Melbourne Food Tour through Chinatown and Laneways with Drink

Melbourne, Australia
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Duration3h 10m
Free cancellationFull refund up to 24 hours before
Instant confirmationYour booking is confirmed right away
TicketMobile or paper ticket accepted
LanguagesEnglish
Group sizeUp to 8 travelers

Overview

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 eight, 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

What to expect

  1. Gordon Reserve
    25m
    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.
  2. Chinatown
    50m
    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.
  3. Bourke Street Mall
    35m
    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.
  4. Melbourne Laneways
    50m
    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.
  5. 15m
    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.
  6. 5m
    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.

Meeting and pickup

Meeting point

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

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.

Additional information

  • 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
  • All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
  • Suitable for all physical fitness levels
  • Tour departs daily at 11am. Arrive by 10:50am. We cannot wait for late arrivals.
  • Meet at the fountain in Gordon Reserve, 74-108 Spring Street, East Melbourne, directly opposite the Windsor Hotel.
  • By tram: Spring St / Collins St stop (routes 11, 12, 48, 109), then cross Spring Street to the park.
  • By train: Parliament Station, take the Collins Street exit, walk 2 minutes, cross Spring Street to Gordon Reserve.
  • By taxi or rideshare: drop-off at the Windsor Hotel, then cross to the park.
  • A detailed map with photo is sent in your booking confirmation email.
  • Exact venues vary based on seasonality, availability, and your group's preferences.
  • Alcoholic beverages are only served to guests aged 18 and over.
  • The tour is built for adventurous eaters. Vegetarian and common religious dietary requirements (no pork, no beef) can be accommodated. Allergies, gluten-free, and vegan cannot.
  • Wheelchair accessible. All venues have ramp or elevator access. Stroller accessible. Service animals permitted.
  • All ages welcome. Children must be accompanied by an adult.
  • Tour operates in all weather. Layers and an umbrella recommended.
  • Wear comfortable walking shoes and weather-appropriate clothing.
  • Bring a water bottle, camera or phone, and a light rain jacket or umbrella.
  • Bring an appetite!
  • Not suitable for guests with allergies (including nut, shellfish, dairy)
  • Not suitable for guests requiring gluten-free or vegan meals
  • Not suitable for guests with dietary restrictions beyond vegetarian or common religious requirements (no pork, no beef)
  • Not suitable for guests unable to walk 2 to 3 kilometres over 3 hours

Cancellation policy

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
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99.00 AUD per person
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  • Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts
  • Instant confirmation
  • You'll choose your date and travelers and pay on viator.com. Prices vary by date, group size and option.
Operated by Depot Adventures · Booked through Viator
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