Discover 10 best New York food tours in Queens – from guided walks in Astoria to self-guided bites in Flushing – with prices, tips, and fun comparisons.
New York Food Tours in Queens: Top 10 Tasty Adventures for Everyone
Under the 7 train in Jackson Heights, Queens – a bustling street known for its diverse eateries and vibrant food culture. Queens, New York City’s largest and most diverse borough, is a paradise for food lovers. With over a million immigrants calling Queens home, you can taste cuisines from all around the world in one borough. One of the best ways to explore this culinary diversity is through a food tour. In this guide, we’ll introduce you to the 10 best food tours in Queens – from guided group tours led by local experts to self-guided food crawls you can do at your own pace. We’ll compare their prices, neighborhoods, highlights, and insider tips, so you can choose the perfect foodie adventure. By the end, even a 7th-grader will see why Queens’ food scene is so special (and drool a little)!
Tip: Come hungry and wear comfortable shoes for any Queens food tour. You’ll be sampling plenty of delicious bites while walking through lively neighborhoods – an empty stomach and good sneakers are your best friends!
Why Take a Food Tour in Queens?
Queens isn’t as famous as Manhattan for tours, but it truly is NYC’s global food hub. In fact, travel experts at Lonely Planet named Queens the #1 travel destination in the US in 2015 largely because of its “truly global food culture”. This borough offers everything from authentic Asian street food in Flushing to homemade Latin American desserts in Corona, and classic Greek tavernas in Astoria. A guided food tour introduces you to hidden gems and local stories that you might miss on your own. Plus, you get to meet fellow foodies and learn the history behind each dish and neighborhood. If tours aren’t your thing, Queens is also great for DIY food adventures – but a knowledgeable guide can make it extra fun and informative.
Tip: Don’t be shy about asking questions on your tour. Queens locals are proud of their food and culture, so guides love when you show interest. You might even get bonus recommendations for where to eat after the tour!
Now, let’s dive into the 10 best Queens food tours. We’ll list each tour, what neighborhood it explores, how long it lasts, how much it costs, and what makes it special. After the list, you’ll find a handy comparison table and some FAQs to help you further. Let the mouthwatering journey begin!
1. Queens Food Tours – Flavors of Long Island City (LIC)
Neighborhoods: Long Island City (Western Queens)
Duration & Price: ~3 hours, $65 per adult (kids ~$48)
Overview: Queens Food Tours is a local company founded by two Queens natives that offers the “Flavors of Long Island City” walking tour. In about three hours, you’ll stroll 1.5 miles through LIC’s historic streets, stopping at 5–6 eateries for generous tastingscarlsbadfoodtours.com. This tour brilliantly mixes local history with local foodcarlsbadfoodtours.com. You might taste a 100-year-old family-recipe burger, authentic French pastries, rustic Italian bites, and craft brews – all while learning how this former industrial area became a hip food haven.
This tour consistently earns 5-star reviews on TripAdvisor and Yelp and was even named one of the “best food tours in NYC” by Time Out New Yorkcarlsbadfoodtours.com. Tour groups are kept small (max 16 people), and the guides are lifelong Queens residents passionate about their borough. It’s a great off-the-beaten-path New York experience, perfect for tourists who’ve seen Manhattan and are curious what else NYC has to offer. Families are welcome, and all tastings are included in the ticket price, so nobody leaves hungry!
Good to know: Queens Food Tours is the only licensed tour company focusing exclusively on Queens, and it shows – they live and breathe Queens’ food scenecarlsbadfoodtours.com. Tours run on select days (often Wednesday, Friday, Saturday mornings, and Sunday midday)carlsbadfoodtours.com. Be sure to book in advance, as spots can sell outcarlsbadfoodtours.com, given this tour’s popularity and media praise.
2. Eat Your World – Jackson Heights Walking Tour
Neighborhoods: Jackson Heights (Central Queens)
Duration & Price: ~3 hours, $75–$80 per adulteatyourworld.com
Overview: Eat Your World offers an “around-the-world” Jackson Heights Food Tour, led by founder Laura and her team of local guides. Jackson Heights is one of the most diverse neighborhoods on earth, and this tour lets you taste that diversity: think Tibetan momos (dumplings), Colombian arepas, Bangladeshi fuchka (street snack), and more – all in one afternoon stroll! Tours typically include 5–6 tasting stops, and group sizes are small (about 8–10 people), making it a friendly, intimate experience.
