NYC Chinatown Food Tour: Dim Sum, Peking Duck & Malaysian Tastings

Summary

Dim sum rituals, Peking duck traditions and new flavors in NYC Chinatown

You’ll taste classic dim sum and smoky tea in Manhattan’s Chinatown before diving into flaky Malaysian roti canai and authentic Peking duck carved tableside—all with stories from someone who lives here. Expect laughter over chopsticks fumbles, new flavors you’ve never tried before, and small moments that stick with you long after dessert.

What’s the experience like?

I’d barely stepped off Canal Street when our guide, Sam, waved us over—he was already chatting with an older woman selling lychees from a cardboard box. That’s how the whole NYC Chinatown food tour started: not with a big speech, but with Sam pointing out how the fruit sellers swap gossip in Cantonese before noon. We ducked into this dim sum spot he called “the OG” (his words), where the tea smelled faintly smoky and the dumplings arrived still steaming. I tried to use chopsticks properly but gave up and just laughed—nobody seemed to care. The shrimp har gow had this almost translucent skin that stuck to my teeth in a good way. I didn’t expect to feel so at ease right away.

Afterwards, we wandered down narrow streets where signs were all Mandarin or Fujianese—Sam explained which micro-neighborhoods came from which provinces, and how you could tell by what people were playing in Columbus Park (cards vs. chess vs. erhu music). He stopped mid-story to greet a friend who ran the bakery on Mott Street; apparently everyone knows each other here. The smells changed every block: one corner was all incense and roasted chestnuts, another was fried garlic from a tiny kitchen window. I kept thinking how easy it would be to get lost without someone who actually lives here guiding you.

The second sit-down tasting was Malaysian roti canai—honestly, I’d never had anything like it before. Flaky like a croissant but chewy inside, dipped into curry that wasn’t spicy but layered somehow? Our table got quiet for a second except for someone slurping tea (not me this time). Then came Peking duck at a place where the chef carved it right in front of us. The skin snapped when I bit into it and Sam told us about the history of Peking duck recipes traveling from Beijing to New York kitchens. There was also some kind of “house special” dish—I still don’t know what was in it but wish I’d asked.

We finished with egg tarts from a bakery that’s apparently famous among locals (the line outside made sense). The custard was warm and not too sweet, pastry just crumbly enough to leave flakes on my jacket. Someone offered me a mochi doughnut too—chewy, matcha-flavored, nothing like what you find uptown. Walking back through Columbus Park, old men played cards under sycamore trees while kids zipped past on scooters. It felt like we’d been let in on something—not just food but all these little rituals that make up Chinatown’s day-to-day life.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Chinatown food and history tour

• Seated tasting of classic dim sum
• Learn Chinatown's history and development
• Walk down iconic Chinatown street
• Seated tasting of Malaysian Roti Canai and curry
• Try Mochi doughnuts
• Stroll through Columbus Park
• Seated tasting of authentic Peking duck
• End with Egg Custard Tarts dessert

Top questions

How many tastings are included on the NYC Chinatown food tour?

The tour includes three seated indoor tastings plus additional stops for desserts.

Is there a local guide during the Chinatown food tour?

Yes, your tour is led by a licensed NYC guide familiar with Chinatown’s culture and history.

Are vegetarian or nut-free options available on this food tour?

Vegetarian and nut-free substitutions are available if mentioned at booking; vegan or gluten-free cannot be accommodated.

What foods do you try on this NYC Chinatown walking tour?

You’ll try dim sum, Malaysian roti canai with curry, authentic Peking duck, mochi doughnuts, and egg custard tarts.

Does the tour include drinks?

Tea is served at each restaurant as part of your ticket price.

Is there enough food so I won’t be hungry after?

The included tastings are generous and enough for a full meal.

Where does the NYC Chinatown food tour take place?

The tour explores Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhood including Mott Street and Columbus Park.

Are service animals allowed on this walking tour?

Yes, service animals are allowed during the tour.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings—three indoor sit-down meals featuring dim sum, Malaysian street food and Peking duck—as well as dessert stops for mochi doughnuts and egg custard tarts. Tea is served at each restaurant throughout the experience. A licensed NYC guide leads you through Manhattan’s Chinatown neighborhoods while sharing stories along the way.