NYC Chinatown & Little Italy Food Tour with Tastings

Summary

Walk lively streets, taste dumplings & cannoli, hear real NYC stories

You’ll sip tea in Chinatown as locals chat nearby, taste hand-folded dumplings and fresh mozzarella in Little Italy, and end with a classic cannoli at Ferrara’s Bakery. With stories from your guide woven between bites—and all tastings included—you’ll walk away full but wanting more time to wander those streets again.

What’s the experience like?

The first thing I noticed was the clatter of mahjong tiles spilling out from an open window somewhere above us in Chinatown. Our guide—her name was Angela—waved us into a little tea shop with steamed-up windows, and honestly, I almost missed the door because I was distracted by the smell of fresh scallion pancakes drifting down the street. We squeezed inside and she handed me a cup of oolong that felt perfect against my fingers (it was colder than I expected for spring). Someone next to me tried to pronounce the pastry’s name—Li laughed and said he’d give us all lessons later if we survived the food marathon.

I didn’t expect to feel so wrapped up in the neighborhood’s rhythm. Angela pointed out tiny details—a faded dragon mural here, a bakery that’s been around since before my parents were born. The Beijing-style dumpling stop was next; it came hot and chewy with this vinegar dipping sauce that cut right through the richness. She told us about families who still hand-fold every dumpling daily. We kept moving, weaving through crowds and scooter bells until suddenly we were in Little Italy—the colors changed, even the air smelled different (like espresso and tomato sauce instead of five-spice powder).

Little Italy felt louder somehow. Angela led us into a deli where prosciutto hung from the ceiling like decorations. There was this moment where she sliced mozzarella for us right at the counter—she joked her Nonna would haunt her if she messed it up. The cheese was soft and salty and honestly I could’ve just stayed there eating olives forever. But then Ferrara’s Bakery came up on our route, which meant cannoli: crispy shell, sweet ricotta filling, powdered sugar everywhere (I still had some on my jacket when I got home). She talked about how Italian immigrants shaped this part of New York—her own family included—and for a second it felt like we were sitting in someone’s kitchen instead of a famous bakery.

The tour ended just a few blocks from where we started but by then everything looked different to me. Angela handed out these little maps with her favorite spots circled—I actually used mine later that afternoon to find more dumplings (couldn’t help myself). If you’re thinking about booking this NYC food tour of Chinatown & Little Italy: go hungry, bring curiosity, maybe wear something you don’t mind getting powdered sugar on.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Explore Chinatown and Little Italy food tour

• Begin at Chinatown tea house
• Enjoy tea and Chinese pastry
• Walk through Chinatown streets
• Hear historical Chinatown stories
• Have traditional seated Chinese meal
• Savor famous Beijing style dumpling
• Enter Little Italy neighborhood
• Learn Little Italy history and landmarks
• Visit mom and pop specialty shops
• Sample mozzarella, prosciutto, cheeses, olives, pasta
• Enjoy cannoli at Ferrara's Bakery
• Receive handout with map and recommendations

Top questions

How long is the NYC Chinatown & Little Italy food tour?

The tour lasts approximately 3 hours from start to finish.

Are vegetarian or gluten free options available?

Yes, vegetarian and gluten free tastings are available if requested at least 48 hours before your tour date.

Does this food tour include alcoholic beverages?

Yes, guests aged 21 and over can enjoy wine or beer at one of the seated tastings.

Is hotel pickup included in this NYC food tour?

No hotel pickup is provided; you meet your guide at the designated starting point in Chinatown.

Can children join this Chinatown & Little Italy food tour?

The tour is suitable for most ages but not recommended for children under 5 years old.

What kind of foods will I try on this NYC food tour?

You’ll sample Chinese pastries and tea, Beijing-style dumplings, Italian cheeses and meats, pasta dishes, and cannoli at Ferrara’s Bakery.

How many tastings are included during the tour?

The experience includes 2-3 seated tastings plus 5-6 on-the-go samples across both neighborhoods.

Is water provided during the tour?

Bottled water is included along with tea during your first stop in Chinatown.

What’s included

Your day includes all food tastings across both neighborhoods—think Chinese pastries with tea, hand-folded dumplings, Italian cheeses with prosciutto, pasta dishes, plus dessert at Ferrara’s Bakery—a choice of wine or beer for guests over 21 at a seated tasting, bottled water throughout the walk, guidance from a local expert sharing stories as you go along, plus a handy map with recommendations to use after the tour ends.