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This Chicago Chinatown food tour surprised us in many ways. For starters, we’ve never taken a food tour in Chicago, a city we’ve called home for almost two decades.
Secondly, even though we’ve visited Chicago Chinatown, we didn’t know much about Chinese culinary traditions and their contributions to Chicago.
The Chicago Chinatown food tour was a reminder that you don’t have to travel far to dive into the local food culture.
Sometimes, the most interesting culinary experiences are in our hometowns’ diverse communities.
On your Chicago visit, find out how to explore the best of Chinatown based on our review.
Gain valuable insights into the local restaurants, rich culture, fascinating history, and what to expect on this Chicago Chinatown food tour.
Chicago Chinatown – A Unique Enclave in Chicago
The Chicago Chinatown food tour is “a celebration of the culture, food, and neighborhood.”
Leading our tour was Philip, a Chicago local and cheerful and entertaining guide.
The tour is one of the most unique tours in the city, with a keen focus on “authentic Chinese food from long-standing Chicago Chinatown restaurants.”
Standing next to a beautiful ornate Chinatown gate at the entrance of Chicago Chinatown, Patrick described the agenda.
The tour would last for about 3 hours. During that time, we would learn about the Chinese community’s contributions to Chicago while savoring a wide array of delicacies.
What he didn’t tell us is how generous and copious the portions would be. We recommend eating something light before your food tour. Plan to have fun and discover a new culture and flavors.
Chicago Chinatown Tour Favorite Food Highlights
Chinese Tea Etiquette
One of our most anticipated stops on this Chinatown culinary adventure was at Triple Crown Restaurant for dim sum.
We learned that when the Chinese go out for dim sum, they refer to it as Yum Cha, which literally means “to drink tea.” All the food is centered around the tea.
The Chinese meaning of dim sum is commonly translated to “touch the heart.” So, the food is meant to touch your heart while drinking your tea.
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Hong Kong Style Dim Sum for Brunch
While enjoying the tea, we sampled three different kinds of dim sum. We learned that the dim sum dishes were prepared in the Hong Kong style, heavily influenced by Cantonese cuisine.
We had steamed barbecue pork buns, deep-fried taro puff, and siu mai or pork and shrimp dumplings.
These were accompanied by three different sauces. Sriracha sauce, hoisin sauce, and dried chili oil.
The portions were generous, and all the food was quite flavorful. While eating, Philip, our guide, regaled us with stories about the origins of dim sum and Chinese culture.
The food and learning about Chinese tea etiquette were a great start to the Chinatown food walking tour. We knew this was going to be a rich cultural tour in addition to a food tour.
Authentic Pastries at Chinatown Bakery Chiu Quon
Our next stop on our Chinatown adventure was Chiu Quon Bakery, a longtime favorite Chinatown bakery.
Opened in 1986, Chiu Quon Bakery is the oldest bakery in Chicago’s Chinatown. It is known for making some of the finest traditional Chinese pastries in Chinatown.
Traditional Chinese Cakes and Legends
Not familiar with traditional Chinese pastries, we sampled two iconic cakes, each with its own unique history.
The first was a winter melon cake, also referred to as white cake, traditionally served at Chinese weddings.
The cake is made using a young winter melon, which is sweet and bright green in color. This was, hands down, Claire’s favorite.
The second pastry, a Lotus seed baby moon cake, is made from lotus flower seeds, which are revered in Chinese history.
It is said that messages were smuggled in moon cakes during the Mongol conquest of China in the 14th century.
I loved the rich taste and dense texture, which reminded me of caramel.
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Famous Lao Sze Chuan Restaurant
Located at the edge of the new Chinatown is Lao Sze Chuan, our stop for Sichuan (also spelled Szechuan) cuisine.
This restaurant is the original location of the famous Chicago chef, Tony Hu. Chef Hu gained notoriety for offering food from one specific region in China.
Before that, Chinese food in America was generic and not place-specific.
The word “Lao,” we learned, is Chinese for authentic or genuine.
Szechuan Cuisine And Dishes
Already satisfied from our previous Chinese restaurant stops, Philip warned us to make room. This was our biggest food stop on the tour, and we were not disappointed.
Seated around a large round table with a rotating center, several dishes started appearing on the table.
There was spicy Chinese cabbage, rice, Chinese eggplants, spinach and broccoli, 3-times cooked chicken, and a less spicy version known as Tony’s chicken.
All the dishes were for sharing and there were plenty around. While we did not find the food excessively spicy, some in our group loaded up on rice to counteract the spiciness.
