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Free Lower East Side Food Tour

Where can you find a historic Synagogue next to a Bulgarian punk discoteque, trendy boutiques that sit comfortably beside decades-old "Mom and Pop" shops, or tenament apartments interspersed between luxury high rise condos?  Look no further than the Lower East Side to discover America's great Melting Pot.   The Lower East Side is known for its blend of cultural diversity and rich history.  It's also known for its great food.  Our food tasting tour is the perfect way to discover this facinating neighborhood. 

 

The streets of the Lower East Side tell the tales of struggling immigrants - Eastern Europeans, Russians, Germans, Puerto Ricans - who came to America in search of opportunity.  They brought with them recipes from the 'old world' and you can still taste these foods today.  Ever eat a potato knish?  How about a bialy or pletzel?  Care to try a green tea doughnut?  Not in the mood for something exoctic - no worries - we'll grab some of the best Chinese dumplings in New York City and we will pick up some pickles along the way.    

Join Free Tours by Foot as we visit historic synagogues, check out the area's latest in arts and architecture, learn about life in the tenements and master useful Yiddish phrases, all while refining our palates with delectable treats from around the globe. 

Food shops we stop at:

  • Yonah Schimmel Knish Bakery
  • Katz's Delicatessen*
  • Prosperity Dumpling
  • Kossar's Bialy and Bagels
  • Doughnut Plant
  • The Pickle Guys

*Katz's Delicatessen may be skipped if it's too crowded.

Sites we cover on the tour:

  • Orensanz Foundation for the Arts (in the historic Anshe Chesed Synagogue)
  • Orchard Street pedestrian mall
  • Russ and Daughters
  • Streit's Matzoh Factory
  • Economy Candy
  • Beth Hemedrash Hagodol Synagogue

At the food shops, YOU choose what treats you would like to nosh (that's Yiddish for 'snack on').  Try them all or none at all.  Unlike other tours that charge around $45 with some excluding food, on this tour, YOU choose what to eat and how much to spend.  Suggested amount to bring for snacks is $7-10, depending on your appetite!  Vegetarian and vegan options available at several shops.

View photos and read more in depth descriptions of sites and food from the Lower East Side Food Tour

 
2012 LES Tour Schedule (starting April 8th)
 
Mon
Tue
Wed
Thu
Fri
Sat
Sun
1pm
   Tour

 See consolidated tour schedule

Information

Where: Outside Yonah Schimmel's Knishes Bakery, 137 E. Houston St (map). Look for your guide with the Free Tours by Foot logo. 

Duration: Approximately 2 hours.  Tour distance is approximately 1 mile (1.6K)

When: Alternate Sundays at 1pm View complete schedule. 

Cost: Free! - Guides work exclusively for tips (gratuities).  Suggested sampling cost is $7-10, depending on your appetite.

Reservations: Reservations required.  Click New York Food Tour for reservation instructions.  Groups of 6 or more must contact us before booking.

FAQ Page.

Want to learn more about the neighborhood?  Then follow the link to the Lower East Side.


 

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