What sets this tour apart is the personal touch and deep knowledge of the guides. Laura is a longtime resident and travel writer, and you’ll feel like you’re exploring with a foodie friend who knows every hidden gem. Past participants rave that it was the highlight of their NYC tripeatyourworld.com. The guides introduce you to restaurant owners, order in local languages, and share fascinating stories about immigration and culture behind each dish. Family-friendly options are available too – they even run special family tours and kids’ scavenger hunts to keep young ones engagedeatyourworld.com.
On this tour, you’ll not only eat well but also learn a ton about Queens’ history and communities. It’s perfect for adventurous eaters and culture lovers. Vegetarian or have dietary restrictions? No problem – they accommodate most diets with advance notice. By the end, you’ll understand why Jackson Heights is called “the world’s borough in miniature.”
Insider highlight: A recent guest loved that her 8-year-old child enjoyed the tour as much as she did – in her review, she said it was “the highlight of her NYC experience!”eatyourworld.com That shows how engaging and approachable this food adventure is for all ages.
3. Joe DiStefano’s Food Adventures – Flushing Chinatown Tour
The vibrant storefronts on Main Street in Flushing reflect Queens’ thriving Asian food scene. This Chinatown is filled with hidden eateries waiting to be explored.
Neighborhoods: Flushing (Eastern Queens)
Duration & Price: ~3.5 hours, $110 per personjoedistefano.nyc
Overview: Joe DiStefano – nicknamed the “Culinary King of Queens” – is a renowned food writer and tour guide who has spent over a decade eating through Queens’ ethnic enclavesreddit.comjoedistefano.nyc. His “Feasting on Flushing” tour is a deep dive into NYC’s largest Chinatown (Flushing). It’s an amazing opportunity to follow an expert who knows every nook and cranny of this neighborhood’s food scene. Joe keeps his tours small (max 8 people)joedistefano.nyc and personally guides you through dozens of tastings: you might start with silky rice rolls at a tiny shop, munch on Xinjiang-style lamb skewers from a street cart, slurp hand-pulled noodles, and nibble on Chinese bakery treats. He also adds a cultural twist – past tours have included a peek inside a large Buddhist temple or a stop for unique regional Chinese sweets.
Joe’s tours are legendary among serious foodies – even travel TV host Andrew Zimmern called him “the gold standard” of food guidesjoedistefano.nyc. If you want an authentic, off-the-beaten-path experience, this is it. Keep in mind, Flushing can be intense for first-timers (crowded streets, minimal English signage), but going with Joe feels like having a local friend show you all his favorite spots. He also offers other themed Queens tours (like a 7-Train “World’s Fare” tour across multiple neighborhoods for $225, and an Elmhurst Thai/Indonesian tour)joedistefano.nycjoedistefano.nyc. Each one is an eating marathon, so arrive very hungry!
Good to know: Tours are scheduled intermittently – Joe often arranges them by request or on weekends. You can contact him through his website to join a public tour or set up a private onejoedistefano.nyc. And yes, the fee includes all the food on the tour (but not guide gratuity). By the end, you’ll probably have sampled 10+ different dishes. This tour is best for adventurous eaters ready to try new flavors; however, Joe can sometimes customize stops if you have particular preferences.
4. Nice Guy Tours – Astoria Walking Food Tour
Neighborhoods: Astoria (Northwest Queens)
Duration & Price: ~3 hours, $89 per person
Overview: Nice Guy Tours – known for their friendly Manhattan food tours – also runs an awesome Astoria Walking Food Tour. Astoria is a melting pot neighborhood, historically Greek but now home to Egyptian, Balkan, Latin American, and more. On this tour, a charismatic guide (often the “nice guy” himself, Dante) leads you to 6+ foodie stops ranging from old-school Greek bakeries to modern Middle Eastern cafes and Colombian shops. You’ll taste a little of everything: perhaps a fresh spanakopita (spinach pie), juicy souvlaki, Middle Eastern falafel or baklava, and other international bites that represent Astoria’s diversity.