The chicken dishes and Chinese eggplant were some of our favorites, enhanced by the Sichuan peppercorn flavors.
If you love Chinese food and want to explore Sichuan cooking, make room for this Chinatown food walking tour.
Favorite Pastries at Chinatown Saint Anna Bakery
One of our favorite stops was Saint Anna’s Bakery, a family-owned bakery that opened in 1993.
The Chinese pastries at the bakery all have a European influence. When the French, British, and Portuguese left China at different periods, they also left behind their cooking styles.
We tried a particular dessert influenced by the Portuguese called an egg custard tart.
It reminded us of Pasteis de Nata our beloved Portuguese dessert, though the texture and taste were not quite the same.
With the tart, we enjoyed Hong Kong-style milk tea. This time, we owe this tea to the British, who ruled Hong Kong for 156 years.
The milk tea with a unique Chinese twist was not too sweet and a great complement to the tart.
Chinatown Chicago Cultural Highlights
Chicago Chinatown Mosaic
One of the most interesting stops we made on the Chinatown walking tour was at a large mosaic wall. The mosaic, we learned is made of over 100,000 hand-painted glass tiles brought to Chicago from China.
It recalls the story of Chinese immigration to the United States as well as Chinese Philosophies.
From the first Cantonese Chinese migrants who went to California to try their luck in the gold rush. All the way to the eventual passing of the Chinese Exclusion Act.
A truly insightful discussion with our extremely knowledgeable tour guide.
Chinese Zodiac Signs
As we continued our Chinatown walking tour, we stopped at Chinatown Square Zodiacs, one of the most iconic landmarks in Chicago Chinatown.
Around the plaza are twelve statues one for each animal of the Chinese Zodiac calendar.
In Chinese philosophy, the year of your animal has a profound influence on one’s destiny and personality.
After having fun looking at all the animals, we were ready for our next food stop.
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Chinese Local Products on the Chicago Chinatown Food Tour
Beyond the traditional Chinese restaurants and bakeries, Chinatown in Chicago offers intriguing stores worth exploring.
Stepping into Yin Wall City, a Chinese bulk-food store, was a cultural experience.
We’re glad to have had Philip, our tour guide help us navigate a variety of fascinating dry foods, tea, and herbal remedies.
The store’s name means Bird’s Nest, and unsurprisingly, they specialize in Bird’s Nest. It is a specific nest made from swiftlet birds and is one of the most expensive things you can consume.
Ginseng, considered the “King of Herbs” in Chinese medicine, was also prominently displayed.
It is known to cure a whole host of ailments from arthritis to memory improvement. We learned the older the ginseng, the more valuable it is.
This experience reminded us of our visit to Chinatown Bangkok , the world’s largest and oldest Chinatown outside of China.
Overall Impressions of Chinatown Chicago Food Tour
What We Loved
- Generous Portions of iconic Chinatown Chicago foods: The Chinese food specialties on this tour were absolutely amazing and plentiful. From dim sum to Szechuan dishes and traditional Chinese pastries, we enjoyed the vast array of flavors. This is one of the most copious and filling food tours we’ve taken.
- Insights into Chinatown and the Chicago Chinese community: Although we have called Chicago home for many years, we were not aware of the Chinese contributions to Chicago culture. This Chinatown walking tour is as culturally insightful as it is delicious.
- Great stops overall: All the stops we made on this Chinatown Chicago food tour were well-designed to build upon each other. Each stop had a story, and it all came together at the final stop. We left feeling much more knowledgeable about the food and Chinese community in our “own backyard.”
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What Could Be Improved on this Chicago Chinatown Tour
Overall, there was not much that can be improved about this Chicago’s Chinatown food tour. The food tour promised to be a celebration of Chinese food and culture and it delivered.
That said, we offer a few recommendations.
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: This Chinatown food tour is a walking tour. While the distances you cover are manageable, it is best to wear comfortable shoes as you stand on your feet.
- Come with a hungry stomach: This food tour include a copious brunch, lunch, and sweets in between. Believe us when we say you will need to pace yourself with all the food.
How to Book Your Chinatown Food Tour
The Chicago Chinatown food tour is one of the most unique tours with an authentic Chinatown focus.
The tour is about three hours in length, and you will explore several distinct regions of China within Chicago’s Chinatown.
Along the way, you’ll taste a variety of traditional foods. And, any confusion you may have about Chinese food will be cleared away by your knowledgeable guide.
Wear comfortable shoes, plan for copious portions, and most of all, have fun.
