Tour Guide Q+A

Feature:
Tour Guide Q+A

May 2026

Spotlight on our Chinatown Food Tour Guide

Meet Surge!

Surge was born and raised in Central China, went to college in PA, and moved to Philadelphia right after graduation. He loves Philly for its vibrancy and diversity and works for a tech company and tutors Mandarin Chinese when he's not exploring our local food scene.

Q+A with Surge

When did you join City Food Tours?

March 2024

What inspired you to become a food tour guide?

I went to an alumni event hosted by City Food Tours at Reading Terminal Market. I really enjoyed the event and wanted to continue being part of that experience

What’s your personal favorite dish in the city and where do you go to get it?

Sunday Gravy Special Pasta at Little Nonna's

How would you describe the city’s food identity in a few words?

Diverse, savory, cheesy - pun intended

Are there any underrated dishes or spots tourists usually miss?

Xi’an Sizzling Woks in Chinatown and University City is an overlooked gem

What’s something surprising about running a food tour that people wouldn’t expect?

How much tour guides talk beyond just food, including cultures and people around it

Any funny or unexpected moments on a tour that stand out?

An enthusiastic guest on the Chinatown Food Tour was learning Chinese. He wanted to learn as many Mandarin words and phrases as possible

What’s a common food mistake tourists make here?

Not using tongs for the super delicate soup buns

What keeps you passionate about this work?

Seeing guests have a good time and learn more about my Chinatown community

Learn More About Our Chinatown Food Tour

Whether you're new to Chinatown or a frequent visitor eager to dive deeper, this immersive 2.5-hour guided food tour offers an unforgettable taste of one of Philadelphia’s most dynamic and culturally rich neighborhoods. Along the way, you’ll sample a wide range of dishes. Each stop features intimate, locally owned restaurants that represent a variety of Asian cultures, showcasing both traditional and modern flavors. Vegetarian and pescatarian substitutions can be accommodated with advance notice.

What to Expect

A Satisfying Meal Across Multiple Stops: Savor authentic dishes and drinks from a diverse mix of Asian cuisines - 4 stops total, enough food for a complete meal.
Guided Cultural Insight: Learn about Chinatown’s rich history, vibrant community, and
evolving future from a passionate local guide.
Local Shops & Hidden Gems: Discover specialty markets and cultural landmarks within the neighborhood
Perfect for Visitors and Curious Locals: Ideal for locals, travelers, international visitors, and anyone curious about Philadelphia’s unique Chinatown district
Central Location & Easy Access: Just steps from City Hall, the Convention Center, and Reading Terminal Market. Conveniently reachable via Jefferson Station (regional rail), subway lines, and rideshare services.