Along the way, you’ll also hear local stories – like how Astoria earned nicknames like “Greektown” and “Little Egypt.” The tour showcases the neighborhood’s character with walks through its bustling markets and streets lined with family-run businessesniceguytours.comniceguytours.com. It’s a fun, relaxed outing suitable for all ages. The group sizes are kept around 12 or fewerniceguytours.com, so you can easily chat with the guide and fellow guests. One cool thing: vegetarians are welcome (the tour is vegetarian-friendly by design, and many stops have meat-free options)niceguytours.com.
This tour only runs once a week (often on Fridays at 11 AM)niceguytours.com, so plan accordingly. If you’re interested in Astoria’s famous craft beer scene or the historic Steinway piano factory, ask your guide – they often give extra tips on what to explore after your food coma sets in. By tour’s end, you’ll see why Astoria is considered a must-visit NYC neighborhood for both its delicious food and its vibrant community spirit.
Did you know? Astoria is also pop-culture famous – it’s Peter Parker’s (Spider-Man’s) hometown and has been the backdrop for many films. The mix of culture, history, and of course amazing food makes it a unique stop that many tourists overlook in favor of Manhattan. Don’t make that mistake, or you’ll miss out on the real New York that locals love.
5. Food On Foot – “International Express” Subway Food Tour
Neighborhoods: Multiple (Long Island City, Jackson Heights, Corona, etc. along the 7-subway line)
Duration & Price: ~4.5 hours, $59 for tour ticket (food extra, about $20 self-budget)
Overview: If you prefer a more adventurous, you-choose-what-to-eat experience, Food on Foot Tours offers the “International Express” Queens Food Tour – a hop-on, hop-off subway foodie crawl along the 7 Train (aptly nicknamed the “International Express” for connecting so many cultures). This tour meets in Midtown Manhattan and then takes you out to Queens by subway with a large group of fellow explorers. The guide will lead you through 4-5 authentic, off-the-beaten-path eateries in different ethnic neighborhoods. What’s unique is that unlike traditional tours, you pay for your own food at each stop (either choosing items yourself or using a pre-paid food credit system). This means you can eat as much or as little as you want and try exactly what looks good to you. It’s a bit like a curated food crawl where you decide the menu.
Expect to visit places tourists rarely go – the motto of this tour is “where New Yorkers eat, not where guidebooks tell you.” You might find yourself in a tiny Colombian bakery one moment and a Filipino street-food stand the next. All the stops are surprises (the guide doesn’t reveal them beforehand, adding to the fun)foodonfoottours.com. The tour often covers at least 3 neighborhoods – for example, you might sample Chinese dumplings in Flushing, then Indian chaat in Jackson Heights, then Mexican tacos in Corona. Transportation is part of the adventure, as you’ll be riding the subway and walking through real NYC streets. The groups can be larger (sometimes 20-30 people), making it a sociable outing where you “meet and mingle” with other travelers while waiting for food.
This tour is budget-friendly: the New York Pass and other tourist passes even include it for free (normal ticket value ~$59). Just remember to bring a MetroCard or use OMNY for the subway rides, and cash or card for the eateries. Come very hungry – the guide recommends skipping lunch beforehand, as the tour can replace one or two meals! By the end, you’ll have tasted a world of flavors for roughly the price of one restaurant dinner. It’s an awesome option for adventurous eaters on a budget.
Tip: Because Food On Foot tours are popular and only run a few days a week (seasonally from spring to fall), reserve your spot early. They often fill up fast, and walk-ups aren’t accepted. Also, be prepared for a lot of walking and standing – it’s a casual tour but around 4+ hours on your feetfoodonfoottours.com. The trade-off is you truly get an authentic slice of Queens life, side by side with locals, which many participants say is a highlight of their NYC visit.
