Dumplings to Dim Sum: Food and History Tour of Boston's Chinatown

Boston , United States

Dumplings to Dim Sum: Food and History Tour of Boston's Chinatown

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(15 reviews)

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

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About this experience

Chinatown’s Culture & Cuisine Tour

Join us for a walking culinary and cultural adventure in Boston’s Chinatown! Never been to Chinatown? Curious about how to navigate this neighborhood and find the best of both traditional and modern day eats? Join us for a culinary and cultural stroll and we’ll show you!

During this tasty stroll, you can expect to:
• Stroll the neighborhood streets, visit sites and learn about Chinatown’s past and present
• Visit beloved local restaurants and enjoy both traditional Chinese and Chinese-American tastings
• Discover how Chinese-American cuisine evolved and led to Boston-specific dishes

Available options

Dumplings to Dim Sum: Food and History Tour of Boston's Chinatown

What's included

Tastings include Chinese, Chinese-American and Modern Asian cuisine

3 hour guided walking tour of Chinatown

All Fees and Taxes

All food tastings from local eateries

Food, Facts and Fun!

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

At Bites of Boston Food Tours, we believe local food is best enjoyed when served in the context of your local surroundings. Boston’s Chinatown is a small yet historically and culturally significant neighborhood in the city. Brimming with delicious food tastings and fascinating stories, our Chinatown Culture and Cuisine Tour is one you don’t want to miss! We'll share the history of the development of Boston's Chinatown, as well as discuss the evolution of Chinese food in America and aspects of the cuisine that developed specific to the Boston area.

Along the way, you'll have the opportunity to try traditional Chinese food specialties, Chinese-American dishes, and modern twists on traditional cuisine from 2nd generation Chef Owners in the neighborhood. We'll share the fascinating stories behind the people, the places and the food that make Boston's Chinatown the vibrant and tasty gem it of a neighborhood it is today!

We look forward to seeing you in Chinatown!

What's not included

Gratuity for your tour guide is not included in your ticket price. If you have a great time and wish to consider, gratuities are graciously accepted at the conclusion of the tour.

Parking: Meters in Boston have a 2-hour limit per block, which is not enough time to cover the full length of the tour. We recommend arriving via public transportation when possible, or parking in a lot. The starting point is close to both the Chinatown T stop on the Orange Line and South Station on the Red Line. There are also many open air and covered lots within walking distance of the meeting location.

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

8 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Tripadvisor 5.0

7 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Public transportation options are available nearby

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

Tours run rain or shine - we have fun in all types of weather, so please come prepared for the forecast!

This experience is not recommended for participants under 12 years of age

This experience is not appropriate to attend with toddler or infants and strollers are not permitted on any of our tours

All participants must have a ticket and advance ticket purchase is required.

Meeting point

Tours depart from the Chinatown Gate

Important notes

DIETARY RESTRICTIONS

Due to the specific nature of the dishes served as part of this experience, we are unable to accommodate dietary restrictions or food allergies on this tour with the exception of:

No Alcohol (under 21, pregnant, preference)
**PLEASE NOTE:** All food and drink tastings are coordinated ahead of time for our arrival at each local eatery. **We are unable to make any changes on the fly on the day of the tour**, so please contact us no later than 24 hours prior to your tour to

Phone: 617-702-2483

Email: info@bitesofbostonfoodtours.com

Thank you for your cooperation.

OTHER HELPFUL INFORMATION
• Tours run rain or shine - we have fun in all types of weather so please come prepared for the forecast!
• We will be outdoors and / or on foot for most of the tour, so please wear comfortable clothing and walking shoes.
• Not all tastings include beverages, so we recommend that all guests bring along a bottle of water to enjoy throughout the tour.
• In the case of predicted rain, please bring an umbrella.
• This tour is not recommended for participants under the age of 12. This tour is not appropriate to attend with infants or toddlers and strollers are not permitted on any of out tours.

About Boston

Boston, one of the oldest cities in the United States, is rich in history, culture, and education. Known for its significant role in the American Revolution and its prestigious universities, Boston offers a unique blend of historic charm and modern vibrancy.

Top Attractions

Freedom Trail

A 2.5-mile (4 km) walking route that passes 16 locations significant to the history of the United States, including churches, meeting houses, burying grounds, museums, and historic markers.

Historical 3-4 hours Free to walk the trail; individual attractions may have admission fees

Fenway Park

Home to the Boston Red Sox, Fenway Park is the oldest ballpark in Major League Baseball and a must-visit for sports fans and history buffs alike.

Sports/Historical 1-3 hours (tour or game) Tour: $20-$25; Game tickets: $30-$200+

Boston Common

America's oldest public park, Boston Common is a central gathering place for both locals and visitors, offering green spaces, walking paths, and seasonal activities.

