London Soho Food Tour: 7 Tastings, Gin & Chinatown Walk

Summary

Soho’s flavors from Berwick Street to neon-lit Chinatown with stories in every bite

You’ll taste your way through London’s Soho with seven different stops—think prawn croquettes, rendang curry, truffle arancini—plus local gin sips and a Chinatown stroll. Expect laughter with your guide, stories from old pubs, and moments that stick with you long after you’ve wiped your hands clean.

What’s the experience like?

“You ever tried prawn croquettes with jamón?” That’s how our guide started things on Berwick Street Market, holding out this crispy little thing that smelled like the sea and fried bread. I was still chewing when he waved us down the lane — Carnaby Street was buzzing, all neon and laughter. It felt like everyone had somewhere to be except us, wandering from one bite to the next. At The French House, an old regular nodded at us over his pint, and I swear the walls looked like they’d seen every story in London.

I didn’t expect the coconut beef rendang to hit so hard — spicy-sweet and sticky on my fingers. Our guide (Sam? Or maybe Stan? Sorry) told us about Soho’s wild past between mouthfuls. He pointed out the John Snow water pump — apparently it changed medical history, which made me laugh because right after we were sipping historic gins in a dim little bar where the bartender barely blinked at our group. Someone tried to say “cheers” in Mandarin in Chinatown later; Li behind the counter just grinned and handed over fluffy pork bao buns. I probably butchered it too.

The rain started halfway through but nobody cared; we ducked under awnings and into speakeasies that felt like secret clubs. The truffle arancini was gooey inside — honestly, I still think about that one. There was this moment outside the Spirit of Soho mural when our group just stood quiet for a second, steam rising off takeaway boxes, watching locals weave through the puddles. It wasn’t perfect but it felt real — kind of what you want from a Soho food tour, you know?

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Soho's culture and food gems

• Visit Carnaby Street for 1960s culture
• See Spirit of Soho Mural
• Stop at John Snow water pump
• View Great Windmill Street venue
• Walk through Soho's Red Light District
• Browse Berwick Street Market
• Enjoy drinks at The French House pub
• Explore Chinatown and taste cuisine

Top questions

How many food tastings are included on the Soho food tour?

The tour includes at least seven different tastings along the route.

Does the London Soho Food Tour include drinks?

Yes, drinks are included—vermouth, three historic gins, and a drink at a local pub.

Is there a vegetarian or vegan option available?

The tour cannot accommodate vegan diets or certain allergies; contact ahead for specific needs.

Are under-18s allowed on this Soho evening food tour?

No, some venues do not accept guests under 18; under-18s may miss parts of the tour.

What areas does the Soho food tour visit?

The route covers Berwick Street Market, Carnaby Street, Chinatown, Great Windmill Street, and more in Soho.

Is public transportation nearby for this London food tour?

Yes, there are public transportation options close to the meeting point and along the route.

Do I need to dress up for this food tour in Soho?

No full tracksuits or flip-flops are allowed due to some venue dress codes; casual smart is fine.

What if it rains during the Soho food tasting tour?

The tour runs rain or shine; many stops are indoors or sheltered along the way.

What’s included

Your evening includes seven distinct tastings—from coconut beef rendang curry with roti canai to king prawn croquettes and truffle arancini—plus fluffy BBQ pork bao buns in Chinatown. You’ll sip vermouth and three historic gins at local pubs (with water provided), guided by a local storyteller who leads you through iconic streets and vibrant markets before wrapping up with a surprise secret dish.