6. GuruWalk – Free Queens Food & History Tour (Jackson Heights & Corona)
Neighborhoods: Jackson Heights, Corona (Central Queens)
Duration & Price: ~2.5–3 hours, Pay-what-you-wish (tip-based, usually $15–$50)guruwalk.com
Overview: On a tight budget? There’s a free (tips-supported) walking tour of Queens that combines history, culture, and food in Jackson Heights and Corona. Offered via GuruWalk by a licensed guide named Alex, this tour doesn’t have an upfront fee – you simply tip the guide what you feel it was worth at the endguruwalk.comguruwalk.com. Despite being “free,” it’s a quality tour – Alex is a professional guide and local blogger passionate about Queens’ food and storiesguruwalk.com. The tour starts in Jackson Heights, where you’ll learn about the neighborhood’s evolution and demographic makeup (how it went from an early 1900s development to an immigrant haven). Walking under the famed elevated 7 train, you’ll explore the streets, seeing historic sites and of course stopping for street food like Colombian arepas, Mexican tacos, Ecuadorean ceviche, or Tibetan momos. Alex typically includes several food stops (from carts or little shops), and you can buy whatever snacks you’d like to tryguruwalk.comguruwalk.com – keeping in mind that since it’s pay-as-you-go, you’ll need to pay for your own food items (bring some cash).
What’s great about this tour is the blend of food tastings with rich context. You’ll hear about how immigration waves changed the face of Corona (from Italian and Jewish communities to predominantly Latin American today)guruwalk.com, and meet local business owners who share their personal storiesguruwalk.com. Past attendees describe the tour as “an unforgettable journey through history, culture, and cuisine”guruwalk.com. And the reviews are excellent – it’s rated about 4.9 out of 5 with over 100 reviews, praising Alex’s enthusiasm and knowledge.
Because it’s tip-based, this tour often attracts a fun mix of travelers. It’s also a bit more flexible and casual than a traditional tour – the guide can adapt stops based on group interests or dietary needs. Just note that GuruWalk tours require a minimum of 5 participants to runguruwalk.com, so don’t be the only one to show up! It’s best to reserve online (free reservation) so the guide knows how many are coming. In the end, you get a fantastic Queens experience for whatever price you decide – making this the perfect introduction for budget-conscious tourists or even NYC locals who want to learn more about their borough.
7. Culinary Backstreets – “United Kitchens” Queens Full-Day Tour
Neighborhoods: Corona, Jackson Heights (Central Queens)
Duration & Price: ~5-6 hours (full day), $175 per adult
Overview: For hardcore food explorers, Culinary Backstreets (an international food tour company famed for deep dives) offers a Queens “United Kitchens” Tour. This is a full-day walking feast through two of Queens’ most diverse areas: Corona and Jackson Heights. It’s aptly named “United Kitchens” because you truly taste how the world comes together in Queens. Over the course of ~5+ hours, you will sample a dozen or more specialties from all over the globe – think Mexican cemita sandwiches the size of your head, Bangladeshi street snacks, Dominican sweets, Tibetan dumplings, Colombian juices… the list goes on. By the end, you might have tried food from 8–10 different countries without ever leaving NYC!
These tours are led by extremely knowledgeable guides (often Queens locals or even food bloggers/chefs) and focus on off-the-beaten-path eateries and street vendors. You’ll venture into tiny markets, chat with vendors, and eat shoulder-to-shoulder with neighborhood regulars. One guide, for example, is the son of the famous “Arepa Lady” street vendor, bringing authentic local insightfathomaway.comfathomaway.com. Culinary Backstreets emphasizes context: you’ll learn about the history of each community, the stories of immigrant families behind each business, and even about social issues (they discuss how immigration policies affect these neighborhoods, for instance)fathomaway.comfathomaway.com. It’s a food tour and anthropology lesson in one.
Be prepared for an intense food marathon – not just eating, but lots of walking (including possibly an extended route into Elmhurst for an even bigger tour option)fathomaway.comfathomaway.com. The price is steep, but it covers all the abundant food and the expert guidance. This tour is perfect for travelers who want the ultimate Queens food experience and are willing to invest the time (and money) for a truly immersive day. It’s also great for lifelong New Yorkers who have never fully explored Queens’ ethnic enclaves. By late afternoon, you’ll have a new appreciation for the borough’s nickname as “The World’s Borough.”
Note: This tour usually runs on Saturdays and often sells out (small group size). They also offer a Flushing-focused full-day tour on other datesculinarybackstreets.com, if you prefer to conquer Flushing’s Chinatown with them. If you love in-depth storytelling and aren’t afraid of a six-hour outing, Culinary Backstreets will be a delicious adventure. Just don’t eat breakfast beforehand, trust us!