Parks/Historical 1-2 hours Free (Swan Boats: $4-$5 per ride)

Museum of Fine Arts (MFA)

One of the most comprehensive art museums in the world, the MFA houses nearly 450,000 works of art, ranging from ancient Egyptian to contemporary.

Museum 2-4 hours $27 (adults), free for children under 17

Boston Harbor Islands National Recreation Area

A group of islands in Boston Harbor offering outdoor recreation, historic sites, and stunning views of the city skyline.

Nature/Historical Half-day to full-day trip $5-$15 per person, depending on the island and activities

Must-Try Local Dishes

Clam Chowder

A creamy, hearty soup made with clams, potatoes, onions, and sometimes bacon or salt pork. Boston-style clam chowder is typically made with milk or cream and is served with oyster crackers.

Soup Contains dairy and sometimes pork; vegetarian and vegan versions are available at some restaurants.

Lobster Roll

A buttered, toasted split-top roll filled with lobster meat, usually dressed with mayo or butter. Some versions include celery or other vegetables for added crunch.

Sandwich Contains shellfish and may contain dairy or eggs; gluten-free buns may be available at some restaurants.

Boston Cream Pie

A layered dessert consisting of sponge cake filled with custard or cream and topped with chocolate glaze. It's the official dessert of the Commonwealth of Massachusetts.

Dessert Contains dairy, eggs, and gluten; vegan and gluten-free versions may be available at some restaurants.

Oysters

Boston is known for its fresh oysters, which can be found at many seafood restaurants and raw bars. They are typically served on the half-shell with various toppings or sauces.

Appetizer Contains shellfish; vegan and vegetarian options may be available at some restaurants.

Popular Activities

Hiking in the Blue Hills Reservation Kayaking or paddleboarding in the Charles River Biking along the Charles River Esplanade Rock climbing at Brooklyn Boulders Picnicking in the Boston Common or Public Garden Strolling along the Charles River Esplanade Enjoying a spa day at one of Boston's many luxury spas Reading a book at the Boston Public Library

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall (May to October)

This is the best time to visit Boston for pleasant weather and outdoor activities. The city is vibrant with festivals and outdoor events.

10°C to 25°C (50°F to 77°F) 50°F to 77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: English
Widely spoken: Spanish, Chinese, Portuguese, French, Italian
English: Widely spoken

Currency

US Dollar (USD)

Time Zone

Eastern Standard Time (EST) (UTC-5) or Eastern Daylight Time (EDT) (UTC-4) during daylight saving time

Electricity

120VV, 60HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Boston is generally a safe city for travelers, with a low crime rate and a strong police presence. However, as with any major city, it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable visit. Some areas of the city, such as certain neighborhoods in Dorchester, Roxbury, and Mattapan, have higher crime rates and should be avoided, especially at night.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure, especially in crowded tourist areas and on public transportation
• Use licensed taxis or rideshare services, and always check the fare before starting your journey
• Be cautious of strangers approaching you with petitions or surveys, and avoid sharing personal information

Getting there

By air

Logan International Airport • 3 miles (5 km) from city center

By train

South Station, North Station

By bus

South Station, Logan Airport

Getting around

Public transport

The MBTA subway system is efficient and affordable, with four main lines (Red, Blue, Green, and Orange) connecting major attractions and neighborhoods.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Uber, Lyft

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Downtown/Financial District Back Bay North End South End Fenway-Kenmore Beacon Hill

Day trips

Salem

16 miles (26 km) from Boston • Half-day to full-day trip

A historic coastal city known for its connection to the Salem Witch Trials of 1692. Salem offers a mix of historic sites, museums, and waterfront activities.

Lexington and Concord

10-15 miles (16-24 km) from Boston • Full-day trip

Two historic towns that played significant roles in the American Revolution. Lexington and Concord offer a mix of historic sites, museums, and scenic walking trails.

Cape Cod

60-80 miles (97-129 km) from Boston, depending on the destination • Full-day trip or overnight stay

A popular summer destination known for its beautiful beaches, charming coastal towns, and outdoor recreation. Cape Cod offers a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Festivals

Boston Harbor Hotel Chowder Festival • October (annual) Boston Pride • June (annual) Boston Film Festival • September (annual)

Pro tips

Visit the Freedom Trail early in the morning or on a weekday to avoid crowds and enjoy a more peaceful experience
Take advantage of free or discounted admission days at museums and other attractions, such as the Museum of Fine Arts' free Wednesday evenings or the Boston Public Library's free exhibits and events
Explore Boston's diverse neighborhoods, each with its own unique character, history, and attractions
Try local specialties, such as clam chowder, lobster rolls, and Boston cream pie, at historic and iconic eateries like Union Oyster House, Neptune Oyster, and Mike's Pastry
Attend a Red Sox game at Fenway Park, one of the most iconic and historic baseball stadiums in the world