Alternative Chicago Food Tour – Favorite Food & Walking Tour
If you are looking to go beyond Chinatown and sample Chicago iconic foods, consider this Chicago favorites food and walking tour.
You’ll spend about 3-hours in downtown Chicago tasting legendary foods like deep dish pizza, Chicago hot dogs, chocolates, and more.
While waking through downtown Chicago, you’ll stop at the most important landmarks, while learning the history of the city.
What To Expect From This Chicago Favorite Food & Walking Tour
Some of the key highlights from this food tour are:
- Indulging in some of Chicago’s most popular foods.
- Deepening your knowledge about Chicago while stopping at the main sights.
- Discovering Chicago underground and the bustling Michigan Avenue, above ground.
- Bonus 2-free hour rental of kayak or bike to explore further.
What People Say
As one of the top and most highly recommended food tour, it is often described as a “great tour that exceeds expectations.” Visitors to Chicago describe the tour as “super informative and fun,” “a fantastic time learning and eating through the city,” and overall, highly recommended.
FAQs – Chicago Chinatown
What to Eat In Chinatown Chicago
You’ll find a wide array of delicious Chinese food in Chinatown. Don’t miss dim sum brunch, Peking duck and Chinese pastries like egg custard tart, moon cakes, and more.
Is It Safe to Go to Chinatown in Chicago
Chinatown and the area around is safe to visit. The neighborhood is accessible via the Red line on the “L” train and there is also a parking lot near Archer Ave.
Have you ever taken a Chinatown food tour? In the comments below, please let us know which one of these Chicago Chinatown food tour stops interests you the most.
Savor the Adventure!
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Rosemary is the editor-in-chief and strategist at Authentic Food Quest.
Traveling slow since 2015 with her partner, Claire, she has explored the cuisine in 45 countries and more than 240+ culinary cities.
Her writing about local food specialties has been featured in Lonely Planet, Business Insider, Honest Cooking, Food Insider, and Huffington Post.
As a food and travel writer, Rosemary has co-authored three books, including one in collaboration with Costa Brava Tourism.
Rosemary is an avid runner when she’s not eating and exploring new destinations. She has run ten marathons and counting.
Before Authentic Food Quest, Rosemary held senior-level strategy positions in advertising.
Find out more about Authentic Food Quest
I could have dim sum for breakfast, lunch, and dinner and be a happy camper! LOVE Chinese food. Was so glad to see that you took a food tour in your home town, we’ve been trying to explore our local area too, and have had some really beautiful surprises. Amazing the gems that lie waiting to be discovered in our own backyard!
When I make it to Chicago, I’ll be sure to add Chinatown to the list, a food tour sounds like a great way to discover the area, not only from a culinary perspective but also a historic and cultural introduction to the city 🙂
You are right, Meg, we often forget the amazing gems in our own backyards. The diversity of Chinese food surprised us. A really unique experience at “home.” We should always keep looking for the surprises that are close to us and not only those when we travel. Thanks for stopping by.
And here is another reason why I want to visit Chicago!! My good friend lives there with her family, so definitely want to check the place our.. but your post is making me salivate!! Give me some Tony’s chicken!! haha..
Perfect….my only recommendation would be to visit Chicago in the warmer months so that you can enjoy Chinatown outdoors. Glad the post is making you salivate. Tony’s chicken is indeed a must 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
I absolutely adored the food in Chicago. And visiting Chinatown is one of my must-do’s in nearly every city I visit. It’s so awesome to see how each one offers something similar, yet uniquely their own.
That’s great to hear Kevin. Did you have any favorite Chicago dishes? Indeed, each Chinatown around the world is different and that’s what makes it so much fun 🙂 Thanks for stopping by.
Chicago is high up on my Travel to do list… Can´t wait to try all these foodie recommendations when I actually get to visit
Thanks for sharing
That’s awesome to hear, Molly. Chicago is a wonderful food city and you would love the Chinatown adventure. Do let us know what you think of it when you take it. Cheers.
I love visiting Chinatowns wherever I go. Thx so much for this terrific post about the Chinatown tour in Chicago.
Thank you so much, Doreen. Glad you enjoyed the article. Thus far, where is your favorite Chinatown? Cheers.
How nice that the gate into Chinatown is designed in resemblance to the one in Beijing. A proper entrance to the neighborhood, right. 🙂
As much as I love Chinese food and would probably go and try every single dish you mentioned here, you made me curious about the pastry with a European influence. Egg Custard Tart would probably be the first one on my list. 🙂
There is so much amazing food on the Chinatown food tour. Our tip is to go hungry and enjoy all the local delicacies. Hope you make it to Chicago soon. Cheers.