8. Noshwalks – Queens Ethnic Neighborhood Tours
Neighborhoods: Various – Astoria, Elmhurst, Flushing, Jackson Heights, Jamaica, Corona, Rego Park, Richmond Hill (tours focused on specific areas)
Duration & Price: ~3-4 hours, $60–$70 per person (approx., varies by tour)
Overview: Noshwalks is a long-running tour company founded by Myra Alperson, who has been doing food walking tours of NYC’s neighborhoods for decades. Her Queens tours are legendary for covering every corner of the borough’s international food map. Instead of one set route, Noshwalks offers many different tours, each spotlighting a particular community or cuisine. For example, there’s “It’s Greek to Me – and then some!” in Astoria (Greek, Brazilian, Balkan eats)noshwalks.com, a Latin American Jackson Heights tour (tasting Colombian, Ecuadorian, Mexican goodies)noshwalks.com, a South Asian Jackson Heights tour (Indian, Pakistani, Nepali, Tibetan spots)noshwalks.com, an Elmhurst tour dubbed “NYC’s 4th Chinatown” (Chinese, Thai, Indonesian foods and even a visit to a Thai temple)noshwalks.com, a Flushing tour in Chinatown (with Chinese, Korean, Indian stops)noshwalks.com, and even more offbeat ones like a tour of the Bukharian Jewish and Central Asian eateries in Rego Park/Coronanoshwalks.com, or a Little Guyana tour in Richmond Hill for Caribbean-Indian fusion treatsnoshwalks.com. In total, Noshwalks covers 10+ distinct Queens itineraries – basically, if there’s a cuisine in Queens, Myra has a tour for it!
Each Noshwalk is like a cultural immersion. Myra (or occasionally other guides she trains) will lead you through markets and bakeries, pointing out unique ingredients, and you’ll sample lots of small bites along the way (often pay-as-you-go to keep it affordable and flexible – so bring cash). It’s more informal than a pre-set tasting menu tour; it feels like exploring with a foodie friend who knows all the secret spots. Group sizes can vary but are usually intimate. These tours are very educational too: you hear stories of immigrant families, historical tidbits, and even a bit of architecture or local art as you walk. Kids are welcome if they can handle the walking.
Because Noshwalks offers so many tours, each is typically scheduled just a few times a year. You’d check their tour schedule on the Noshwalks website to see what’s coming upnoshwalks.com. Alternatively, Myra can organize a custom tour if you have a group. For a true food adventurer, you could spend every weekend on a different Noshwalk and never be bored (or hungry!). It’s a fantastic way for even long-time New Yorkers to discover new delights in their own city. And for visitors, tagging along on a Noshwalk is like gaining instant local status – you’ll go to places even many NYC residents haven’t found.
Good to know: Noshwalks are held rain or shine and involve walking outdoors, so dress appropriately. You’ll often stop at outdoor vendors and indoor markets, so you get a bit of everything. Also, since you buy your own small bites, you can spend as much or as little as you like on food. Typically $15-$20 is enough to sample plenty. Myra’s motto is “nosh your way from Odessa to Bombay without leaving New York!”, which sums up the spirit of these tours perfectly.
9. Self-Guided Queens Food Crawl (DIY Adventure)
Neighborhoods: Choose your own – popular DIY routes include Jackson Heights & Elmhurst, Flushing, or Astoria
Duration & Price: You set the pace; budget ~$30 per person for ample food
Overview: Not into organized tours? You can absolutely create your own food tour in Queens. In fact, wandering and snacking is a cherished local pastime. One great DIY option is a day in Jackson Heights and neighboring Elmhurst – two adjacent areas packed with diverse eateries. Start at the Jackson Heights Roosevelt Avenue subway station and walk through the bustling street food carts (try a Colombian cholado fruit dessert or an Ecuadorean ceviche cup). Continue to 74th Street (a.k.a. “Little India” and beyond) for Indian sweets or Tibetan momos from hidden cafes. Then head towards Elmhurst for Thai tea and Indonesian satay. Serious Eats put together a gut-busting one-day itinerary where you can “span continents of edible territory in a single afternoon, all for less than the price of a sit-down Manhattan dinner”seriouseats.com – meaning you can eat a ton of amazing food on a modest budget. The key is to mix cuisines and share dishes so you can try more stops.
