Chinatown Food Tour

Meeting Location

Do I have to purchase tickets in advance? Can I pay cash?

Tickets must be purchased in advance as tours usually sell out quickly ahead of time. To maximize your chances of getting the day, time, and number of tickets you prefer, please book well in advance. Tickets can only be purchased with a Visa, AMEX, or Mastercard from this site or over the phone. Cash is not accepted.

Tickets must be purchased in advance as tours usually sell out quickly ahead of time. To maximize your chances of getting the day, time, and number of tickets you prefer, please book well in advance.

We do not provide a waiting list. If a date is sold out, there is always a chance that we will add an additional tour. Please contact us by clicking “Contact ChicagoFoods” to let us know what date you are interested in as we usually add additional tours once a tour is close to Sold Out.

What about taking children/adolescents on the tour?

While we offer adolescent tickets, the tour is over three hours long and some children have a limited attention span and therefore the tour may not be appropriate for some of them. Parents, who know their children best, should assess the situation individually. Since there is a lot of standing and walking, please carefully consider this when deciding whether the tour is appropriate for your child and as a courtesy to other participants on the tour.

Can I shop on the tour?

We ask that you wait to shop until after the tour so that we can stay on schedule and continue with the informative tour and food tastings in a timely manner. Hopefully, you will allow time at the end of the tour to return to your favorite locations and/or stores.

What if I have dietary restrictions?

Please be sure and let us know if you (or anyone in your group) have a dietary restriction (e.g. vegetarian, diabetic, etc.) when you purchase your tickets. As long as we know well 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 difficult for us to adjust in time to accommodate and we will have to ask you to refrain from those particular tastings. Please note that due to the type of foods found in Chinese cuisine, a majority of tastings will include meat.

How much food is served on the tour?

There are about 5 stops for tastings on the tour. Enough food is served that, for most people, lunch is not necessary afterwards.

Does the tour leader accept gratuities?

Gratuities are greatly appreciated, although not mandatory.

Are there vegetarian options on the tour?

Most Chinese cuisine focuses on meat dishes and specialties. Although we can accommodate vegetarian requests, please note that a majority of heavier tastings include meat and therefore we cannot ensure that lunch afterward will not be needed.

Are there any beverages served on the tour?

We do participate in a tea tasting and water will be provided at most tasting locations during the tour.

Where does the tour finish?

The tour does not finish at the same place as the starting point. However, each participant is provided with the exact starting point and ending point location addresses after completing your ticket purchase. Additionally, each participant will receive specific direction details and a map at the beginning of the tour.

Is wine tasting included on the tour?

Currently, we do not participate in wine tasting or tastings of any alcoholic beverages during the tour.

What types of foods are served on the tour?

We taste foods from a Canton cuisine and Dim Sum restaurant, a Sze Chuan cuisine restaurant, an authentic Chinese tea and ginger house, a traditional Chinese-style bakery and pastry shop, and a Mandarin cuisine restaurant.

Do we only walk around and sample food?

Absolutely not! Aside from sampling delicious food, you will also experience life in Chicago's Chinatown neighborhood. The tour is fully narrated by your guide, who will discuss the history, culture, architecture, entertainment offerings, and both on and off-course off-the-beaten-path establishments.

How much walking is involved? Is it a fast-paced tour?

The tour covers approximately 1 mile and walks at a moderate pace. We sit down at least 3 times for approximately half of the tour. Please wear comfortable shoes.

Are tours offered only in English?

Yes, we only offer tours in English at this time. If you would like to make arrangements for your own interpreter to join the tour, please contact Chicago Food Planet by clicking “Contact ChicagoFoods”.

What happens if it rains?

The tours are held rain or shine. In the event of inclement weather, we will be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. You should still dress appropriately for the day's weather conditions.

May I bring my dog on the tour?

Due to the various food establishments we visit, pets of any kind are not allowed on this tour.

Does this tour have anything to offer a native Chicagoan?

Definitely! Many of our attendees live right here in Chicago. Locals often attend to learn about the neighborhoods and the city in which they live.

If I am bringing an infant/very young child, do I need to purchase a ticket for them?

If you are bringing an infant, or a child 12 years of age or below, and they will not be participating in the tastings, you do not need to purchase a ticket for them. However, please do let us know if you will be attending with an infant or young child when you purchase tickets. All children who will be participating in the tastings must have a ticket in order to attend.

Are bathrooms available during the tour?

Yes, bathrooms are available during the tour at selected food-tasting locations.

Are cameras allowed on the tour?

Yes. Cameras and filming are allowed during the tour. We strongly encourage participants to take photos during the tour.

Is there parking nearby the tour meeting point?

Yes, there is parking located near the meeting point. Specific parking details are included in the meeting location directions after purchasing ticket(s).

Is the tour stroller and/or wheelchair accessible?

Unfortunately the Chinatown Food Tour is currently not wheelchair accessible. One tasting is on the second floor of the building and there is no ramp or elevator.

Are gift certificates available?

Yes, gift certificates are available for any of Chicago Food Planet's Food Tasting and Cultural Walking Tours and they make perfect gifts for holidays, birthdays or any other occasion! To purchase a gift certificate please click on the "Gift certificates: Purchase" link in the box above.

Can I book a private tour?

Yes, private tours are available. To learn more about booking a Private Group Tour, please click on our other Activity "Chicago Food Planet - Private Group Tours". All Private Group Tours are handled directly with the Seller. To inquire about a private tour, please contact us by clicking “Contact ChicagoFoods.”

Chicago Food Planet Food Tours