🥡🥢I Ate My Way Through a Chinatown Food Tour
Chicago’s Chinatown is one of the best food hubs in the city, but I had a hard time finding out which spots were the best to go to. I decided to put my foodie fate in the hands of the experts by booking a 2.5 hour Chinatown Food Tour by Bobby's Bike Hike - Chicago Bike, Walking & Food Tours. Not going to lie, tickets were on the pricier side at 85 dollars a person, butttt we got full size portions from 5 different spots. My favorite dish we had was for sure the noodle soup. Along the way, our tour guide told us about the history behind the cuisine and its influence on our city. I found out things I would have never explored on my own. Did you know, Chinese carryout boxes originated in Chicago?
Walking through Chicago's Chinatown is an experience in itself, even beyond a guided tour. While a tour offers a fantastic introduction, there's so much more to discover when you venture out on your own. Many search for specific places, like the well-known MingHin Cuisine, often curious about its exterior and what it promises from the outside. And it's true – the appearance of establishments in Chinatown, from an ornate traditional Chinese gate marking the entrance to the vibrant storefronts, tells a story. When I'm exploring, I often find myself appreciating the detailed architecture and the bustling atmosphere that many restaurants present. You can often get a sense of a place just by looking at its facade – are the windows steamed up from busy kitchens? Are there fresh roast ducks hanging in the window? These visual cues are part of the adventure. Places specializing in dim sum often have colorful signs advertising their wide selection of dumplings, while others might showcase tempting displays of golden egg tarts or other pastries. Beyond just the storefronts, the general streetscape of Chinatown adds to the culinary journey. The vibrant colors, intricate designs, and even the sounds and smells contribute to an immersive experience. For instance, when I was looking for a good noodle soup, I noticed several spots with inviting exteriors, drawing me in with promises of comforting broths and fresh ingredients. Sometimes it's the simple, unassuming places that serve up the most incredible flatbreads with savory fillings, or the best traditional tea alongside a spread of bamboo steamers filled with various delights. My advice for anyone looking to dive deeper into Chinatown's food scene, whether you're looking for a specific restaurant's exterior or just general culinary excellence, is to explore with an open mind. Don't be afraid to wander off the main drag a bit. Look for places with a lively crowd, often a good sign of quality. Read menus posted outside, and if something catches your eye, peek inside! You might just stumble upon your new favorite spot for authentic Chinese cuisine, adding your own personal discoveries to the rich tapestry of Chicago's Chinatown.