Embark on a culinary journey through Canada's oldest Chinatown and the charming streets of Victoria's Old Town. This small-group experience, curated by a renowned food writer, offers a blend of exquisite tastings and captivating stories.
Savor generous, chef-inspired dishes from carefully selected local partners, featuring diverse flavors from South Indian to farm-to-table creations, handcrafted dumplings, unique tacos, artisanal pastries, and craft beer.
Between culinary stops, your expert guide will bring the neighborhoods to life with engaging narratives, highlighting the rich history of Chinatown, architectural details, and the cultural tapestry of Old Town. Discover the significance of Fan Tan Alley and its hidden gems.
✓ Local guide✓ GST (Goods and Services Tax)✓ Food tasting✕ Gratuities (recommended) for tour guide1 Welcome and First Tasting
Your adventure begins at our central meeting point. Your professionally trained guide will greet you and introduce you to your fellow small-group travelers, followed by your first delightful tasting.
· 15 min
2 Victoria’s Chinatown National Historic Site
Explore Canada's oldest Chinatown for approximately 30 minutes, enjoying multiple curated tastings from esteemed local culinary establishments. Your guide will share insights into the cultural history, architecture, and stories that define this dynamic area.
· 30 min
3 Fan Tan Alley
Experience Fan Tan Alley with a guide who will unveil its history and hidden treasures through captivating stories. This picturesque alley is rich in history, and your local guide will reveal its secrets while you enjoy a delicious food sample.
· 15 min
4 Old Town Culinary Discoveries
Transition into Old Town, strolling through Market Square and along historic brick streets. Over the next 45 to 60 minutes, indulge in more chef-driven tastings, from international flavors to refined local favorites, while learning about the evolution of Victoria's dining scene.
· 15 min
Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking
We convene at our initial culinary destination, Maiiz Nixtamal. Your guide will be waiting outside the restaurant, holding a clipboard and wearing a nametag. Please note this restaurant opens at 11 AM.
The tour concludes approximately a 15-minute walk from the starting point.
Please inform us of any dietary restrictions immediately. Email us at info@offtheeatentracktours.ca or text us at 1-778-918-4584 at least 24 hours in advance to request dietary accommodations or the vegetarian option. Last-minute requests may not be accommodated.
Please double-check your booking date. Missed tours cannot be rescheduled and will require a re-booking at full cost.
Wheelchair accessible Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller Service animals allowed Public transportation options are available nearby Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap Transportation options are wheelchair accessible All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness Operates in all weather conditions, please dress appropriately Minimum drinking age is 19 years. We offer a non-alcoholic sample for youth and those preferring a non-alcoholic experience Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking; we need to know of any dietary issues before the tour starts. Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required Please triple check the date that you booked. We can not reschedule your tour if you miss the date - you will have to re-book at full cost. Hip & Hidden Chinatown + Old Town Food Tour Victoria
Confirm dietary needs at least 24 hours in advance. Wear comfortable shoes for walking. Dress appropriately for the weather. Bring your appetite for generous tastings. Be prepared for a moderate level of physical activity. Check your booking date carefully to avoid missing the tour. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Product code: 7021P7
Activity offered by Off the Eaten Track via Viator.
WizardTrip Help Center Food enthusiasts History buffs Travelers seeking local experiences Couples Small groups Explore Canada's oldest Chinatown Discover hidden gems in Old Town Enjoy diverse and generous food tastings Learn local history and stories from an expert guide Small group experience for personalized attention
Population 91,867 (2021)
Elevation 23 m
Currency Canadian dollar
Official languages English, French
Driving on the right
Power plugs A, B · 120 V
Emergency number 911
Capital city Ottawa Average temperatures 5° Jan 6° Feb 7° Mar 9° Apr 12° May 14° Jun 17° Jul 17° Aug 15° Sept 11° Oct 7° Nov 5° Dec Sources: Wikidata; climate: NASA POWER, 2001-2025 averages.
What are the dietary options available? + Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking. We need to know of any dietary issues before the tour starts. Vegetarian option is available, please advise at time of booking if required. Please confirm any dietary conditions with us immediately. Email us at info@offtheeatentracktours.ca or text us at 1-778-918-4584 AT LEAST 24 HOURS in advance to request any dietary issues or to request the vegetarian option. Any last minute dietary requests may not be accommodated.
What is the cancellation policy? + For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Is this tour suitable for everyone? + Wheelchair accessible, infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller, service animals allowed, public transportation options are available nearby, infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap, transportation options are wheelchair accessible, all areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible. Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness. Minimum drinking age is 19 years.
What should I bring? + Please dress appropriately for the weather. Mobile or paper ticket accepted. One per booking.
What happens if the tour is cancelled? + The tour is cancelled if not enough participants. For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time. Operates in all weather conditions.
Where do we meet? + We meet at our first foodie stop, Maiiz Nixtamal. Please note your guide will meet you in front of the restaurant, they will be holding a clipboard and wearing a nametag. This restaurant opens at 11 AM.
Reviews provided by Viator, written by travellers on Viator and Tripadvisor.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
One of the best (food) tours we ever had
325matthiasv, October 2026
Brenda was amazing, pure gold - amazing tastes, many surprises, but also astonishing knowledge on local (and global) lore. More than highly recommended, only five stars because more weren’t available
★★★★★ Viator review
This was fun and...
Katy_D, October 2026
This was fun and informative and had a great variety of food.. iI appreciate that they accomodated dietary needs.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Savoring Cultures
ronwF153ZD, October 2026
This delightful 2.5-hour tour was the perfect conclusion to a beautiful weekend vacation. While some may arrive with expectations, it’s best to leave them at the door. Our guide, Brenda, brilliantly highlighted Victoria Gaines’ insights on how diverse cultures create such a unique experience. Food truly is the perfect way to bring comfort and joy, all while making new friends along the way.
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
The worst experience and tour we’ve ever had
101elaineo, October 2026
When visiting new cities we love booking tours. I read the reviews of Hip and Hidden hind town and food tour, and they got good reviews we paid $125.00 each plus tax for the privilege of having Erik escort us.
Stop 1 - Mexican, had a lovely chicken taco not too big or too small.
Stop 2 - 3 bacon wrapped dates on a skewer. I’ve never seen a date that small.
Stop 3 - Indian restaurant, their take on poutine was a total failure. They had butter chicken over fries and maybe 3 curds. Complete mess.
Stop 4 - 2 delicious dumplings. The interesting take on this was we were lead to a secret garden. Right beside garbage cans and recycling bins. We were seated at a make shift plywood table with bird dropping on it.
Stop 5 - a bakery that served us a delious Thai bun. We took turn sitting at a small table to enjoy this messy wonderful desert.
Stop 6 - A micro brewery, this place had a fascinating story as we sipped all of maybe 4 oz of beer.
Stop 7 - a lovely marinated cube of chicken on a skewer, all two bites.
The ad specifically stated to come hungry. The pertains were ridiculously small 5 of the 7 stops.
Erik our tour guide who is a very gregarious individual completely dropped the ball. Between each venue there was little discussion and spent most of his time talking to an individual I can only describe as Mr. Pretentious Porsche. Half way through the tour we discussed if we could slip away as we both felt completely out of place and a 3rd wheel This was the worst tour experience we have ever had and I can’t believe we paid that much for it. I’d give them 0 stars if I could
★★★★★ Tripadvisor review
Family fun day
kathrynmR731MX, October 2026
Brenda was warm and informative. Our kids loved her stories and the food was amazing. These are spots that we wouldn’t have ventured by ourselves.
Show more reviews