Dumplings & Dim Sum Walk

Bites of Boston Food Tours runs this walk, rated 5 across 22 reviews. It runs 2.5 hours, from $135.45 per person, with free cancellation.

Overview

This walk starts at the street level entrance to China Pearl Restaurant on Tyler Street, a short distance from both the Chinatown stop on the Orange Line and South Station on the Red Line. From there a guide takes a group of no more than 12 people on foot through Boston's Chinatown, stopping at several local eateries to sample dishes that span traditional Chinese cooking and modern fusion bites. The whole outing runs 2 hours 30 minutes and begins at 10:30, just before lunchtime.

Between stops, the guide covers the history and culture of the neighborhood. Reviewers often mention that the historical talk is a big part of the appeal, with several saying they learned things about Chinatown they had not known before. The food gets consistent praise too, with travellers describing the variety as great and the portions as filling without being excessive.

The tour suits adults and families with older children, since it is not recommended for participants under 12 and strollers are not permitted. Anyone who wants an introduction to Chinatown, a midday meal spread across multiple restaurants, and a guide who can explain what is on the plate should find it a good fit. It ends back at the meeting point.

What's Included

Itinerary

1. Meet at China PearlMeet the guide at the street level entrance to China Pearl Restaurant, 9 Tyler St, Boston. The start time is 10:30.
2. Walk ChinatownSpend 2 hours 30 minutes on a guided walking tour of Chinatown, with stops at several local eateries along the way.
3. Food tastingsSample dishes at the eateries visited, covering traditional Chinese cuisine and modern fusion bites. All tastings are included in the ticket.
4. Return to startThe tour ends back at the meeting point at China Pearl Restaurant.

What To Expect From The Tour

A few practical points will help travellers arrive prepared, since the tour runs on foot, in a group, and in whatever weather the day brings.

• Getting there. The meeting point is close to both the Chinatown T stop on the Orange Line and South Station on the Red Line. The listing recommends public transportation or parking in a lot, since parking is not included.
• Weather. Tours run rain or shine, and the operator says to come prepared for the forecast.
• Pace and fitness. One reviewer described it as not too much walking, with history shared between food stops.
• How much food. Several reviewers said there was plenty of food, with one describing feeling very full by the end but not overstuffed. Come hungry and try everything, as one reviewer put it.
• Group feel. The group is capped at 12 travellers, and one reviewer found the size not too big. Advance ticket purchase is required and every participant needs a ticket.
• Age and strollers. The experience is not recommended for participants under 12, and strollers are not permitted on any of the operator's tours. It is not appropriate to bring toddlers or infants.

Common issues. The tour is not wheelchair accessible, and strollers are not permitted, which rules out some families with young children. Gratuity is not included, and neither is parking. One reviewer reported being unable to hear the guide most of the time, a risk in a busy neighborhood. The operator can also cancel if a minimum number of travellers is not met, and cancellations within 24 hours of the start time receive no refund.

Questions People Ask Before Booking