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If you’re hungry in Boston, there’s no better place to be than Chinatown. I recently spent a full day eating my way through Boston’s Chinatown and was not disappointed.
Whether you’re planning your first trip or just looking to try something new, this guide has all my top picks for where to eat and what to try on your own Chinatown foodie tour!
Boston’s Historic Chinatown
Boston’s Chinatown is one of the oldest in the United States, dating back to the late 1800s when Chinese immigrants settled in the area after working on the railroads.
Today, the neighborhood is known for its vibrant food scene, the iconic Chinatown Gate, and its mix of traditional markets and modern restaurants.
Walking through the streets, you’ll spot colorful murals, herbal shops, and decades-old eateries that reflect the community’s rich cultural heritage.
Boston Chinatown Food Tour Stops
Here is a look at everywhere I ate, as well as a map of the locations so you can take the same self-guided food tour of Chiantown in Boston!
Looking for something specific? Use the drop-down!
1. Bánh Mì Houng Que
Address: 71 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111
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Our foodie adventure kicked off at Bánh Mì Houng Que, rumored to serve the best bánh mì in Chinatown—and it didn’t disappoint.
I ordered a refreshing Thai Iced Tea while we waited for our sandwiches to be made.
The small seating area gave us the perfect view to people-watch as the delicious aromas filled the air.
The star of the show? The Five-Spice Chicken Bánh Mì, served on a perfectly toasted baguette.
It came loaded with all the essentials—pork pâté, house mayo, pickled carrots and daikon, cucumber, jalapeños, scallions, cilantro, and their signature house sauce.
The combination of flavors was incredible, crispy, savory, and just the right amount of kick.
And at just $7.50, it was one of my favorite cheap eats in Boston’s Chinatown.
2. Bao Bao Bakery
Address: 45 Beach Street, Boston, MA 02111
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Next up was Bao Bao Bakery, a spot that definitely lives up to its reputation for delicious, unique treats.
We started with their Curry Bao Bun, which was the perfect balance of savory and fluffy—soft on the inside with just the right amount of spice. It was the ideal snack to keep us going on our tour.
We couldn’t resist trying a few of their macarons, and we’re so glad we did.
One of the highlights was the Thai Tea Macaron, which brought a delightful twist to the traditional flavor with its fragrant, creamy filling.
The best part? The prices were incredibly reasonable, making it hard not to buy everything in sight. But we had self controls since our food tour was just kicking off.
3. Ho Yuen Bakery
Address: 88 Beach Street, Boston, MA 02111
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Our next stop was Ho Yuen Bakery, a gem known for its traditional Chinese pastries. I had to try the famous Lotus Seed Pie, a savory-sweet pastry.
The pie is filled with a smooth, subtly sweet lotus seed paste, a popular ingredient in Chinese desserts.
The filling has a creamy, slightly nutty flavor that pairs perfectly with the soft, flaky crust.
It’s a unique pastry that’s not as commonly found in every bakery, making it an absolute must-try when you’re exploring Chinatown.
4. Taiwan Bakery
Address: 65 Harrison Ave, Boston, MA 02111
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Next up, we visited Taiwan Bakery, where we tried the Black Sesame Pastry for just $5.50 per bag. I never tried a black sesame pastry before, so of course I had to today.
This treat is a real standout, with a soft, flaky pastry that’s filled with a smooth black sesame paste.
The flavor of black sesame is rich and nutty, with a hint of sweetness that makes it utterly satisfying.
If you’re looking for something a little different from your usual sweet snacks, this is definitely worth a try—and at that price, it’s hard to resist!
5. Fuchun Ju
Address: 42 Beach Street, Boston, MA 02111
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Our last stop was Fuchun Ju, the perfect place to end our food tour with some seriously delicious dumplings. This place was the priciest of the day, but also still very affordable!
We couldn’t resist trying the Rainbow Soup Dumplings, a colorful mix made with a variety of fillings—from classic pork to seafood—each one bursting with flavor in every bite.
We also went for the Truffle Soup Dumplings, which were rich and savory. These are made with pork and get their warm golden color from pumpkin, adding a subtle earthiness that pairs beautifully with the truffle.
We sipped on a pot of hot tea as we enjoyed our dumplings, and it was the perfect way to wind down after a day of eating our way through Boston’s Chinatown.
Tips for Your Boston Chinatown Food Tour
- Wear comfortable walking shoes: Chinatown is best explored on foot, and you’ll be hopping from spot to spot—so make sure your footwear can handle it.
- Bring cash for the bakeries: While some places take cards, many bakeries are cash-only, especially for smaller purchases.
- Admire the Chinatown Gate: Take a moment to stop at the iconic gate on Beach Street—it’s a great photo op and a meaningful symbol of the neighborhood.
- Carry a bag for leftovers: With so many tempting bites, you might not finish everything at once. A reusable bag makes it easy to take your treats home to enjoy later.
- Check the hours: We arrived in Chinatown around 11:00 AM, and all of our spots were open. Always check hours for the day you are visiting in advance.
- Come hungry and pace yourself: There’s a lot to try, so take your time and share dishes when you can!
Boston Chinatown Food Tour Map
This is the walking route I followed on my Chinatown food tour, starting with a banh mi and ending with soup dumplings.
Feel free to follow it as-is or break it up however you’d like—there’s no wrong way to eat your way through Chinatown!
Boston Chinatown Food Tour Video
Here is a quick YouTube short of my foodie tour through Boston.
Keep Exploring Boston
If you’re looking to continue the adventure, here are a few more fun and flavorful ways to experience the city:
For another foodie experience, take my Ultimate Self-Guided Food Tour of North End Boston!
Make sure to visit The Best Speakeasies in Boston & How to Find Them!
Looking for something playful and sweet? The Museum of Ice Cream offers a colorful escape and tons of photo ops.
And if you’re craving a classic Italian dinner, don’t miss Tony & Elaine’s, a retro-style red-sauce joint in the North End.
Read all of my foodie guides for other tours you can take!
Or, browse my entire New England Collection, which features lobster roll spots in Maine!
Where Do You Want To Travel Next?