Portland, Oregon, is a city that takes its food seriously. Known for its innovative street food, thriving food cart scene, and eclectic neighborhoods, Portland offers a rich culinary landscape that’s perfect for exploring through a guided food tour. Whether you’re craving international flavors, local favorites, or a mix of both, there’s a tour that will satisfy your appetite for adventure.
One of our favorites is the Portland: Food Walking Tour, which takes you through downtown Portland with a local guide and comedian, serving up signature dishes from food carts and sharing fascinating stories about the city’s culture. We also love the Secret Food Tour with Local Guide, which offers a more intimate look at Portland’s history and its international cuisine in the heart of downtown. For a more lively, global experience, the Food Carts, Pods, & Patios Tour lets you sample from multiple food carts and enjoy Portland’s craft beer scene.
Below, you’ll find a detailed rundown of each tour, helping you decide which fits your style, budget, and interest level best.
1. Portland: Food Walking Tour
This 3.5-hour food walking tour explores the core of downtown Portland, giving you a taste of the city’s vibrant culinary offerings. What makes this tour stand out is its focus on signature dishes from popular food carts and a guided stroll through the city with a guide who’s as funny as he is knowledgeable. You’ll learn about Portland’s local food culture and uncover some hidden stories behind the city’s architecture and neighborhoods.
The guide’s flexibility means your experience can be tailored, making it ideal for those wanting a personalized touch. The tour includes tastings at several food carts, with some of Portland’s most beloved local favorites on offer, and the stories behind these dishes make the experience more engaging. The tour’s 4.8/5 rating reflects its popularity, with many visitors praising the mix of humor, insider knowledge, and delicious bites.
This tour is perfectly suited for food lovers who want a relaxed introduction to Portland’s downtown scene without feeling rushed. At $128 per person, it offers a comprehensive taste of Portland’s food scene, making it a good value for those wanting a full afternoon of culinary discovery.
Bottom Line: An entertaining, flexible tour that combines Portland’s best food carts with city stories, ideal for first-timers and those wanting a fun, relaxed experience.
2. Portland: Secret Food Tour with Local Guide
At number 2, the Secret Food Tour with Local Guide offers an intimate, 3-hour walk through Portland’s culinary heart. With a perfect 5/5 rating from 12 reviews, this tour is highly rated for its authentic focus on Portland’s international dishes made from fresh, local ingredients. Your guide will introduce you to the city’s cultural influences through food, with tastings included — so no need to worry about bringing cash for snacks.
The tour shines for its storytelling about Portland’s development as a food city. You’ll visit iconic spots in downtown, sampling everything from Asian to Latin American cuisine, and learn about the influences behind each dish. The guide’s lively personality makes the experience enjoyable and informative.
This tour is ideal for travelers wanting to learn about Portland’s multicultural food scene in a small-group setting. The cost is $101 per person, offering good value considering the quality of the guide and the food included. The tour is perfect for those with limited time but a big appetite for culture and cuisine.
Bottom Line: A highly-rated, culturally rich tour that combines international flavors with history, great for curious food lovers wanting an immersive experience.
3. Portland: Food Carts, Pods, & Patios Tour
If food carts are your thing, this Food Carts, Pods, & Patios Tour is a must-do. It’s a 3-hour walking adventure in the lively Central Eastside neighborhood, often overlooked by travelers. With a 4.8/5 rating from 17 reviews, this tour is praised for its variety and fun exploration of Portland’s global food scene.
The guide introduces you to 5-7 food carts and a local brewery, sampling hearty dishes like Canadian fries with cheese and gravy, and international options such as Burmese and Mexican. You’ll also learn about Portland’s history and how the food cart scene became a defining feature of the city. The tour concludes on a large patio with craft beer, a perfect way to unwind and reflect on the flavors you’ve tasted.
This tour offers excellent value at $115, especially given the diversity of food and drinks sampled. It’s suited for adventurous eaters who enjoy sampling multiple cuisines and appreciate local craft beer. The off-the-beaten-path neighborhood adds a layer of discovery for those wanting to explore beyond the major tourist areas.
