Asian Vegetarian Food and Culture Tour in NYC with Dim Sum

New York City , United States of America

Asian Vegetarian Food and Culture Tour in NYC with Dim Sum

Active

3h - 5h

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

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Explore the vibrant world of Asian vegetarian cuisine in NYC’s Chinatown on this engaging food and culture tour. Delve into the rich history of Buddhist cuisine, learn about the art of making tofu, and savor delicious dim sum served family-style. Taste an array of authentic dishes, from freshly pan-fried scallion pancakes to classic Vietnamese sandwiches, all included in your tour ticket. With a small group setting, enjoy personalized insights and ample tastings that celebrate the flavors and traditions of East Asian vegetarian food.

- Duration: Approximately 3 to 3.5 hours
- All food tastings included, with options for additional exotic ice cream for purchase
- Discover the cultural significance of each dish while exploring Chinatown

Available options

Private Option

Shared Tour

What's included

Guide

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

Are you curious about which country originated Tofu? What does authentic soy milk taste like? Is there a vegetarian dim sum available? What is the art of making Asian tea? What are the essential elements of Asian Vegetarian Cuisine? Our Original Asian Vegetarian Food and Culture Walking Tour will take you to NYC Chinatown to experience Buddhist Cuisine, also known as East Asian vegetarian cuisine (zhāicài), one of the oldest known vegetarian cuisines! You will have all your questions about Asian Vegetarian Cuisine answered! You will also learn about the history and culture of Chinatown.

What's not included

For Shared Tour

For Private Tour

Available languages

Guide guide

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Service animals allowed

Public transportation options are available nearby

Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Your food and culture journey includes the following:

Dim Sum (which literally means "touch of the heart"): Scrumptious small portion dishes - traditionally served family style. Dine-in experience.

Tofu puddling: Visit a family-owned tofu shop. Taste authentic, soft and silky daily-made tofu puddling

A variety of Chinese Teas: Visit the most well-known and popular Taiwanese tea house in Asia (samples are not available during COVID)

Shanghai Scallion Pancake: Freshly pan-fried light, crisp, and delicious snack

Vietnamese Sandwich: favorite sandwich among Food Network celebrities

Chinese steamed bun, baked or fried goods: Visiting one of the oldest Cantonese bakeries

Hongkonger/Asian popular snacks - a wide variety of choices, and are quite different than the typical! They will definitely stimulate your taste buds!

(Optional) A variety of exotic Asian flavored ice-cream

Meeting point

Chinatown Tourism Kiosk at a traffic island across street from 220 Canal Street, New York, NY 10013 United States.

About New York City

New York City, often referred to as the cultural capital of the world, is a sprawling metropolis that never sleeps. With its iconic skyline, world-class museums, Broadway shows, and diverse neighborhoods, NYC offers an unparalleled urban experience that blends the historic with the modern.

Top Attractions

Statue of Liberty

A symbol of freedom and democracy, the Statue of Liberty is a must-visit. Take a ferry to Liberty Island for close-up views and a visit to the museum.

Historical 3-4 hours $18.50 (grounds access), $21.70 (pedestal access), $24.10 (crown access)

Central Park

A vast urban park offering a green escape in the heart of the city. Enjoy walking paths, boat rentals, and various attractions.

Nature 2-4 hours Free (some attractions have fees)

Times Square

The bustling heart of NYC, known for its bright lights, Broadway theaters, and vibrant atmosphere.

Entertainment 1-2 hours Free (shows and shopping have separate costs)

Empire State Building

An iconic Art Deco skyscraper offering panoramic views of the city from its observation decks.

Architecture 1-2 hours $44 (Main Deck), $74 (Top Deck)

Metropolitan Museum of Art

One of the world's largest and finest art museums, housing over 2 million works of art.

Museum 3-5 hours $25 (suggested admission)

Brooklyn Bridge

An iconic suspension bridge offering stunning views of the Manhattan skyline and East River.

Architecture 1-2 hours Free

Must-Try Local Dishes

New York-style Pizza

Thin-crust pizza with a wide, foldable slice. Toppings vary but often include pepperoni, mushrooms, and sausage.

Dinner Can be made vegetarian or vegan.

Bagel with Lox

A classic NYC breakfast consisting of a toasted bagel topped with smoked salmon, cream cheese, and often capers or red onion.

Breakfast Contains dairy and fish.

Cheesecake

Creamy, rich cheesecake, often served with fruit toppings or chocolate sauce.

Dessert Contains dairy.

Pastrami on Rye

Thinly sliced pastrami piled high on rye bread, often served with mustard.

Lunch Contains meat.

Popular Activities

Hiking in Central Park Kayaking in the Hudson River Rock climbing in the Bronx Spas and wellness centers Yoga and meditation classes Strolling through botanical gardens Museum visits Broadway shows

Best Time to Visit

May to September

This period offers warm weather, outdoor festivals, and all attractions in full swing. However, it's also the busiest and most expensive time to visit.

15°C to 30°C 59°F to 86°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese (Cantonese and Mandarin), Russian, Hindi
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

EST (GMT-5) / EDT (GMT-4) (Daylight Saving Time)

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

NYC is generally safe, but like any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings, especially at night
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight
• Use common sense and trust your instincts

Getting there

By air

John F. Kennedy International Airport • 24 km (15 miles) from downtown
LaGuardia Airport • 13 km (8 miles) from downtown

By train

Penn Station, Grand Central Terminal

By bus

Port Authority Bus Terminal, Greyhound Terminal

Getting around

Public transport

The subway is the most efficient way to get around NYC. It operates 24/7 but can be crowded during peak hours.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Manhattan Brooklyn Queens Bronx Staten Island

Day trips

Niagara Falls

650 km (400 miles) • Overnight

A breathtaking natural wonder featuring three waterfalls: Horseshoe Falls, American Falls, and Bridal Veil Falls.

Washington D.C.

370 km (230 miles) • Full day

The capital of the United States, offering iconic landmarks, museums, and government buildings.

Philadelphia

150 km (93 miles) • Full day

A historic city known for its role in the American Revolution and its vibrant cultural scene.

Festivals

New Year's Eve in Times Square • December 31 Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade • Fourth Thursday in November NYC Pride • Late June

Pro tips

Use a MetroCard for easy and discounted subway and bus rides
Walk as much as possible to explore the city and its neighborhoods
Try street food for a quick and delicious meal on the go
Visit popular attractions early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds
Use apps like Google Maps or Citymapper for real-time navigation and transit information