Foods of NY Tours

Foods of NY Tours has been running food and culture walks in New York since 1999, and it describes itself as the original food tour company in the city. The idea is simple: combine tastings at long-established local shops, bakeries and eateries with stories about the history, architecture and people of each neighbourhood, so that you come away with a sense of place as well as a full stomach. The tastings are generous, designed as a full experience rather than tiny samples.

The Original Greenwich Village Food Tour is the signature route, exploring the West Village's narrow streets and old Italian shops. The Heart & Soul of Greenwich Village tour offers another angle on the same neighbourhood. Chelsea Market & The High Line combines the food hall with a walk along the elevated park, Flavors of Chinatown explores the neighbourhood's markets and kitchens, and Nolita's Past & Present looks at the changing streets around old Little Italy. Further afield, Gourmet Beacon is a day out in the Hudson Valley town of Beacon, with its own departure point there.

Public tours last about three hours. Private tours can be arranged seven days a week for groups of one to 48 people, with start times between 10am and 6pm, lasting two and a half to three hours, and they are popular for families, birthdays and corporate groups. Outside food and drink are not allowed on tours. Book online in advance, as popular dates sell out, and look out for occasional discount codes on the website.

Come hungry and skip a big breakfast, wear comfortable shoes and dress for the weather, as much of the time is spent walking between stops. If you have dietary requirements, contact the company before booking to check what each tour can accommodate. The tours suit first-time visitors who want an introduction to a neighbourhood, food lovers and groups looking for a sociable activity.

The company's office is at 9 Barrow Street in the West Village, and its phone line is staffed for enquiries. Meeting points vary by tour and are given when you book, so check your confirmation and allow time to get there by subway. Afterwards, the neighbourhoods where tours end are good places to keep exploring on your own.