and was founded by the late chef/author Shirley Fong-Torres who designed her tours to showcase one of the most remarkable neighborhoods in San Francisco: Chinatown. Each year, we bring thousands of guests, of all ages, from near and far, to our vibrant area. Every Wok Wiz tour leader was either born in, or grew up in Chinatown, giving a very local flavor to the tour, and each speaks fluent English as well as Chinese.
Wok Wiz Chinatown Tours remains a San Francisco icon. Featured in the NY Times, LA Times, Bon Appetit, Gourmet, and Cooking Light, and multiple guide books such as Fodor’s and Frommer’s, the tours are touted as "top attractions" in the city.
Former English as a Second Language teacher, Shirley worked for Levi Strauss & Co., but she found her true path in life in 1984: "To teach and entertain people while sharing my love for Chinese history and food." The author of four books and numerous food and travel articles, Shirley also guest starred on the Food Network, Discovery, Fine Living-TV, and PBS shows, as well as the Rachael Ray talk show during her life. Her legacy continues to inspire the Wok Wiz team today who, led by Shirley’s daughter Tina and the same food-loving chefs and guides, keep Wok Wiz true to its original mission: "For our new friends to leave us with a greater understanding of the Chinese immigrants and their contributions to American life, and with good food and memories."
Don't waste a single minute...or calorie. Eat well, laugh more!
Wok Wiz Chinatown Tours remains a San Francisco icon. Featured in the NY Times, LA Times, Bon Appetit, Gourmet, and Cooking Light, and multiple guide books such as Fodor’s and Frommer’s, the tours are touted as "top attractions" in the city.
Former English as a Second Language teacher, Shirley worked for Levi Strauss & Co., but she found her true path in life in 1984: "To teach and entertain people while sharing my love for Chinese history and food." The author of four books and numerous food and travel articles, Shirley also guest starred on the Food Network, Discovery, Fine Living-TV, and PBS shows, as well as the Rachael Ray talk show during her life. Her legacy continues to inspire the Wok Wiz team today who, led by Shirley’s daughter Tina and the same food-loving chefs and guides, keep Wok Wiz true to its original mission: "For our new friends to leave us with a greater understanding of the Chinese immigrants and their contributions to American life, and with good food and memories."
Don't waste a single minute...or calorie. Eat well, laugh more!