If Asian cuisines are your focus, a self-guided tour of Flushing is a must. Main Street in Flushing has malls filled with food stalls – for example, the Golden Shopping Mall or New World Mall food court, where dozens of vendors sell everything from hand-pulled noodles to Sichuan tacos. Grab a printed or online guide (many blogs detail Flushing food crawls) and follow your nose. It can be crowded and overwhelming (a fun adventure if you’re up for it). Pro tip: Visit the Ganesh Temple canteen for unique Indian vegetarian snacks, then walk to stalls on Prince Street for takeout lamb burgers or bubble tea. You’ll be amazed at how many different Asian cultures (Chinese, Korean, Malaysian, Indian, Taiwanese, Vietnamese, etc.) intersect in just a few blocks.
For a laid-back DIY tour, Astoria is also fantastic. You can start your morning with Greek pastries at a bakery like Artopolis, have lunch with Egyptian koshari or Lebanese falafel on Steinway Street, and end with Italian gelato or a craft beer under the Queensboro Bridge. Since Astoria is more spread out, you might want to take breaks or use the subway between sections.
Planning a self-guided tour does require a bit of research, but plenty of resources exist – from food blogs to Reddit threads where locals suggest their favorite must-try bitesyelp.com. An upside of DIY is you can focus on what you love (are you a dessert fan? Make a Queens dessert tour!). It’s also flexible timing – explore at your leisure, no reservations needed except perhaps at some sit-down restaurants. The downside is you won’t get the narrative and history a guide provides. A solution: do some quick reading on the area’s background (for instance, learn that Jackson Heights has over 167 languages spoken and why it developed such a food scene). Even Wikipedia or a local travel blog can give you context to appreciate what you’re tasting.
Tip: If you go self-guided, bring a friend (for safety and so you can split dishes!). Also consider going during the day for markets or early evening when street food is active. And definitely carry cash – many small vendors in Queens are cash-only. Finally, try to venture beyond your comfort zone: Queens’ magic lies in the unexpected delicious discovery, whether it’s a Tibetan dumpling truck behind a cellphone store or a tiny bakery selling Argentine empanadas next to a Bengali grocery. Happy exploring!
10. Queens Night Market – Food Festival Tour (Seasonal)
Neighborhood: Flushing Meadows–Corona Park (Central Queens)
Duration & Price: Open-air market, Saturday evenings (Apr–Oct), Free entry (dishes cost $5–$6 each)
Overview: While not a guided tour, the Queens Night Market is such a food tour-like experience that it deserves a mention. Every Saturday night (weather permitting) from spring through fall, Flushing Meadows Park (near the famous Unisphere globe) transforms into a giant open-air food festival. Over 50+ vendors set up tents offering homemade foods from dozens of countries – from Jamaican jerk chicken to Tibetan momos, Portuguese pasteis de nata (custard tarts) to Filipino isaw (grilled skewers). It’s like a world’s fair of street food, and prices are capped at $6 or less per item to encourage trying many thingsinstagram.com. You can literally have dinner by “grazing” from stall to stall – perhaps start with Taiwanese popcorn chicken, then Venezuelan arepas, then finish with Japanese shaved ice.
The Night Market is family-friendly and draws a big local crowd. There’s often live music or performances, adding to the fun vibe. As a visitor, you could make your own “tour” by chatting with the vendors (many are Queens residents sharing their family recipes). It’s also a great way to find food from countries that even NYC doesn’t have many restaurants for – e.g. Samoan or Uzbek dishes pop up here. Going to Queens Night Market feels like a festive community block party where the whole world is invited.
Since it’s only open on Saturday nights, plan accordingly. Go early (starts ~5 PM) if you dislike lines, as some popular stands can have queues later. With no entry fee, it’s easy to stroll and see what catches your eye (or nose). While not an official guided tour, you might consider pairing a Night Market visit with a daytime guided tour of Queens – that way you get a full weekend day of foodie fun, guided by day and freestyle by night!
Tip: Bring reusable utensils and a tote bag to reduce waste – the market strives to be eco-friendly. Also, the nearest subway (7 train) is about a 15-minute walk, so wear comfy shoes. Many local New Yorkers make it a point to visit Queens Night Market regularly; it’s that good. If you’re a tourist here on a weekend, this is an only-in-Queens experience you won’t forget.
