A Chef's Tour. 😙🤌🏼✨
You guys, I'm officially in love with A Chef's Tour. If you like being surprised, then read no more and book one of these tours now!!
Bangkok Backstreets in Thailand
Old Siam in Thailand
Northern Flavours in Thailand
Lanna Kingdom in Thailand
Southern Flavours in Thailand
Baba Tastes in Thailand
Chow Kit in Malaysia
Singapura Bites in Singapore
Burmese Tales in Myanmar
Hanoi Dawn in Vietnam
Kowloon Kitchen in Hong Kong
Bombay Express in India
Chandni Chowk in India
Bengali Nights in India
Medina Stories in Morocco
Cairo Nights in Egypt
Viejo Bogota in Columbia
buuuut, if you're like me and you have limited time off and want to know exactly what you're getting into... keep reading.
I've taken two tours with A Chef's Tour, Northern Flavours & Old Siam, and plan to take more every chance I get. This is my general overview so for a deep-dive post into Northern Flavors click here (coming soon!) or Old Siam click here (coming soon!).
Good luck finding her 5th generation street ‘restaurant’ without a guide and even better luck communicating your order. Woah. That was pretty snarky for me, but I mean it: best of luck!! 😅
1. It's more than just a food tour.
Both tours went way beyond food. It included unique transportation between each tasting location and a true feeling that you are eating in spots that rarely see a tourist (outside of your little group, of course). It's an insight into the local way of life. This is not the case with other food tours I've taken which often focus on spots that are well-known or easy to access.
Melt. In. Your. Mouth. Delicious.
2. The other tasters were fun to meet.
You already have something in common with your fellow eager eaters from all of the world: you all found and booked the same tour! Each group of guests was a cool cross-section of those who travel with a sense of adventure. I would especially recommend for solo travelers to book something like this when you're feeling lonely.
Got the solo traveler blues? You’re not alone—I read about this all the time in my travel groups. Make quick friends for a few hours and you’ll feel like yourself again in no time. You may even meet some people who want to keep hanging out after the tour!
3. No question was left unanswered.
As someone who loves a food tour, I've found that many tour operators have to admit they don't always know the answer to your question or can't completely understand what you are asking. A Chef's Tour guides are so friendly, open, and have a wonderful grasp of English. It's the little things in the tourism industry that can set you apart and ACT def. has it! The guides were very helpful in arranging transportation to everyone’s next destination after the tour was over. This is above-and-beyond service.
Maybe this photo is only making my mouth water because I remember the taste of this pork knuckle, but it was Golden Hour and the light was perfect and BONUS: Anthony Bourdain once ate here. A perfect moment in time.
4. You will leave full of food.
This seems like a no-brainer, but I have definitely left a food tour peckish for another nibble. NOT the case with A Chef's Tour—in fact, you may have more trouble making room for the yummy things at the very end. The tours I took ended in locations where you could buy more food of different varieties if you somehow neglected to eat your fill. The website listed a certain number of dishes to be tried... pretty sure they nearly DOUBLED that number. Exceeds expectations. 10/10
Just to show you how tricky it can be to find the best street food on your own: I kept an eye out for Flavor Bombs the next week because they were so delicious. Despite their popularity with locals, I never came across these little guys again… the difference is knowing where to find them!
5. Make the most of your time.
If you have months in a country, by all means, wander around, get lost, stumble upon hidden gems… but if you’re like me (and most Americans) with limited time off, you have to make the most of it. Actually, now that I write this, even if you have unlimited time, take a food tour to start—you’ll find the best spots without delay and know where to go back for the your favorite eats. A food tour with the right company can be one of the most authentic experiences you will have.
Can you hear the chicken crackling over the coals? Can you?!
A special thanks to A Chef’s Tour for taking a chance on my fledgling little travel blog by giving me a small commission if you find & book them through one of my links (doesn’t cost any extra to you!). Also! Please tip your guide. It means a little to you and a lot to them. ♥️