Devour New York Lower East Side Guided Food Tour

New York, US
98% of travellers recommend this
Excellent (50 reviews)

Included

  • inclusion
    Local guide
  • inclusion
    Small group of 12 people max
  • inclusion
    Expertly guided walking tour
  • inclusion
    7+ tastes at 7 family-run businesses (enough for breakfast and lunch)

Excluded

  • exclusion
    Pick up
  • exclusion
    Gratitues

Meeting Point

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 Peretz Square, on the corner of East Houston Street and 1st Avenue (across the road from the One and One restaurant located at 71 East 1st Street).

Meeting point

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End point

What to expect

1

Katz's Delicatessen

Start your tour inside one of the Lower East Side’s cultural institutions run by the same family for over 100 years. Katz's Delicatessen serves up classic American breakfast foods and perfecting giant sandwiches since the 1888. Here you'll bite into their signature pastrami with mustard sandwich.

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Included
2

El Castillo De Jagua

Breakfast foods are an art in New York, so you’ll stop by a Dominican breakfast counter next to get a variety of what’s on offer in the locality. Try their pastelitos or dos golpes while learning the fascinating story behind their delicious plates.

Duration 25 minutes
Admission Admission Included
3

Essex Street Market

Visit a historic local market for a stop at a popular cheese shop, named the best in the US by Food and Wine magazine. You'll taste a selection of handmade cheeses and cured meats from around the world.

Duration 25 minutes
Admission Admission Included
4

Orchard Grocer

At this spot, you’ll experience a unique twist on the classic New York bodega. Catering to vegan diets, you’ll try a classic bagel with carrots and cashews in place of smoked salmon and cream cheese.

Duration 30 minutes
Admission Admission Included
5

Shu Jiao Fu Zhou

As two food meccas, it’s no surprise that the Lower East Side and Chinatown are practically intertwined. Try some Chinatown specialties from a more recent addition to the neighborhood. You might sample thin-skinned pork dumplings or their delicious Fujian peanut butter noodles.

Duration 25 minutes
Admission Admission Included
6

The Pickle Guys

This stop pays homage to another food brought over by Jewish immigrants that made the Lower East Side their home in late 19th century. Try the family recipe passed down for generations.

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Included
7

Doughnut Plant

For the final stop, you’ll get a taste of some of the Lower East Side’s delicious baked goods at a beloved artisanal doughnut shop. Prepare yourself for a doughnut unlike any other you’ve had before with their innovative flavors.

Duration 20 minutes
Admission Admission Included

The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.

Additional Information

  • Additional information
    Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Additional information
    Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Additional information
    The tour is in English.
  • Additional information
    Guests with serious food allergies will need to sign an allergy waiver at the start of the tour.
  • Additional information
    This tour is not recommended for vegans, and, due to the risk of gluten cross-contamination, this tour is not recommended for those with celiac disease.
  • Additional information
    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.
  • Additional information
    Those with dietary restrictions need to contact us before joining the tour so we can arrange your food, or we may not be able to accommodate you.
  • Additional information
    Unfortunately due to the nature of this tour it is not suitable for guests with mobility impairments or with wheelchairs, or strollers.
  • Additional information
    We can accommodate gluten free but cannot guarantee that were will be no risk of cross contamination in the case of celiacs.
  • Additional information
    This tour covers a full meal.
  • Additional information
    Walks / Devour complies with all local government regulations. Please refer to local government guidelines for the most up-to-date information.
  • Additional information
    This is a walking tour. Guests should be able to walk at a moderate pace without difficulty.
  • Additional information
    Despite being in the former Jewish Quarter and visiting Jewish businesses, the establishments visited are NOT kosher.
Provided by Devour USA Food Tours

What our experts say

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    Arrive 15 mins early at Peretz Square.
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    Don't miss the pastrami at Katz's Deli!
  • icon
    Try local favorites at Essex Street Market.
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    Explore nearby shops after the tour.
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    Wear comfortable shoes for walking.

More About this Experience

Introduction

Escape the ordinary and immerse yourself in the vibrant flavors and fascinating history of the Lower East Side with the Lower East Side Food and History Walking Tour. This culinary adventure will take you on a mouthwatering journey through one of New York City's most iconic neighborhoods. From classic favorites to international delights, this tour will delight your taste buds and leave you craving more. Get ready to savor the rich flavors and traditions that have shaped this dynamic community for generations.

What to expect?

Join this 180-minute tour as you explore the Lower East Side's bustling streets and uncover hidden culinary gems. From the moment you meet your expert guide, you'll embark on a sensory feast, indulging in a diverse array of dishes that represent the neighborhood's melting pot of cultures. Taste the iconic pastrami sandwich at Katz's Delicatessen, sample delicious Dominican breakfast bites, and savor authentic Jewish deli meats. Sink your teeth into a bagel with a tasty twist and delight in the flavors of Chinatown with a sampling of pork dumplings and peanut butter noodles. End your tour on a sweet note with delectable treats from a cherished local bakery.

Who is this for?

This tour is perfect for food lovers, history enthusiasts, and anyone eager to experience the eclectic culinary landscape of New York City. Whether you're a local looking to discover hidden gems in your own backyard or a traveler seeking an authentic taste of the city, this tour offers something for everyone. From solo adventurers to couples, families, and groups of friends, anyone with a passion for food and a desire to explore will be captivated by this unique experience.

Why book this?

Indulge your senses and embark on a gastronomic adventure that will immerse you in the incredible flavors and vibrant history of the Lower East Side. Led by knowledgeable guides, this tour goes beyond the surface, offering unique insights into the traditions and stories behind each dish. With each bite, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the neighborhood's rich cultural tapestry. From the iconic establishments that have withstood the test of time to the up-and-coming spots that are shaping the future of the local food scene, this tour offers a curated experience that ensures you won't miss any of the must-try culinary delights.

Good to know

Prepare for a leisurely stroll through the Lower East Side, comfortable walking shoes are recommended to fully enjoy this experience. The tour starts at Peretz Square and concludes at Partybus Bakeshop, so make sure you have your appetite and camera ready for a truly memorable journey. Note that this tour includes a variety of food samples, so please inform the guide of any dietary restrictions or allergies beforehand to accommodate your needs. Be prepared to engage with passionate local shop owners who will share their family traditions and stories, providing an authentic and personal touch to your exploration of this historic neighborhood.

Reviews

Reviews from previous participants highlight the incredible knowledge and enthusiasm of the guides, who bring the history and flavors of the Lower East Side to life. Travelers have praised the variety and quality of the food samples, with each stop offering a unique and delicious experience. Visitors have left the tour feeling truly immersed in the cultural diversity and vibrant energy of the neighborhood, with a newfound appreciation for its culinary treasures. Don't miss out on the opportunity to embark on this unforgettable tour that combines food, history, and culture into one delectable package.

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