Astoria Queens Global Bites Food Tour (NYC)

Explore the Flavors of Astoria with a Local-Led Food Tour

The Astoria Queens Global Bites Food Tour offers a delicious way to experience one of New York City’s most diverse neighborhoods. Priced at $89 per person and lasting approximately 2 hours, this guided walking experience is perfect for those eager to taste authentic foods from around the world. The tour starts at Queens Public Library on Broadway and ends near the Broadway Station in Astoria, placing you right in the midst of local shops, cafes, and sights.

What makes this tour stand out is its focus on multicultural culinary traditions. You’ll visit 6 unique food spots and venture inside three specialty markets: Mediterranean, Japanese, and a local fruit market. Led by a local guide who loves sharing neighborhood stories and flavors, this experience promises ample tastings that could easily count as a full lunch. It’s relaxed, intimate, and full of rich cultural insights, making it ideal for those who want to explore NYC’s food scene beyond the typical tourist spots.

While the tour is accessible for most, it’s best suited for hungry food lovers comfortable with walking and standing. The group size is limited to 12 travelers, ensuring a friendly, personable experience. Keep in mind that alcohol, coffee, and soft drinks are available for purchase but are not included in the ticket price.

Key Points

• Price: $89 per person for approximately 2 hours of guided walking
• Includes: Tastings of Colombian Pandebono, Georgian Khinkali, Moroccan Chicken Pastilla, Greek Pork Souvlaki, and Italian Cannoli
• Stops: Visits to Greek, Japanese, and local fruit markets for a variety of snacks, ingredients, and drinks
• Meeting Point: Queens Public Library on Broadway, easy access via R/M trains
• Group Size: Limited to 12 travelers for a personalized experience
• Booking: On average, tours are booked 18 days in advance

Starting Point: Queens Public Library and First Tastings

The tour begins conveniently in front of the Queens Public Library on Broadway, a well-known and easy-to-find location. Arriving here gives time to use the bathroom before the walk begins. The initial stop features Pandebono, a warm, cheesy Colombian bread with a lightly crispy outside and melted interior, served fresh from a local bakery.

This first tasting sets a friendly, casual tone for the walk ahead. The guide introduces the neighborhood’s multicultural vibe and explains the upcoming stops, creating anticipation for the culinary journey.

Introducing La Casa del Sabor Bakery and Colombian Pandebono

The second stop at La Casa del Sabor Bakery Restaurant offers a chance to sample Pandebono, a popular Colombian baked good. The warm, cheesy bread is chewy with a lightly crispy crust, providing a satisfying start to the tasting experience. The bakery’s offerings highlight the neighborhood’s Latin American influence, and sampling here offers a glimpse into the local community’s vibrant food traditions.

This stop is brief, lasting about 5 minutes, but provides a flavorful introduction to the tour’s focus on authentic, regional bites.

Georgian Khinkali at Mrs. Georgia

Next, the guide leads to Mrs. Georgia, a spot famous for hand-twisted Georgian dumplings filled with savory beef, pork, and rich broth. These juicy, flavorful dumplings are steamed and served hot, with an emphasis on traditional eating techniques—like how to eat them without spilling broth.

This stop lasts around 10 minutes, giving ample time to enjoy the robust flavors and learn about Georgian cuisine. It’s a highlight for those interested in discovering less-common international dishes.

Moroccan Chicken Pastilla at Moroccan Bites by Siham

The tour then visits Moroccan Bites by Siham, where Chicken Pastilla takes center stage. This Moroccan delicacy features flaky, golden pastry filled with spiced chicken, caramelized onions, and toasted almonds, dusted with cinnamon sugar. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, along with the crunchy and soft textures, offers a surprising and delightful culinary experience.

This stop is about 15 minutes long, providing time to savor the dish and appreciate the rich spices characteristic of Moroccan cuisine.

Exploring Mediterranean Markets for Ingredients and Pastries

Inside one of Astoria’s iconic Mediterranean markets, the guide introduces a variety of Greek, Turkish, and Middle Eastern ingredients. Visitors find olives, cheeses, fresh pita, spices, and local pastries, offering a sensory immersion into the flavors that define the neighborhood’s Mediterranean roots.

The visit here lasts about 15 minutes, enough to browse the vibrant displays and perhaps pick up a few ingredients or snacks for later.

Japanese Snacks at Ten Ichi Mart

The next stop at Ten Ichi Mart feels like stepping into Tokyo. This small Japanese grocery offers unique snacks, onigiri, mochi, instant ramen flavors, and essential Japanese cooking ingredients. The guide highlights some exclusive finds you won’t see in typical markets, making it a favorite for fans of Japanese cuisine.

