Chinatown Tour: Hidden Alleys and Authentic Eats

Embark on a captivating Chinatown Culinary Walking Tour and immerse yourself in the vibrant culture and authentic cuisine of this bustling neighborhood. Discover hidden alleys, local restaurants, and food markets while indulging in a variety of delectable dishes and exotic flavors.

Duration: 3 hours
Cancellation: 24 hours
Highlights
  • Dragon’s Gate - Embark on an adventure at San Francisco’s renowned Dragon Gate, the entrance to the oldest Chinatown in North America. From this historic site, immerse yourself in a world rich with culture, secret alleys, and delectable flavors. With a local guide, navigate through lively streets and serene passageways, discovering the traditions,…
What's Included
  • Visit the iconic Fortune Cookie Factory and taste fresh cookies made by hand since 1962.
  • Dinner
  • An Unforgettable Chinatown Feast – Food & Non-Alcoholic Drinks Covered!
  • Enjoy BBQ pork buns, siu mai, dumplings & more at Chinatown’s favorite local dim sum spots.
  • Explore the bustling Stockton Street markets, brimming with fresh produce, seafood,…
Additional Information

There exist two versions of Chinatown - one visible through the window of a van or a bus, and another that can only be truly appreciated through a journey on foot, strolling through hidden alleyways, bustling food markets, and homegrown eateries.
The Chinatown you glimpse from your bus will pique your interest, but the Chinatown we offer on our tour is…

Location
400 Grant Ave
Grant Avenue
At the corner of Bush and Grant Streets, in front of the Chinatown (Dragon) Gate.
Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Customer Ratings
4.9
(493 Ratings)
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Bruce_c
Jun 5, 2025
Outstanding Tour! - Fantastic tour! Our tour guide (Andre) was fabulous! Very nice person who really enjoys his work! Very knowledgeable about Chinatown and its culture. Food we ate was outstanding! Dim Sum, peking duck was fantastic! The history and culture we learned about made for a perfect day!
Review provided by Viator
Jason_k
Jun 4, 2025
Fascinating stories, delicious food - Amazing experience. We live in the Bay Area and wanted to do something fun in the city. We were in for a treat. Scott, our guide, was a great storyteller. We learned so many interesting facts about SF/Chinatown during Gold Rush, the local man who founded the Bank of America, the first Catholic Church in the neighborhood, and people and traditions of Chinatown. The stories were interwoven with delicious food and interesting company of other travelers. Not only was the tour very well done but after we needed to abruptly leave since my daughter had a medical issue, the tour operator called to check on us and offer that we retake a tour, showing extraordinary care. We can’t wait to go back and also try something new by the same company :-)
Review provided by Viator
Srfleming
Jun 4, 2025
Tastiest Tour Around! - The ONLY way to get a “taste” of Chinatown for first-time visitors!!! I booked this tour solo, as my husband was working for part of our trip to San Francisco. Isabella was our fantastic tour guide. I had the added bonus of making some new friends along with gaining tons of great information about the culture, cuisine, and architecture of Chinatown. ALL the food was amazing (my palette is well versed in Asian flavors), however, Kenny @ Vital Tea Shop was the Highlight of the day—what a Character! I learned new information about the best ways to seep/serve tea, herbs, flowers while being treated to a tasting of 6 varieties. HIGHLY recommend this tour for singles, couples, families, friends…basically any curious intellectual with adventurous cuisine aspirations.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Aimee_e
Jun 1, 2025
Scott was a great guide!... - Scott was a great guide! Very knowledgeable on the history of ChinaTown and very engaging. Great time for all ages!
Review provided by Viator
Allison_p
May 31, 2025
Only way to truly see and eat in Chinatown - Far exceeded expectations and highly recommended to anyone visiting Chinatown. Our guide Ryan was so knowledgeable, friendly and all around great personality. We got history, information and so much more. We ate at 3 different restaurants (dim sum dumplings, boa bun, Peking duck, veggie, and a noodle house. Most surprising was the tea shop I learned so much. We tried several teas and even bought some. We had such a good time we came back the next day to get more dim sum and boa buns to take home with us.
Review provided by Viator
David_v
May 30, 2025
What a great tour!! - What a fabulous tour!!! My wife, daughter and I thoroughly enjoyed seeing the sights of Chinatown, sampling the food and learning SO MUCH from our incredible host, Andre! A personal favorite was the tea sampling, my daughter’s favorite was learning all the history and my wife loved the entire experience. The afternoon was totally fun, relaxing and very much worth it!!
Review provided by Viator
M4322vtdebbies
May 28, 2025
Chinatown Walking Tour - Ryan was a great and energetic tour guide! Very appreciative of the history of Chinatown and the great food along the way! Loved the test tasting and learned the proper way to brew tea!
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Gary_l
May 27, 2025
Must experience! - Unique way to get a real time experience of Chinatown. Hands on with the people and places. We had an awesome guide-Isabell. Very knowledgeable and made the experience very interesting.
Review provided by Viator
Nancy
May 18, 2025
Take this Tour! - Scott was our leader and a fantastic one, at that. He was so knowledgeable and enjoyed sharing his wealth of information. Scott created an intimacy with the group that provided for a fun and relaxed experience. He took us to eat at places that he enjoys and frequents on his own. The food we tasted was authentic. The Vital Tea Leaf tea room, our final stop, was unique and intriguing. We experienced various teas while learning about their medicinal uses. Our hostess was an encyclopedia of tea. Scott served us delicious little custard desserts before we went on our way. It was a sweet way to end the tour. Thanks for a wonderfully curated  afternoon.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
Ruth_h
Jun 9, 2025
Walk, eat, and learn - Lots of walking and on hills but very doable. Really enjoyed it. Plenty of food and a tea tasting and some history as well.
Review provided by Viator
From $86
up to 15 guests
1 - Adult
Cancellation: Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start of your experience (local time).