Iconic Dumplings of the East Village Food Tour

Summary Description

Taste delicious dumplings & explore the vibrant East Village on a cultural and culinary tour. From matzoh ball soup to modern dumplings, you’ll savor local specialties and uncover fascinating stories.

Highlights
  • Taste authentic matzoh ball soup, xiao long bao, and more.
  • See historic sites like St. Mark’s Church and the Orpheum.
  • Learn the secret art of eating Chinese soup dumplings.
  • Explore Alphabet City and uncover its cultural significance.
  • End your tour with a sweet treat at Ray’s Candy Shop.
Description

Discover the rich history and delicious flavors of New York’s East Village on this small-group food and culture tour. Sample an array of dumplings, from authentic matzoh ball soup to perfectly steamed Chinese soup dumplings while your expert guide brings the neighborhood’s stories to life. Along the way, you'll glimpse some of the neighborhood's most iconic locations, such as St. Mark’s Church-in-the-Bowery and Alphabet City. With insider tips on all things New York and plenty of tastings, this immersive tour is perfect for food lovers and history buffs alike.

Your East Village dumpling tour begins at a classic kosher restaurant, where you’ll tuck into a comforting bowl of matzoh ball soup and learn about the neighborhood’s Jewish roots. 

From there, you'll pass by the historic Orpheum Theater en route to your next stop: a Ukrainian local favorite. On the menu here: freshly made pierogi.

 As you make your down St. Mark’s Place, your guide will introduce you to the fascinating history of dumplings and the cultural crossroads of the area. Snap a photo at the iconic Physical Graffiti building before diving into a hands-on experience with Chinese soup dumplings. Your guide will show you the best way to eat them so you'll be a pro in no time.

 At your next stop, you'll enjoy a modern take on dumplings before heading into Alphabet City, a vibrant neighborhood with deep cultural roots. Your tour ends on a sweet note at Ray’s Candy Store, where you’ll indulge in a nostalgic dessert and hear why this quirky spot was Anthony Bourdain’s favorite.

Included / Excluded
  • 6 food tastings
  • Local English-speaking guide
  • Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off
  • Gratuities
Start / End Locations

Start Location: Orpheum Theatre, 126 2nd Ave, New York, NY 10003, USA

Start Location Notes: Please arrive 15 minutes prior to the start of your tour, your guide will be holding a red bag or Devour Tours sign. This tour meets at the Orpheum Theater, 126 2nd Avenue @ 7th street/St. Mark's Place, New York, NY 10003

Start Location Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/G34EQ2H5wZgs3h358

Important Information
Know Before You Book
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Guests with serious food allergies will need to sign an allergy waiver at the start of the tour.
  • The tour is in English.
  • This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • This tour covers a full meal.
  • This tour is adaptable for: Vegetarian, Gluten free (not celiac), Dairy free, Pescatarian, and Pregnant women, however, please note that you may not have a replacement food option at every stop. Not recommended for vegans or celiacs.
  • Despite being in the former Jewish Quarter and visiting Jewish businesses, the establishments visited are NOT kosher.
  • Those with dietary restrictions or food allergies need to email our Guest Experience team at [email protected] after booking the tour so we can arrange your ingredients.
Know Before You Go
  • Please arrive 15 minutes before your tour start time for check-in. Out of courtesy to other guests, we’re unable to wait for latecomers. No refunds can be provided for late arrivals or no-shows.
  • Tips/gratuities (for your guide) are always appreciated.
  • Walks and Devour comply with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up to date information.
  • This tour covers a full meal.
  • Those with dietary restrictions or food allergies need to email our Guest Experience team at [email protected] after booking the tour so we can arrange your ingredients.
  • This tour is adaptable for: Vegetarian, Gluten free (not celiac), Dairy free, Pescatarian, and Pregnant women, however, please note that you may not have a replacement food option at every stop. Not recommended for vegans or celiacs.
  • We recommend you bring a water bottle (to protect the environment we don't provide plastic bottles). You'll be able to fill your bottle on tour.
  • Guests with serious food allergies will need to sign an allergy waiver at the start of the tour.
  • Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
Cancellation

Cancellation Cutoff: 24 hours

Cancellation Notes: Cancellations received greater than 24 hours prior to tour commencement are fully refundable. Cancellations received within 24 hours of tour commencement are nonrefundable. Amendment requests are subject to availability and price changes. Late arrivals and no shows are nonrefundable. This is applicable to any tour participant that fails to arrive, or arrives after tour departure.

Options and Pricing

Iconic Dumplings of the East Village Food Tour Pricing valid from April 1st, 2025

Iconic Dumplings of the East Village Food Tour Pricing valid from April 1st, 2025 RETAIL PRICE
Adult (15 - 99 years) $69.00
Child (2 - 14 years) $63.00
Terms and Conditions

Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.

Additional Information

Before you travel, please read the "Know Before You Go" section for essential information, requirements, and possible disruptions regarding your tour.

Redemption Information

Tickets will be held at the box office

About operator:

Walks (takewalks.com, walksofitaly.com) began over a decade ago (2008, to be exact) in Rome, Italy. We quickly became the premier walking tour company in 7 countries - Italy, Spain, France, the UK, Greece, and Portugal. Our US cities include San Francisco, NYC, Boston, Chicago, and New Orleans.

In 2021, we joined The Hornblower Group (cityexperiences.com) expanding our reach and working alongside this powerhouse travel brand.

Our tour products vary but predominantly we #takewalks, exploring the world by foot - we believe, the best way to get into the heart of a city and its incredible people. From introductory strolls to food tours, day trips, cooking classes, and below the surface, in-depth tours, we have our hand in everything a traveler could want. Oh, and we also like to give our clients exclusive access to the biggest attractions in the world...

Despite the big changes in our brand over the years, our focus has remained simple - to relentlessly create tours with the client experience at the forefront and anchored upon the dedicated, intelligent, and above all, passionate local guides who want to share their cities with you.

Basic Information
  • Duration: 2 hours
  • Trip difficulty: Easy
  • Max Group Size: 15
  • Category: Tours & Sightseeing
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