Spending around 10 minutes here, visitors can browse and sample some of the signature Japanese snacks, learning about their cultural significance.

Local Fruits and Drinks at United Brothers Fruit Markets

A true neighborhood staple, United Brothers Fruit Markets specializes in affordable produce, fresh juices, and unique drinks and snacks. The highlight is local-made New York apple juice, sourced directly from nearby orchards.

This brief 5-minute stop offers a refreshing taste of local produce, along with a chance to pick up some fruit or drinks for the road.

Greek Souvlaki at King Souvlaki

The tour’s savory highlight is King Souvlaki, where grilled pork or chicken marinated in traditional Greek herbs is cooked over charcoal. The juicy, smoky meat showcases why Astoria is renowned for its authentic Greek cuisine. The tender, flavorful skewers are a satisfying culmination of the savory stops.

Spending about 10 minutes here allows ample time to enjoy the aromas and flavors that define Greek street food.

Sweet Finish with Italian Cannoli at Parisi Bakery

The tour concludes on a sweet note at Parisi Bakery with a freshly made Italian cannoli. The crisp pastry shell is filled with creamy ricotta and dusted with powdered sugar, offering a satisfying, lightly sweetened ending.

The last stop lasts about 5 minutes, giving time to savor the indulgent treat and reflect on the neighborhood’s diverse culinary tapestry.

Practical Details: Meeting Point, Accessibility, and Booking

The tour begins at 12:00 pm at Queens Public Library on Broadway. It’s accessible via the R/M trains at Steinway Station, making it easy for visitors to arrive by public transportation. The end point near Broadway and 30th Avenue keeps the walk conveniently close to local shops and cafes.

With most travelers able to participate, the tour emphasizes casual walking and standing. It is not designed for those with specific dietary restrictions such as vegan, lactose intolerance, celiac, or nut allergies, so guests should plan accordingly.

Booking is recommended 18 days in advance, and cancellation is flexible with free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start. The small group size of 12 guests ensures a friendly, intimate experience, led by a guide passionate about food and neighborhood stories.

How This Tour Compares to Other Experiences in NYC

The Astoria Queens Global Bites Food Tour offers a comprehensive taste of the neighborhood’s rich multicultural flavors. Compared to more general city tours, this experience emphasizes authentic, regional foods from Latin American, Georgian, Moroccan, Mediterranean, Japanese, and Greek cuisines.

While it’s focused on food tastings and neighborhood exploration, the stops are thoughtfully chosen, and the guide’s local knowledge shines through. The tour’s casual pace and ample tastings make it appealing to those who want a full, satisfying experience without overwhelming walking or structured sightseeing.

Why Food Lovers Will Appreciate This Tour in Astoria

This tour provides a well-rounded introduction to Astoria’s diverse culinary scene. Each stop offers a distinct flavor profile and cultural story, making it ideal for foodies eager to discover new tastes and learning about neighborhood traditions.

The friendly guide, passionate about the area, makes the experience engaging without feeling rushed. The small group setting encourages conversations and personalized attention, enhancing the overall enjoyment.

Final Thoughts on the Astoria Queens Global Bites Food Tour

For $89, this guided food walk delivers more than just bites—it offers an insider’s look into Astoria’s multicultural identity through its authentic foods and local markets. The ample tastings, friendly atmosphere, and accessible route make it a standout choice for visitors wanting to combine culinary discovery with neighborhood exploration.

While the tour isn’t designed for those with strict dietary needs, it excels at showcasing the neighborhood’s culinary diversity. It’s best suited for hungry explorers ready to enjoy delicious bites and engage with local culture in a relaxed setting.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is included in the tour price?
The $89 per person fee covers guided walking, all food tastings at six stops, visits to three specialty markets, bottled water, and a variety of snacks and drinks like fresh apple juice.

How long does the tour last?
The tour lasts approximately 2 hours, making it a manageable and enjoyable food adventure.

Do I need to make reservations in advance?
Yes, it’s recommended to book around 18 days in advance due to limited group size and high demand.

Is the tour suitable for all dietary restrictions?
The tour is not recommended for guests with vegan, lactose intolerance, celiac, or nut allergies as these restrictions are not accommodated.

Where does the tour start and end?
It begins at Queens Public Library on Broadway and ends near the Broadway Station in Astoria, close to local shops and cafes.