Side-by-Side Comparison of Queens Food Tours
To help you compare these tours at a glance, here’s a quick overview table highlighting some key factors:
Tour & Provider | Neighborhood(s) | Duration | Price (USD) | Highlights | Best For |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Queens Food Tours (LIC) | Long Island City | ~3 hours | $64.95 adults $47.95 kidscarlsbadfoodtours.comcarlsbadfoodtours.com | 5+ tastings (full lunch), historic insights, #1 rated in Queenscarlsbadfoodtours.com | First-timers, families, off-beat NYC seekers |
Eat Your World (Jackson Hts) | Jackson Heights | ~3 hours | $75–$80 adultseatyourworld.com | 5–6 stops, small group, local guide (Laura), cultural stories | Foodies who love learning, family-friendly |
Joe DiStefano Tours | Flushing (& others) | 3.5–4.5 hours | $110 (Flushing) $225 (7-Trn “World’s Fare”)joedistefano.nycjoedistefano.nyc | Deep dives, tons of food, expert “Queen’s King” guide, very authentic | Adventurous eaters, experienced travelers |
Nice Guy Tours (Astoria) | Astoria | 3 hours | $89 per personniceguytours.com | 6+ stops, diverse cuisines (Greek, Middle Eastern, Latin), fun guide | Casual food fans, couples, small groups |
Food On Foot (Int’l Express) | Multi-neighborhood (7 line) | 4.5 hours | ~$59 ticketnewyorkpass.com (food extra ~$20) | Hop-on/off subway, you choose food, very local spots, large social group | Budget travelers, independent eaters, outgoing personalities |
GuruWalk Free Tour | Jackson Hts & Corona | ~3 hours | Free booking (tips ~$15–$50)guruwalk.com | History + food, street eats, passionate local guide, 4.9★ rated | Budget travelers, students, culture enthusiasts |
Culinary Backstreets | Corona & Jackson Hts | 5-6 hours (full day) | $175 per adultculinarybackstreets.com | 12+ tastings, in-depth storytelling, expert guide, off-tourist path | Hardcore foodies, culture buffs, small group (premium experience) |
Noshwalks (various) | Many Queens neighborhoods | 3-4 hours | ~$60 (varies) | Themed ethnic tours, lots of walking, pay-as-you-go bites, very authentic | Curious locals, repeat visitors, DIY fans who want some guidance |
Self-Guided (DIY) | Anywhere you like | Flexible | You set budget | Complete freedom, can follow blog itineraries, explore at own pace | Independent explorers, adventurous friends, picky eaters (choose your own) |
Queens Night Market | Flushing Meadows Park | Open evening hours | Free entry ($5-$6 per item) | Festival vibe, 50+ vendors, global street foods, live music, seasonal event | Groups of friends, families, night explorers, budget food sampling |
(Prices and details are as of latest info in 2025 and could change. Always check current schedules and availability.)
As you can see, there’s a Queens food tour (or adventure) for every taste, budget, and travel style. Whether you want a guided stroll with storytelling or a do-it-yourself food safari, Queens has you covered with an abundance of flavors.
Conclusion: Savor the World in Queens
Queens may not have the glittering reputation of Manhattan, but when it comes to food, it’s second to none. This borough offers an edible tour of the world – you can walk a few blocks and go from South Asia to South America, from the Caribbean to the Mediterranean. Taking a food tour in Queens is not just about stuffing your belly (though that will happily happen!); it’s about experiencing New York City’s cultural mosaic in the most delicious way possible. We’ve highlighted guided tours led by passionate locals, each providing a unique window into Queens life, as well as ways to roam and eat on your own. From the sidewalk sizzle of Jackson Heights to the night market buzz in Flushing Meadows, Queens serves up authenticity, diversity, and community with every bite.
So, ready to venture off the typical tourist path and chow down like a true New Yorker? Pick a tour that intrigues you from our top 10 list, or create your own Queens food crawl. Either way, prepare for an adventure that’s equal parts flavorful and memorable. As one happy tour-goer exclaimed, “This is the tour you are looking for in NYC!” – and we wholeheartedly agree. Enjoy your Queens food tours, and welcome to the World’s Borough. Bon appétit, or as they say in Queens… well, every language!
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