If you’re a foodie, this is one of the best things you can do in New York City.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again - I love a good food tour. It’s one of my favourite things to book at the start of a trip, and after doing Secret Food Tours in Berlin and Edinburgh, I had high expectations for NYC.
This one absolutely delivered.
If you’re wondering whether it’s worth it, the answer is 100% yes. They currently offer a few different neighbourhood options, including Chinatown and Little Italy or Greenwich Village, so you can pick the tour that suits you best.
My sister and I spent a week in NYC in March, and it was a definite highlight!
Why I Always Book a Food Tour First
Food tours are so much more than just eating (although yes… there is a lot of eating).
They’re one of the easiest ways to:
Get your bearings in a new city
Learn the history of an area in a way that actually sticks
Discover local, authentic spots you wouldn't find on your own
Build a list of places to go back to later
Meet other travellers (or just enjoy it at your own pace)
It’s basically a walking tour, food crawl, and cultural deep dive all rolled into one - and the perfect way to kick off a trip in a new city.
This is the tour we chose, taking us through two of New York’s most iconic neighbourhoods - Chinatown and Little Italy. Over three delicious hours, it gave us a real feel for the culture, history, and flavours that make this city so special.
We started in Chinatown, visiting three different spots and trying some incredible food while learning the stories behind each place and the wider neighbourhood. Throughout, the walking between stops was actually a welcome break - giving our stomachs a much-needed rest, and we got to view some very impressive street art along the way.
From there, we made our way into Little Italy for another four stops!
What I loved most was how seamlessly everything was woven together. You’re not just eating - you’re learning why the food matters, how these neighbourhoods evolved, and how different cultures have shaped New York into what it is today.
Our guide, Hannah, was fantastic - incredibly knowledgeable, engaging, and she made the whole experience feel relaxed and fun.
Let’s talk about the real highlight - the food.
And trust me when I say… come hungry. It’s basically lunch and dinner sorted.
Here’s a taste of what we tried:
Pork & chive pan-fried dumplings - some of the best I've ever tried and packed with flavour
Pineapple pork buns - definitely unique and polarising flavours for some - was it sweet, was it savoury??
Taro mochi donuts - another unique treat I'd never tried before - soft, sweet and delicious
Burrata pizza - such delicious flavours, moreish and everything you want from NYC Italian
Mini cannoli - because you have to when you’re in Little Italy - the perfect crunchy sweet bite
The Secret Dish - always a fun surprise and honestly one of the best bites of the tour
Strawberry cheesecake - the perfect sweet finish and an absolute must-have in NYC - still dreaming about it!
Every stop felt carefully chosen - not touristy, not overhyped, just genuinely good food. We were completely satisfied.
One of my favourite things about Secret Food Tours is how easy and enjoyable they are.
You can chat and connect with other fellow travellers if you feel like it, or just enjoy the experience in your own little bubble. The guide leads the way, keeps things moving at a good pace, and shares interesting insights.
It never feels rushed, and there’s a really nice balance between walking, eating, and learning.
Absolutely.
New York can be overwhelming when it comes to food. There are sooo many options, and it’s hard to know what’s actually worth your time.
This takes all the guesswork out of it.
You leave:
Completely full (seriously - great value for money)
Knowing exactly where to come back to if you wish
With a much better understanding of the area
Having experienced some truly iconic (and hidden) spots
Tour: Secret Food Tours NYC - Chinatown & Little Italy
Price: $89.99 USD
Times: Daily at 11am, 12pm, or 1pm
Reviews: 100,000+ 5-star reviews worldwide
This Chinatown & Little Italy tour was easily one of the highlights of our trip.
If you’re visiting NYC, I genuinely think this is a must-do - especially at the start of your trip. It sets the tone, gives you direction, and introduces you to some incredible food right away.
Secret Food Tours run all over the world in over 120 different cities, and after doing a few now, I can confidently say they’re one of the most reliable and enjoyable travel experiences you can book.
Highly, highly recommend adding one to your next itinerary!
Feel free to follow my latest adventures on Instagram.
P.S if you're interested in reading about my other Secret Food Tour posts - you'll find them both under my most Popular Posts in the sidebar.
Keep an eye out for more New York City blog posts coming soon!
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