Secret Food Tours New York — Local services in New York

Highly recommend!! NYC has always been a foodie delight and this tour did not disappoint!! We started off across from Tasty Dumpling 42 Mulberry St Chinatown. We selected the Sunday Brunch - 11am tour. We met with our guide, Louis. He confirmed he was meeting us 1 hour prior, what he would be wearing. There were several other folks who were a part of the tour. Louis not only spoke about the stops we would be making he also added insight to the history of the area as well as the current events. A hidden gem Columbus Park. It was marvelous to see a community thriving with the Littles playing soccer, the 20 somethings playing volleyball, a mixture of ages being taught Tai Chi. The silver group was playing cards, talking and preparing for the food ghost.

First stop, Tasty Dumpling. The owner greeted us with a warm smile and hellos. The pork and chive dumpling was very flavorful but she kicked it up a notch with the secret sauce! We also shared some cucumber kimchi which was light, refreshing and cleansed the palette. The portions were tapas style but it was enough. The place can accommodate 16 for seating, if it's crowded and a nice day, get take out and sit in the park.

We took a stroll through the side street and admired the rabbit and tiger murals. Several streets were closed for "pedestrians only" for a street festival.

Alimama for mochi donut balls which is gluten free made with rice flour. We had the Terra root flavor. I am not sure I would have been as open to try it if it wasn't for the tour. It had a sweet taste with a chewy sticky flavor these donuts are not overly sweet and they were hot out of the oven. Again it was a small sample of 2 donut balls each. Live on the edge!!

Crossover Canal Street and you head towards Little Italy. Through the traditional Asian market with customers bartering for the duck in the window. Meats, fish, shellfish, chicken and rows of coolers featuring prepared items.

We're not done yet. Canoli King was celebrating 25 years of delish desserts. This says a lot for the support the residents of New York gave during Covid. Other businesses weren't so lucky. We entered into Sophia's Italian restaurant we sat down to share 2 small Margherita pizzas made to perfection. The crust folded in half, was light and doughy! It was good to be home.

Then we had an added surprise of strolling thru Little Paris across from the original New York Police Department which has been converted to Luxury condos. Beautifully designed building and oh what Secrets the walls could reveal. Secrets might want to include an espresso and croissant on the tour.

The surprise stop was Zooba on Kenmare Street, the Eygptian seasoned lamb panini, could stand on its own as a meal. We took half home because with all the samplings, we were feeling full. Served warm, but the tahini sauce was still tickling the taste buds as a late night munchie. The open atmosphere and lighted ceiling makes for an energetic vibe.

How can you be in New York City and not have cheesecake? Well, the food tour didn't disappoint. Eileen's Cheesecake on Cleveland Pl. Prepares Petite strawberry cheesecakes. The graham cracker crust at the bottom of the cupcake holder was topped with a light cream cheese filling with a hint of citrus flavoring topped with a reduction of strawberry syrup drizzled over a fresh strawberry.

The tour has a lot of walking, so wear comfortable walking shoes!! Our guide, Louis, was very engaging and knowledgeable. If you are curious about something just ask him. If he doesn't know he'll find out before the end.

Would I recommend the tour and do it again? Absolutely!! My biggest oops, I forgot to take pics. Others in the group were snapping pictures, hopefully they will review and add their photos.

Thanks to all the business owners who are willing to participate! You made our trip to the Big Apple that much...

Looking for a food tour that captures the true soul of New York City? Request Renée—no question about it. She’s not just a tour guide; she’s a storyteller, historian, hype-woman, and local legend all wrapped into one unforgettable host.

From the moment we met Renée in Greenwich Village, we knew we were in for something special. She greeted every guest with such warmth and energy, instantly making the group feel like family. Her love for NYC is infectious—you don’t just hear her talk about the city, you feel it through her stories, her humor, and her deep-rooted knowledge of the neighborhoods.

And the food? Absolutely divine. We started with rich, velvety cupcakes that practically melted in our mouths, then moved on to iconic New York slices that set a new bar for what pizza should taste like. We sampled handmade pasta, authentic bagels, and even a few unexpected local favorites that only a true insider like Renée would know about. Every bite told a story, and every stop was thoughtfully curated—not a single tourist trap in sight.

What really made this tour unforgettable, though, was how Renée tied it all together. With every corner we turned, she layered in history, pop culture, architecture, and little-known facts that made the streets of the Village come alive. She pointed out spots tied to music legends, civil rights movements, and the roots of NYC’s food scene—all in a way that was fun, engaging, and never overwhelming.

She has a natural gift for reading a group, making everyone—from first-time visitors to seasoned travelers—feel seen and included. You can tell she truly cares about each guest’s experience. She even gave personalized recommendations for other places to visit, eat, and explore after the tour ended.

If you want more than just good food—if you want a story-rich, heartwarming, unforgettable New York City adventure—Renée is the one to ask for. Secret Food Tours hit the jackpot having her on their team.

Trust me: Book the tour. Ask for Renée. Bring your appetite—and your curiosity. You will not regret it.

🎶 P.S. If you love good vibes and great music, check out ALBOOBY’s latest single “Not Like Dem” on all streaming platforms—NYC energy...

The "Secret Food Tour of Chinatown and Little Italy" (from Secret Tours) is a 3-hour stroll through two of New York City’s most flavor-packed neighborhoods — loaded with history, culture, and, of course, some seriously tasty treats.

Our guide, Juan Pablo, was terrific, and pulled us in quickly with historical recounts of the gritty past of these neighborhoods. He painted vivid pictures from immigrant roots to civil unrest, gangs and chaos, to the results of tenacious human spirit and perseverance and legacies that remain today.

We kicked off in Chinatown with the area’s most popular handmade dumplings, followed by a shop renowned for its Pineapple Pork Bun - a phenomenal combo of sweet and savory that kind of explodes in your mouth at first bite. The final stop of the segment featured taro mochi munchkins - chewy, purple-hued creamy / earthy/ sweet-bombs from an Insta-Famous bakery.

Then, on to Little Italy for a huge slice of one of the city’s most highly acclaimed pizza, followed by the neighborhood’s best homemade cannolis. Next, mouthwatering mini tacos from a Vietnamese hot spot were tucked into the tour. We wrapped up with authentic New York Style Cheesecake from one of oldest running bakeries in the area - and it was worth the wait!

Every stop was a gem — small, local establishments, no touristy fluff. Juan Pablo is sharp and knowledgeable with a fun sense of humor. He encouraged questions, sparked conversations and made us feel like we were exploring the streets with a friend who’s...