A Wok in Chinatown: History and Migration Stories Inspired by Food

DESCRIPTION: Led by the dynamic duo of a Chinatown historian and a professor chef, your small walking group will hear amazing stories about the vibrant history of Chinese food as you stroll up Spadina Avenue in one of Toronto’s most unique neighbourhoods – Chinatown West. You’ll be transported back in time as Leo and Arlene Chan share their food memories that are linked so intricately with successive waves of Chinese immigration. Delight your taste buds with food samples at a bakery, BBQ store, and supermarket, and watch a culinary demonstration by a master dumpling chef.

START LOCATION: R&D Restaurant, 241 Spadina Ave, Toronto, ON M5T 2E2

Please arrive on time as the tours will be running on schedule.

GUIDES: Leo and Arlene Chan

GUIDE BIOS: The husband-wife team, Leo and Arlene, share their passion for Chinese food. Leo brings years of foodie experience as former Professor Chef of Asian Cuisine at Humber College and George Brown College, past Director of Site Operations at the Mandarin Restaurant, and food expert on radio and television shows. Daughter of the first Chinese Canadian to receive the Order of Canada, Arlene infuses her experience of growing up in Toronto’s Chinatown into her work as a Chinatown historian, tour guide, and author of seven books on the history and culture of the Chinese in Toronto and across Canada.

PARTNERS: Toronto Ward Museum, Heritage Toronto, Culinaria at UTSC

PARTICIPANT WAIVER AND RELEASE: By purchasing a ticket for this tour you acknowledge that you have carefully read and agreed to the terms and conditions outlined in our Tour Participant Release and Waiver agreement and fully understand its contents and significance.

TICKET SALES ARE FINAL. ONCE PURCHASED, NO EXCHANGES OR REFUNDS WILL BE ISSUED.

Photo Credit: Jens Ronneberger

Funded by the Government of Ontario