Quick Details
Introducing Portland’s World of Flavor Walk, highlighting curated hidden gems and diverse flavors that give Portland its genuinely cosmopolitan flair. Enjoy this walkable city with a big palate on an international discovery journey of a few blocks, tasting locally-sourced food prepared with the glorious recipes, techniques, and spices from many local migrant communities, hailing from across the globe. We always encourage the option to discover your new likes; opportunity is knocking.
On a 3-hour tasting trek through Portland’s accessible Old Port and waterfront, you will enjoy a selection of exquisite food while learning mind-blowing details of diverse foodways from an expert in the field, with some of the migration history of Maine and the U.S. thrown in, as a bonus on the side. We are all privileged to be here, whether we arrived 20,000 years ago or last month. Food has been one of the most important historical factors driving human migration!
Portland’s World of Flavor serves up a diversity of ethnic offerings on a compact route, eating a course each at several high-quality local restaurants that might not be on your radar. It will add up to a full meal, so come prepared to eat!
**Tour Details**
Our culinary tours tend to sell briskly, so book soon, you can always change your booking with at least 24 hours’ notice once you close in on your schedule. We encourage booking early in your stay to put the customized information and recommendations our guides present to practical use!
**Duration & Distance:** Tours run 3 hours and involve a comfortable walk under 1 mile
**Included:** All food and beverage tastings associated with the tour, tips to servers, and the base salary of a local culinary guide are included. We encourage our guides to tip 20% across the board, as our partners often contribute to the content of our presentations, and are always available to answer questions.
**Excluded:** Tips for your guide are not included in the advance booking price. 15% of your total bill before tax is the standard in the U.S., 20% shows you really appreciate their selections and expertise. $20-25 per person is typical.
**Who:** All ages love what we do, we can please even picky eaters
**Capacity:** Up to 10 people per tour, private tours are available for a small premium. But what a great opportunity to socialize and get to know people from other walks of life. We have learned that one of the crucial functions our walking groups offer is providing visitors with a community of new friends while they are in town. There is nothing better in a new place than feeling like you belong.
**Weather:** We offer this experience in rain, snow, and shine. Be prepared for adventure when it finds you.
**Typical international selections on your walk may include:**
· Mexican: Baja fish, Barbacoa, or Carnitas tacos, chips and choice of salsa
· Japanese: miso soup and sushi maki rolls
· Indian: naan bread, curries, or masala entrees
· Mediterranean: pizza or falafel
· A choice of beverages paired with servings, we will always introduce unusual and exciting opportunities and healthy non-alcoholic options.
· Desserts: homemade Lebanese baklava and Turkish coffee, Italian gelato, tira misu, or Mexican churros
· There are always superior vegetarian options available. With ethnic food, there is no vegetarian penalty!
**What to Wear**Comfortable clothing, bring layers for Maine’s changing weather, and your walkin’ shoes
**Where to meet:** Tour meets in front of the flag pole at 1 Union Wharf in Portland (advanced tickets required).
**Group Tours Welcome**
If you’ve got a group of friends, family or co-workers who’d enjoy a taste of the town, we offer this itinerary to groups of 8 or more as a private tour. Just contact us.
**FAQ**
Q: Where should I park?
A: We do NOT recommend using metered street parking as it maxes out at two hours. We recommend a parking garage or lot (link included in the confirmation email). The closest garage is the Custom House Square parking garage at 25 Pearl Street. Another is Spring Street parking garage.
Q: ** Is this tour handicap accessible?**
A: Portland’s dedication to historic preservation means that many buildings are small spaces with narrow doorways and some stairs. With this tour, there are a few doorways with steps to navigate.
Q: Is this tour kid-friendly?
A: This IS a family friendly tour and all ages are welcome.
Q: May I bring my dog?
A: We love dogs, but legally our partners are not allowed to have pets enter their premises unless they’re certified service dogs.
Q: What’s your cancelation policy?
A: We offer tour insurance for $5.99 per ticket that allows you to cancel your tour for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the start time of the tour. This must be purchased at the time of the tickets being sold and may not be added after the fact. Tickets are otherwise non-refundable for all circumstances and occasions.
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This walk easily accommodates pescatarians and vegetarians and gluten intolerant. Kindly include your allergies when asked during your booking.
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Tips for your guide are not included but appreciated when you have a great time!
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If you’ve got a group of friends, family or co-workers who’d enjoy a taste of the town, we offer this itinerary to groups of 8 or more as a private tour. Just contact us.
Additional Information
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We do NOT recommend using metered street parking as it maxes out at two hours. We recommend a parking garage or lot (link included in the confirmation email). The closest garage is the Custom House Square parking garage at 25 Pearl Street for $5.00/hour. Another is Spring Street parking garage at $3.00/hour.
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Portland’s dedication to historic preservation means that many buildings are small spaces with narrow doorways and some stairs. With this tour, we traverse the historic wharf street made of cobblestones, so this is not an advisable tour for wheelchairs etc.
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This IS a family friendly tour and all ages are welcome.
-
We love dogs, but legally our partners are not allowed to have pets enter their premises unless they’re certified service dogs.
-
We offer tour insurance for $5.99 per ticket that allows you to cancel your tour for any reason up to 24 hours prior to the start time of the tour. This must be purchased at the time of the tickets being sold and may not be added after the fact. Tickets are otherwise non-refundable for all circumstances and occasions.