Being Asian I can say that it is one of the best food you can have. Thank you for bringing us to Chicago Chinatown.
You are most welcome Agnes. So glad you enjoyed the article and we agree. What’s your favorite Chinese dish? Cheers.
Wow! Look all great places to eat. I’ve done a Chicago Food tour at the Navy Pier before. I love the tours – Next time I hope to visit the Chinatown food tour!
Awesome, Amy to hear you’ve already done Chicago tours. The Chinatown one is an experience worth considering on your next trip 🙂 cheers.
I’ve never visited a China Town that I didn’t LOVE. So many great foods to eat and tastes to try.
You are so right. So much to do in Chinatown and you can’t go wrong with the delicious food. Cheers.
I love food tours, we will be visiting Chicago next January and for sure need to book this experience
Great to hear Monica. You will love exploring Chinatown. A vibrant and diverse community. Thanks for stopping by!
I love Chicago but haven’t explored Chinatown there. It looks like it’s worth visiting.
The next time you are in Chicago, Christa, do check out Chinatown. A vibrant enclave in the city 🙂
Oh darn! I wish we would have known about this when we visited Chicago. What fun! Keeping this in mind for our next trip!
There are always many reasons to come back to Chicago, Jamie. Just add the Chinatown tour to your list for next time. You’ll have an amazing time 🙂
Wow! Everything looks so good. I love eating Chinese food and the moon cake is one of my favorites for dessert.
Awesome to hear Ericka. What’s your favorite Chinese food? Or from what region of China? Indeed, you can’t go wrong with the moon cakes. Yum!
I would love to visit Chicago’s Chinatown. The Dim Sum looks delicious and so do those moon cakes!
Thanks, Lori and glad this article got you intrigued about Chinatown Chicago. Well worth the visit to Chicago. Hope you make it soon. Cheers.
Every China town in every part of the world is tremendous. So much variety of amazing food to offer, I just like it a lot.
What’s your favorite Chinatown, Ruth. We love exploring the various Chinatown’s. Going with a local guide helps bridge the language gap as well as learn hidden spots!
I love China town so much! There are so many awesome places to visit and to eat!
Kileen
It sounds like a delicious and interesting tour! I’ve never been on a food tour, but it seems like it could be a lot of fun.
If you’ve never been on a food tour before, we highly recommend taking one. So much fun and you learn so much about the local food. Take one at home and have fun! Cheers, Beth.
This sounds and looks like so much fun! I would love to go to Chinatown! The food looks amazing.
We moved away from the area after living there most of our lives and miss the food most. We taken frequent trips back just for food and this is making me think about planning one soon. Thanks for sharing!
You are welcome, Melissa. There is always a good reason to go back to Chicago. The food being the most important one 🙂 Cheers.
I never knew Chicago had such a large Chinatown. The food is probably as good as we get in New York. I would love to try their Dim sum and pastries for dessert.
Chicago has the third-largest Chinatown after New York 🙂 And the food is pretty amazing too. We haven’t been to the one in NYC, but we love the biggest one in SF. Thanks, Melissa.
Wow, Rosemary and Claire. I can’t wait to take this tour! You described it so well, my mouth is watering! So true that we don’t always know what’s in our own backyard. We’ll definitely take this tour and we’ll be sure to stop afterward at Tai Wah for some duck to go! Someday if you find yourselves on Argyle Street, be sure to stop at Patisserie P for some more delicious Chinese (and French) pastries. Another authentic adventure to look forward to!
Thanks Leslie and so glad our article got you tempted about the food and experience. We definitively recommend exploring Chinatown from a different perspective. Thanks for the tip about Patisserie P, we do love the pastries in Argyle. You are right, that could be a fun culinary adventure to do 🙂 Cheers.
I’ve only been to Chinatown in NYC. I’d love to check out Chicago’s.
Thanks for all of the info. I’ve never found a Chinese Dessert that I’ve liked. You’ve given me some ideas
So happy to hear Mary. Really glad we’ve given you some options to consider. What don’t you like about Chinese desserts? Cheers, Mary.
I would love to try this one day. I love to taste new foods since I love to eat 😉 I’ll have to get to Chinatown.
I have family who lives near Chicago and they love going to Chinatown to have a meal. I can’t wait to go myself.
That’s great to hear Tammy. I’d love to know their favorite restaurants. Feel free to share the article with them. Cheers.