Chicago Chinatown Guided Food Tour

Explore Chinatown’s food culture with guides connected to the local community. Discover the stories and traditions behind Chinese cuisine from diverse regions.

• Learn about Chinatown’s food, history, and culture from local experts
• Discover Chinese culinary traditions and the stories behind each dish
• Explore a tasting experience curated by Z.J. Tong of the Chicago Chinese Cultural Institute
• Enjoy a community-informed perspective on Chinatown’s dining culture
• Plan for a nonalcoholic tour; beer may be ordered at Triple Crown Restaurant on your own

Itinerary

**- Appetizer ** The group will meet at a historical building and one of the oldest family owned restaurant Triple Crown Restaurant for appetizer. Try out Cantonese Dim Sum which is also called Tea time by locals. Those freshly made shrimp dumpling is how we judge if a Cantonese restaurant is authentic or not. And try the stuffed sticky rice where the lotus leaves are used for flavor. And other dishes while sipping on Chrysanthemums tea.

- History Hear stories behind the famed Landmark On-Leong Merchants Association Building (Pui Tak Center today), Learn what dragon means for Chinese in front the amazing Nine Dragon Wall. Find out what are the 4 characters on Chinatown Gate.

- Entree How could we not offer the delicious Peking Duck on our food tour? Check out this world famous dish in two different courses, one in a pancake wrap and one in Lettuce Wrap. Try some local favorites such as Mongolian Beef, Orange Chicken and Combination Seafood in Birdnest. The large Imperial restaurant is filled with Chinese diners, which is a good sign that it's very authentic.

**Candy - ** Aji Ichiban is a popular spot for both adult and children alike, a paradise for anyone with a sweet tooth. Discover unique Asian treats you won't find at your local grocery store, from tangy dried plum snacks and premium matcha candies to an incredible selection of Japan's famous Kit Kat flavors made exclusively for the Asian market. Stock up on some irresistible treats. It will make you the favorite coworker, friend, aunt, or uncle. They will still be jealous of your food tour experience, but at least a little less bitter (sweetened).

**BBQ House - ** Ever wondered what those glistening roasted meats hanging in Chinatown's restaurant windows taste like? Taste freshly roasted BBQ pork at its finest—sweet, smoky, tender, and melt-in-your-mouth delicious at the New Great Wall BBQ. This is comfort food you'll be craving long after the tour ends.

**Zodiac - ** Do you know what your Zodiac Sign is? What is the story of the Zodiac? What Zodiac animal(s) are you compatible with? Come find out with our expert guide's stories.

**Dessert - ** Hidden on the second floor, Mango Mango has the best desserts in Chinatown. Have you ever tried the Matcha Crepe Cake? The specialty dessert used to be available only by mail order. Now taste and find out why many call this their most favorite dessert.

What's Included

• Tea
• Ice water

Important details

• Strict dietary restrictions may not be accommodated