Experience incredible history and delicious food from New York's melting pot!
This is a tasty tour through New York City’s Lower East Side, where the rich immigrant experience comes alive through its diverse culinary landscape. Savor authentic bagels from Kossar’s, delight in Cantonese pork buns from Mei Lai Wah, and indulge in Ferrara’s legendary cannolis, each dish telling a story of cultural heritage and resilience.
With every bite, your expert guide will reveal the vibrant narratives behind iconic eateries, showcasing how generations of immigrants have shaped this dynamic community.
You’ll start your culinary adventure in the Lower East Side, a gateway for generations of immigrants seeking new opportunities. As you navigate through streets lined with historical tenements, your guide will share poignant tales of the neighborhood’s evolution from an immigrant enclave to a culinary hotspot.
The tour continues to Little Italy, where the essence of Italian heritage flourishes. Here, traditional recipes and culinary methods passed down through generations are savored. Learn about the community’s efforts to preserve their rich cultural heritage through food.
Next, you’ll delve into the vibrant life of Chinatown, where traditional Chinese culinary practices meet modern innovations. This area serves as a living museum of Chinese American history, with food that tells stories of migration, adaptation, and community.
Following Chinatown, you’ll experience the global culinary fusion at Essex Market, a testament to New York’s melting pot identity. This market supports artisans and local vendor, showcasing global flavors while fostering innovation and community resilience.
Whether you are looking for great places to eat in New York City, or a unique experience gift, the Lower East Side, Chinatown, and Little Italy Food Tour is sure to please!
Featured stops on the tour:
- Ferrara’s Bakery & Café: Indulge in the sweet essence of Little Italy with Ferrara’s legendary cannolis.
- The Pickle Guys: Sample a pickle of your choice at this local staple, where tradition meets briny, bold perfection in every bite.
- Nolita Pizza: Sample a slice from Nolita Pizza, where New York meets Italy in every bite.
- Economy Candy: Indulge in sweets at a shop that has delighted New Yorkers since the Great Depression.
- Kossar’s Bagels & Bialys: Eastern European flavors with a bagel or bialy, representing the Jewish community’s historical presence.
- Essex Squeeze: Exclusive ‘Like a Local Smoothie’ at this community-focused local spot.
- Mei Lai Wah Bakery: Savor a Cantonese pork bun from Mei Lai Wah, illustrating the contributions of Cantonese immigrants to the city’s food scene.
Tour itinerary:
- Start your adventure with an introduction to the Lower East Side’s rich immigrant history, setting the stage for a delicious exploration.
- Sample iconic bagels from a local favorite, experiencing the flavors that reflect the neighborhood’s diverse cultural heritage.
- Indulge in Italian Delights from a renowned Italian pastry at a legendary bakery, celebrating the traditions passed down through generations.
- Taste a traditional dish that highlights the contributions of Chinese cuisine to the local food landscape.
- Wrap up your tour at a vibrant market, where you can sample a variety of global flavors and learn about the culinary diversity that defines the Lower East Side.
What's included:
- Small group walking tour with a passionate, professional guide.
- 7 food tastings (enough food for lunch).
When: Tours available year-round Saturdays at 12:00pm *
*Subject to availability.
Duration: 3-hours
Walking Distance: 2-miles at a moderate pace.
Need to know:
- Please note that our food stops may be subject to change to ensure your experience remains fresh and exciting.
- The tour size is limited to 14 participants.
- Please advise of food allergies or dietary restrictions when you reserve your tour time.
- This food tour is Vegetarian and Vegan friendly. Gluten-free is currently unavailable on this tour.
- Tours run rain, shine, or snow.
- Dress for comfort and wear walking shoes.
- This tour is wheelchair accessible. There may be one or two stops along the way without a wheelchair ramp and with a small step up but most stops have a ramp or are street level.
- Your dog is fine to join you on the tour if you don’t mind leaving them outside when you go inside establishments where they serve food.
- Committed to supporting local, community-based organizations with a cause, the tour provider donates a portion of every ticket sold to Tourism Cares, Reach the World, and the Human Impacts Institute. Through their Social Impact Tours, they offer meaningful engagement and funds to community partners and local non-profit organizations.
This experience takes place at New York City, New York. VIEW MAP
How To Book Your Experience
