“Shitty & Gritty” Food & Culture Tour
Sample awesome foods from unassuming places as we visit some of the hidden gems in the East Village
Duration: 3.5 Hours
Location: Chinatown
All of the yummy food we eat is included in your ticket price
Total distance travelled is approximately 1 mile
We will meet just outside of Sara D. Roosevelt Park and walk together to each destination. We’ll visit many food, drink and desert destinations and taste 6-7 delicious foods at different stops including a sit down tasting. We will visit both historically and culturally significant sites throughout the tour as we learn about the history of the Chinese in NYC. The tour will end at our starting point. Guides are available to assist guests with directions to their next destination after the tour is over.
Old School Chinatown
Learn the art of Yum Cha (hint - also known as Dim Sum)
The Biggest Buddha on the Block
Why are people feeding the Buddha? Is he really going to eat all of that?
What’s in Your Lunchbox?
Sample snacks you probably didn’t grow up with
Gangs (Tongs) of New York
You've heard of the Wild West but the Wild East was just as wild! Visit some of their old hideouts, hangouts and shootouts!
Only in Chinatown Bakeries...
Sigh contentedly as you bite into a baked roast pork bun
Ice Cream, We All Scream
Did the Chinese invent ice cream too? We’ll find out!
Local Markets
Learn about Chinese produce, how it gets to the US and how popular produce are used in Chinese cuisine
& More
Above list is just a sample of a few of the places you will visit. Your guide may amend the tour as they see fit to improve the experience we provide for our customers
The tour will meet outside Kung Fu Tea located at 73 Chrystie St on the corner of Chrystie St. & Hester St. We will meet under the store’s awning on the Chrystie St. side.
Subway: Take either the B (runs weekdays) or D (runs everyday) train to Grand Street Station
Take the northeast exit, head south on Chrystie St toward Grand St
Awesome Tours pays for all the tips at food destinations on our tour.
Tour guide gratuities are greatly appreciated if you enjoyed your tour. The standard gratuity in the service industry is 15%-20%.
Absolutely not! Our tours combine architectural commentary, historical facts, local culture and culinary insight into a unique tour experience. Imagine walking through the city eating our local artisans most delicious foods while learning the neighborhoods from real locals.
Please be sure and let us know if you are vegetarian or vegan and we can definitely accommodate you (or anyone in your group). We can also take requests for other dietary restrictions (e.g. diabetic, allergy, etc.) and will work with each destination to find out what foods you should skip and arrange a substitution wherever possible. Don’t worry, we won’t let you leave hungry!
The tours are held rain, shine, or snow. In the event of inclement weather, we will be able to go inside many of the establishments on the tour. We advise to check the weather conditions for your day’s event, bring an umbrella if needed and dress appropriately.
Still have questions? Visit our FAQ page to submit your own
John D. from London, England"My wife & I loved the tour. James knew so much about the history but also about modern day Chinatown. It was a great mix of history, culture and tasty authentic foods. I highly recommend this tour."
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