Uncover LES: NYC's Authentic Flavors & Hidden Tales Tour
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Join this 3-hour New York City walking tour to sample the best ethnic foods in the Lower East Side. But this experience includes much more than sampling delicious foods, as you’ll learn about the history of the dishes, establishments, sites, and people along the way from your guide.
Reviews
Reviews and Rating (Tripadvisor)
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Reviews by Tripadvisor travelers
lastminutetraveler98, 10/23/2025 6:03:26 PM
This tour was a highlight of our trip to New York City. Lee is an exceptional tour guide and an absolute delight — we learned so much through his knowledge of the neighborhoods which he brought to life with storytelling, humor, and food tastings. We loved it!
Elizabeth_S, 10/22/2025 6:27:31 AM
The tour guide was super knowledgeable and friendly. I will say this was more of a walking tour about immigration history of NYC (very interesting!) with some food along the way, vs a tour centered around food. There was only one stop we actually went inside a restaurant and sat down for a minute, the rest was all outdoors, walking. So be prepared! This being said I wasn’t disappointed, it was just different than other food tours I’ve been on that are focused on.
RIchard035, 10/21/2025 10:47:44 AM
David took us on this tasting tour of China Town, Little Italy and the Lower East Side. There were only 6 of us on the tour which made it quite personal. 4 others didn't turn up which meant we started a bit late as we waited 15 minutes for them. We didn't lose out though as the tour lasted slightly more than its allotted 3 hours. We were provided with a good history of the area and its different waves of immigrants. We stopped for a number of snacks along the way. Being vegetarian was not a problem. We had specially made vegetable dumplings and a Portuguese tart (as made in Macau) in China Town. We then had some artisan cheese in Little Italy. David was intending to take us to a donut shop (I'm not sure of the relevance of this) but this was closed so we had an excellent slice of pizza instead. We ended up with a pastry in Essex Market on the Lower East Side. Disappointingly, we never go the promised knish. We had plenty of time in Chinatown and Little Italy but thought that the final part of the tour in the Lower East Side was a bit rushed.
Kathleen124224, 10/12/2025 7:34:43 AM
I highly recommend the Lower East Side Food Tour. Erik was a wonderful guide who shared both the history and flavors of that neighborhood. The pace was perfect and Erik delivered the tour in a fun and information rich manner. Definitely a great way to learn about NYC's Lower East Side.
A7981XVkatherineg, 10/10/2025 5:01:06 PM
Erik was an amazing tour guide. He has so much knowledge of the history of the neighborhoods. This was a GREAT way to try some treats and get a feel for the layout of that area and the history of it! I would highly recommend this to anyone, new or veteran of NYC. - Katie Gray
Elizabeth_H, 10/8/2025 7:47:55 AM
A unique look at areas you won't see on big tours. We enjoyed the historical accounts, personal stories and leisurely pace of this tour. Our guide, Alex, was thoughtful, well prepared and able to answer questions with ease. The food was fun and well-portioned for our group. A wonderful way to learn more about NYC!
W845GFjessicaj, 10/4/2025 12:57:08 PM
What a great experience! Lee was such fun and very knowledgable - the tour was fascinating and a good place! Loved the little bites along the way! A highlight of our trip to New York and a great way to explore many neighbourhoods in one morning!
admiralbread, 10/4/2025 12:51:40 PM
Lee was an amazing tour guide, we had a fantastic time walking around NYC with him. Great knowledge and super engaging. 10/10 would recommend
Vacation50982231174, 10/4/2025 12:50:47 PM
Great time with Lee! Who took us around to so many places filled with a ton of history, and cool places to eat. Made NYC feel like home away from home!
harbordog, 10/1/2025 2:49:54 PM
My daughter and I had a really great experience with Tavia on this tour. We are both lifelong New Yorkers so we thought that the food would be the high point of the tour rather than the historical and cultural aspects. But we were wrong. We were really happy to learn new information about this part of the city, which Tavia communicated in a flowing and lively manner. We thoroughly enjoyed the empanada at Empanada Mama, but otherwise were fairly underwhelmed by the food. Yonah Schimmel was closed for the holiday and the back-up option was too far for such a hot day. The dumpling place only had pork, although we would have preferred vegetable. The Ferrara cannoli was fine.
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- This tour was created as well-balanced and thoughtful gastronomy experience (Ethnic dishes samples) and features visits to establishments that are not always able to cater to all dietary requirements. Unfortunately, this tour cannot cater for vegans and gluten allergies, intolerances. For any specific dietary request, we need to know 24 h before the tour start time.
- Experience happens rain, shine, or snow unless such weather constitutes a dangerous situation.
- This is a child-friendly tour. Children under the age of 6 are permitted to join this tour free of charge. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child under the age. Children between the ages of 6 and 11 inclusively are permitted on this tour at the adult’s rate. Please inform us at the time of booking if you’ll be bringing a child between 6 and 11 years old. You can do so in the special requirements box on the checkout page
- Suitable for all ages and fitness levels, but please note that this tour covers 1.6 km (1 mile) of walking.
Departure point
In front of African Burial Ground Museum, 290 Broadway, New York, NY 10007, USAReturn details
Join this 3-hour New York City walking tour to sample the best ethnic foods in the Lower East Side. But this experience includes much more than sampling delicious foods, as you’ll learn about the history of the dishes, establishments, sites, and people along the way from your guide.Redemption
Additional Information In the event of a site closure, we will do our best to replace it with a similar alternative. We reserve the right to change both the route and places visited within the tour. Dietary Notes This tour was created as well-balanced and thoughtful gastronomy experience (Ethnic dishes samples) and features visits to establishments that are not always able to cater to all dietary requirements. Unfortunately, this tour cannot cater for vegans and gluten allergies, intolerances. For any specific dietary request, we need to know 24 h before the tour start time. Please emails us at email info@newyorkcityurbanadventures.com. Child Policy Please inform us if you’ll be bringing a child under the age of 6. Dress Standards Summers can be hot and humid, autumn can be cool, and winters downright frigid with snow. Dress according to the weather and wear comfortable walking shoes. Tipping Your Guide A tip / gratuity for your guide is not included in the price of this tour. If you feel that your guide has done their best to provide a personal and engaging experience, giving a gratuity is encouraged. Leave Us A Review How did we do? Your experience matters! Let us know by leaving a review.24 hours before travel date - 100% refund
Less than 24 hours before travel date - 0% refund