Chinatown Food Tour

Via Paolo Sarpi is the heart of one of the oldest Chinese communities in Italy. Over the last decade it went from a poor area to one of the nicest and most sought-after neighbourhoods in Milan.

We meet at Piazza Cairoli and take a 10-minute metro or tram ride to Via Paolo Sarpi. We start with coffee and Milanese pizza, then taste dumplings, skewers and hot pot. We finish with Italian wine at a family-owned wine shop that has been there since the '70s.

Between stops we talk about the history of Chinese migration to Milan, about the families behind each place, and about how the quarter changed.

Before you come: come hungry, because there are 5–6 tastings, enough for a big lunch. Wear comfortable shoes, and bring an ATM ticket (not included).

Practical details

What you taste: About 5–6 tastings: coffee, Milanese pizza, dumplings, skewers, hot pot and Italian wine at a family-owned wine shop.

Small-group: Monday–Saturday, 10:00

Private: Monday–Saturday, hotel pickup

Meeting point: Piazza Cairoli

Getting around: We start at Piazza Cairoli and take a 10-minute metro or tram ride to Via Paolo Sarpi. Please bring an ATM ticket (not included).

Languages: English or Hebrew · private tours also in Italian or Russian

Guide: Isabella Bianco or Itay Novik

Price: €105 per person · private from €420

Good to know

Do I need a public transport ticket?

For Isola and Chinatown, yes: we take a short 10-minute ride from Piazza Cairoli, so please bring an ATM ticket (not included). Behind the Duomo is on foot only.

How does the private-tour hotel pickup work?

We meet you at your hotel anywhere within the city and continue on foot and by public transport (tickets not included). If your hotel is far out, we meet somewhere more central to save time. A private driver can be arranged on request.

Will the tour run if only a few people book?

Yes. Our tours always run, whatever the group size.

Can you cater for my diet?

Yes: vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, kosher, halal and allergies. Just mark it when you book.