Charleston Walking Food Tour With Secret Food Tours

If you’re considering a food tour in Charleston, this Secret Food Tours experience promises more than just bites — it’s a chance to taste local specialties while soaking up the city’s atmosphere. With a solid 5.0 rating from over 1,300 reviews, this tour stands out for its engaging guides, authentic eats, and a good dose of Charleston’s charm.

One thing we love about this tour is how it combines delicious regional dishes—from classic Carolina BBQ to She-Crab soup—with stories that bring the city’s past and present to life. Plus, its 3-hour walking format makes it an enjoyable yet manageable way to get a taste of Charleston without feeling overwhelmed. On the flip side, a potential downside is the price point at $110 per person, which might seem steep for some, especially as portions tend to be small. Still, many find the variety and quality make it worth the cost.

This tour is a great fit for food lovers, history buffs, or anyone wanting to explore Charleston’s streets with a full stomach and new knowledge. Whether you’re in town for a weekend or just want a relaxed way to become familiar with the city, this experience offers a blend of local flavors and captivating stories.

Key Points

• Authentic Charleston cuisine served in notable local spots
• Knowledgeable guides who share stories and history along the way
• Short walking distances make it accessible for most travelers
• Tasting a variety of dishes including She-Crab soup, fried green tomatoes, and secret specialties
• Small group size for a more personalized experience
• Flexible cancellation policy with free cancellation up to 24 hours before

What to Expect from the Charleston Food Tour

This walking tour is designed to showcase Charleston’s culinary gems in a relaxed, friendly atmosphere. Starting from a prime location overlooking East Bay Street, you’ll quickly get a taste of the city’s historical significance, with stops at iconic sites like the Custom House and the Historic Charleston City Market. As your guide shares insights about Charleston’s past—such as how ingredients like benne seeds and collard greens were introduced through the slave trade—you’ll gain context that makes each bite even more meaningful.

The Itinerary in Detail

United States Custom House:
Your first stop is a striking building that reflects Charleston’s once-bustling port activity. From here, your guide sets the tone with fascinating details about the city’s maritime roots. The Custom House’s impressive architecture is an instant eye-catcher, and you’ll appreciate learning about Charleston’s importance as a trade hub.

Historic Charleston City Market:
Walking through this lively market, you’ll see a hub of local artisans and vendors. It’s here that your guide explains how key ingredients like benne seeds and collard greens arrived and became staples of Southern cuisine. This quick but insightful stop connects food with the broader cultural fabric of Charleston.

Dock Street Theatre:
Next, you’ll stroll past the first theater building in America built solely for theatrical performances. This stop isn’t just about the architecture—it’s a reminder of Charleston’s vibrant arts scene, which pairs nicely with its culinary scene.

Tasting Stops and Dishes

The heart of the tour lies in its variety of tastings. You’re likely to enjoy:

• She-Crab Soup: An iconic Southern starter, rich and velvety, showcasing local seafood
• Fried Green Tomatoes: A Southern classic, crisp and tangy, often served in local eateries
• Benne Wafers: Thin, sesame seed cookies that are a Charleston tradition
• Chicken Bog: A comforting one-pot dish with rice and tender chicken, giving a true taste of regional cooking
• Handmade Local Ice Cream: A sweet treat that offers a refreshing break
• Secret Dish: A surprise offering that might leave you singing a happy tune — it’s part of the fun and keeps the experience lively

The Guide and Group Dynamics

Many reviews highlight passionate, knowledgeable guides who make the experience memorable. Guides like Perry, Robin, Sydney, and others routinely receive praise for their storytelling ability and friendliness. With group sizes capped at 12, conversations feel personal, and guides can tailor stories and recommendations to your interests.

The Food and Value

While portions tend to be small—common in food tours to allow sampling of multiple dishes—most guests walk away full, especially considering the number of stops. Whether the tour is “worth” $110 depends on how much you value local stories and authentic bites in a relaxed setting. Many reviews, such as Sarbeth_F’s, mention that they left with a full belly and a wealth of stories, making it a good value for the overall experience. Conversely, a review from Paul_R notes that some stops involved only drinks or small bites, which might be less satisfying if you’re super hungry.

Accessibility and Practical Details

The tour is designed to be near public transportation, making it accessible for most travelers. With a duration of around 3 hours, it’s a comfortable window to explore without fatigue. Travelers should note that hotel pickup is not included, so plan accordingly. Also, the itinerary and menu are subject to change based on weather and availability, but this flexibility helps keep things fresh.

Who Will Love This Tour?

Food lovers eager to taste local specialties will find this tour particularly satisfying. History buffs will enjoy the stories woven into each stop, and travelers who appreciate a small-group, friendly vibe will feel right at home. It’s a great way to warm up your palate before further exploring Charleston or to wind down after a day of sightseeing.

The Bottom Line

This Charleston Walking Food Tour offers a compelling mix of delicious regional dishes, engaging storytelling, and scenic strolling. The high ratings and glowing reviews suggest it’s well-loved, especially for its guides and authentic flavors. While some might find the portions small or the price a bit high, most agree that the experience offers good value through its combination of food, culture, and local insights.

If you’re someone who enjoys discovering a city through its food and stories, this tour will likely hit the spot. It’s especially suitable if you’re interested in understanding Charleston’s culinary traditions while walking through its historic streets. For those who prefer a more substantial meal or have very specific dietary needs, it might be worth considering how this tour fits your expectations. But overall, it’s a delightful way to spend a few hours in Charleston, with plenty of memorable bites and stories along the way.

FAQs About the Charleston Food Tour

Is hotel pickup included?
No, hotel pickup isn’t included. You’ll meet your guide at a designated spot near public transportation.

How long does the tour last?
The tour takes approximately 3 hours, walking through key parts of Charleston’s historic district.

What’s the price?
It’s $110 per person, which includes food and drinks at multiple stops, guided storytelling, and tastings of local specialties.

Can I cancel if my plans change?
Yes, there’s free cancellation available up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.

What’s included in the experience?
You’ll enjoy tastings of chicken bog, benne wafers, She-crab soup, handmade local ice cream, and a surprise Secret Dish.

Are the portions filling?
Most guests say yes—although the portions are small, the variety and multiple stops usually leave you satisfied.

Is this suitable for families or children?
While the tour isn’t specifically marketed as family-friendly, most adults and older children who enjoy food and history will have a good time. It’s a relaxed walking experience.

What should I wear?
Comfortable walking shoes are recommended since you’ll be exploring on foot for about 3 hours.

What if the weather is bad?
The experience requires good weather; if canceled due to poor conditions, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.

If you’re curious about Charleston’s food scene, history, and lively streets, this tour offers a well-balanced mix of all three. It’s a smart choice for those wanting a fun, tasty, and informative peek into one of the South’s most charming cities.