A new initiative this year is for members to gather together monthly to check out the fantastic food offerings in the city. For our inaugural event, and in honor of Lunar New Year, APT member Jenn Hensell has agreed to lead a group on a private 3-hour food and culture tour of Philadelphia’s Chinatown. This is the tour she regularly leads for the public with Free Tours by Foot. It is scheduled for Sunday, February 5, 1:30-4:30 pm.

Journey from the search for “gim sa” (Golden Mountain), to a rail worker bachelor society, to the birth of a vocal, thriving, and striving cultural enclave that is more than just a business district but a diverse and eclectic “Asian Town” that many call home.

Some of the foods sampled (time and space at the establishments allowing) are Tako Yaki, Vietnamese sandwiches, moon cakes, bubble teas, sweet tofu, soup dumplings, crepes, and much more – so show up hungry! At each food stop, you choose and pay for the treats you would like to taste. Bring a reusable grocery bag for the extras you’ll want to take home. You will not leave hungry for flavor or history!

Starting point is outside the AIA (American Institute of Architects) Bookstore at 1218 Arch St. between 12th and 13th Streets across from the Pennsylvania Convention Center. End point is Dim Sum Garden 1020 Race St.

Jenn will run the tour as she does for the public – as a name-your-own-price tour. You get to decide what to pay her when it’s done. Additionally she suggests bringing $25-$30 for food sampling, though you are free to buy more or less as your budget and appetite allow.

The tour is capped at 15 people, so sign up soon! Email Marianne at to register.