Bottom Line: A flavorful journey through Portland’s global food carts, offering a lively and varied tasting experience in a less touristy neighborhood.
4. Portland: Guided Foodie Bike Tour
For a more active approach, the Guided Foodie Bike Tour combines sightseeing, exercise, and tastings over 3 hours. With a perfect 5/5 rating from just 5 reviews, this tour gets high marks for its relaxed pace and fun exploration of Portland’s most charming neighborhoods.
The itinerary includes stops at small eateries, local coffee shops, and ice cream parlors, giving you a taste of Portland’s best treats. Your knowledgeable guide shares stories about the city’s foodie culture and highlights Portland’s bike-friendly streets, making it easy to cover more ground than a walking tour.
This tour is well-suited for active travelers who want to combine sightseeing with tasting. It costs $95 per person, offering good value considering the combination of movement and flavor. The bike-friendly routes mean you can enjoy Portland’s neighborhoods without feeling rushed or cramped.
Bottom Line: A fun, health-conscious way to explore Portland’s culinary scene, perfect for those who prefer cycling to walking and want a lively, interactive experience.
5. Portland: Food Carts of the Eastside Bike Tour
If you’re interested in Portland’s food cart culture specifically, the Food Carts of the Eastside Bike Tour offers a 4-hour ride through Southeast Portland, known for its creative and evolving food scene. With 15 reviews averaging 4.5/5, it’s appreciated for its relaxed pace and authentic storytelling.
This tour is less about just eating and more about understanding how Portland’s food cart scene grew from farm-fresh roots to a city-wide phenomenon. You’ll visit four pods, sampling dishes from diverse cuisines, and learn about the history behind each. It’s a slow, conversational ride through neighborhoods that many visitors miss.
At $75, it’s very budget-friendly and perfect for those who love to combine cycling with cultural insight. The focus on the evolution of Portland’s food cart scene makes it ideal for foodies interested in local food politics and community stories.
Bottom Line: An affordable, in-depth look into Portland’s innovative food cart culture, best for curious travelers who want to see how Portland’s food scene has developed.
6. Portland: Westside Food Tour Like a Local
Rounding out the list, the Westside Food Tour offers a 3-hour walk through Portland’s west side. Although reviews are pending, the tour promises a mix of food and cultural sights, including a stop for a gourmet chocolate sampler and a warm drink in the city’s cultural district. Visitors will also explore Portland’s eclectic shops and visit the city’s largest independent bookstore.
This tour is best suited for those wanting a leisurely, cultural day with a focus on Portland’s upscale food scene and unique shopping experiences. Priced at $90, it provides a good balance of culinary and cultural exploration in a relaxed setting.
Bottom Line: A well-rounded, culturally engaging tour perfect for lovers of gourmet treats and Portland’s more refined neighborhoods.
$90 per person
How to Choose the Best Food Tour for You
When selecting a food tour, consider your budget, time availability, and culinary interests. For instance, if you want a quick, rundown, the Portland: Food Walking Tour offers a relaxed, engaging experience. If you’re more into cycling and active exploration, the Guided Foodie Bike Tour or the Food Carts of the Eastside Bike Tour might be better suited.
For those seeking an in-depth cultural dive, the Secret Food Tour provides a smaller-group experience with a focus on international influence. And if you’re eager to sample Portland’s famous food cart scene in a lively neighborhood, the Food Carts, Pods, & Patios Tour is hard to beat.
Booking early is advisable, especially in high season (spring through fall), when Portland’s food scene draws more visitors.
Final Thoughts
Portland offers a variety of food tours that cater to different tastes and activity levels. For a relaxed introduction, the Portland: Food Walking Tour is a fantastic choice, while active travelers may prefer the Foodie Bike Tours. Adventurous eaters craving international flavors will enjoy the Secret Food Tour, and those interested in Portland’s iconic food cart scene should consider the Food Carts, Pods, & Patios Tour.
No matter which tour you pick, Portland’s culinary diversity promises a memorable experience. Book early, come hungry, and enjoy discovering Portland’s best bites — you’ll find that the city’s food scene is as eclectic and welcoming as its neighborhoods.