Melbourne Food Tour through Chinatown and Laneways with Drink

3 hours 10 minutes (approximately)
Offered in: English

Most food tours hand you a printed menu and walk you through the same venues every time. This one doesn't.

Your guide meets you at Gordon Reserve at 11am, learns what your group eats and what you don't, then builds the route from there. Four to six substantial tastings across Chinatown and Melbourne's laneways, chosen around what's seasonal and worth your time.

The venues shift, but the format stays consistent: hand-folded dumplings, Michelin-starred yum cha, regional Chinese street food, oysters, soft cheeses, Indian dhai puri, and one drink at a top-tier laneway bar or cellar door. Non-alcoholic options available.

Groups are capped at twelve, giving your guide time for questions and the stories behind each stop, including how immigration and laneways shaped Melbourne into a food capital.

This is built to be your lunch, so come hungry. We accommodate vegetarians and religious dietary requirements. Built for adventurous eaters. Wear comfortable shoes for two to three kilometres.

What's Included

4 to 6 substantial food tastings across Chinatown and the laneways
Local English-speaking guide (Melbourne food expert)
Small group guarantee (maximum 12 guests)
Insider recommendations for restaurants and cafés to visit during your stay
One beverage (wine, beer, cocktail, or non-alcoholic option)
Walking tour of Melbourne CBD, Chinatown, and iconic laneways with cultural commentary
Additional food and beverages beyond the included tastings and drink
Transport to and from the meeting point
Gratuities

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point
Gordon Reserve

Gordon Reserve, 74-108 Spring Street, East Melbourne. Meet at the fountain directly opposite the Windsor Hotel. Arrive by 10:50am for an 11am departure. Your guide will be holding a blue umbrella and calling for "Melbourne Food Tour".

End point
Federation Square

Tour concludes in central Melbourne CBD near Federation Square, Swanston Street, or Bourke Street at approximately 2pm. Excellent public transport connections and within walking distance of major hotels.

Itinerary

Duration: 3 hours 10 minutes (approximately)
  • 1
    Gordon Reserve

    Gordon Reserve, 74-108 Spring Street, East Melbourne. Meet at the fountain directly opposite the Windsor Hotel. Arrive by 10:50am for an 11am departure. Your guide will be holding a blue umbrella and calling for "Melbourne Food Tour". Your guide learns what your group eats and what you don't, then sets the route. Around 15 minutes at Gordon Reserve before walking into the CBD.

    25 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 2
    Chinatown

    40 to 60 minutes exploring Melbourne's Chinatown at lunch-time peak. Possible stops include Shan Dong Mama, Tim Ho Wan, or Wang's Crispy Pancake, alongside the story of the Chinese migrants who established the district in the 1850s.

    50 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 3
    Bourke Street Mall

    30 to 45 minutes across Melbourne's multicultural food scene. Possible stops include Chapati for Indian dhai puri and curries, Cookie for Thai, Muli Express for fresh oysters, or Spring Rock for lamb nuggets.

    35 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 4
    Melbourne Laneways

    45 to 60 minutes through Hosier Lane and the laneway network. Your included beverage is served at a top-tier laneway bar, cellar door, or restaurant chosen by your guide.

    50 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 5

    15 to 30 minutes for dessert: innovative ice cream from Hareruya Pantry, old-school Italian granita from Pellegrini's, or another artisan treat your guide selects.

    15 minutes Admission ticket free
  • 6
    Federation Square

    Tour concludes in central Melbourne CBD near Federation Square, Swanston Street, or Bourke Street at approximately 2pm. Excellent public transport connections and within walking distance of major hotels.

    5 minutes Admission ticket free

Additional info

  • Wheelchair accessible
  • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
  • Service animals allowed
  • Public transportation options are available nearby
  • Specialized infant seats are available
  • Transportation options are wheelchair accessible
Supplied by Depot Australia
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Tags

Half-day Tours
Private and Luxury
Walking Tours
Street Food Tours
Small Group
Food & Drink
Short term availability

Cancellation Policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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