Chinatown Small-Group Tasting Walk

A small-group walking tour of Boston's Chinatown, with a maximum of 12 people and tastings at several local eateries.

Overview

This walk starts at 10:30 in the morning, just before lunch, at the street level entrance of China Pearl Restaurant on Tyler Street in Boston's Chinatown. From there a guide leads a group of no more than 12 people on foot through the neighborhood, mixing history and culture with a series of food tastings at local eateries. The whole thing runs 2 hours 30 minutes and finishes back where it began.

The food spans a range. Tastings cover traditional Chinese dishes alongside more modern fusion bites, all included in the ticket along with fees and taxes. Between stops, the guide talks through Chinatown's history, which reviewers praised alongside the food. One noted learning a lot in between food stops; another described the tour as having fun historic tidbits of information and great food along the way.

The tour is aimed at adults and older children, since the operator does not recommend it for participants under 12 and does not allow strollers or infants. One reviewer said there was not too much walking and that the group size was not too big, and another described feeling very full by the end without being overstuffed.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at China PearlMeet your guide at the street level entrance to China Pearl Restaurant, 9 Tyler Street, Boston. The start time is 10:30.
2. Guided walk through ChinatownThe guided walking portion covers Chinatown over 2 hours 30 minutes, with commentary on the neighborhood's history and culture along the way.
3. Food tastings at local eateriesThe route includes visits to several local eateries, with tastings of traditional Chinese dishes and modern fusion bites. All food is included.
4. Return to the meeting pointThe tour ends back at China Pearl Restaurant, the same place it started.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help you get the most out of this walk before you book.

• Getting there. The meeting point is close to the Chinatown T stop on the Orange Line and South Station on the Red Line, so public transportation is the easy option. Parking is not included, and the operator suggests transit or parking in a lot.
• Pace and distance. One reviewer noted there was not too much walking, and the tour is structured around restaurant stops with history in between rather than a long route.
• How much food. Expect to be full. Several reviewers said there was plenty of food and a good variety, with one describing feeling very full by the end without being overstuffed. Come hungry and, as one reviewer put it, be adventurous and try everything.
• Group feel. The cap is 12 travellers. Many reviewers describe their guides as knowledgeable and fun.
• Weather and clothing. Tours run rain or shine, and the operator says to come prepared for the forecast. Comfortable shoes for walking and an umbrella or layers depending on the day are the practical choices.
• Who it suits. The tour is not recommended for participants under 12, and infants, toddlers and strollers are not permitted. Most travellers can participate otherwise, though the route is not wheelchair accessible.

Common issues. A few honest limits are worth knowing. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and strollers are not allowed, which rules out families with very young children. Tours run rain or shine, so poor weather means dressing for it, though if the operator cancels for weather you will be offered a different date or a full refund. The experience also requires a minimum number of travellers; if that minimum is not met, you will be offered a different date or experience or a full refund. On the day, one reviewer reported being unable to hear the guide most of the time, so it may be worth staying close to the front if audibility matters to you. Gratuity is not included in the ticket.

Common Questions