Meet Michelle Ng, Vancouver Foodie Tours
With a lifelong passion for food and a desire to bring people together, Michelle Ng founded Vancouver Foodie Tours in 2010.
Over the past 15 years, the company has grown steadily, navigating challenges like the pandemic while staying focused on a single goal – generating happiness and appreciation through food.
Exploring Vancouver Through Cuisine
“I started the business in 2010 because I love food, and bringing groups together to hear the stories and the passion behind each dish is so much fun,” said Michelle.
That original spark has grown into a thriving business that celebrates local ingredients, cultural stories, and the hidden character of Vancouver’s culinary scene.
“Right now, we offer three distinct tours that celebrate different areas of Vancouver cuisine. Our Granville Island Market Tour is a great way to explore the island from a whole new vantage point. Guests can skip lines at food outlets, enjoy VIP tastings, and learn the secrets behind some of the island’s most famous dishes.
“Our Gastronomic Gastown Tour is a refined journey through Gastown’s best restaurants, complete with fine-dining dishes and beverage pairings. This tour isn’t just about the food; it honours the neighbourhood where the City of Vancouver began.
“Finally, we also offer a Downtown Eastside Asian Food Tour. This tour celebrates the many Chinese, Japanese and Korean restaurants in the neighbourhood, while teaching etiquette and breaking down some of the cultural differences.”
Giving Back to the Community
Vancouver Foodie Tours is more than a culinary experience. Each tour blends food, history, and social awareness.
“Like any other city, Vancouver has its issues, and we don’t shy away from discussing those issues with our guests in a respectful and hopeful manner.
“Our Downtown Eastside residents face issues like homelessness and food insecurity, and it’s important for us to try and make a difference. A portion of our ticket sales support the Downtown Eastside Women’s Shelter, and Employ to Empower, a local charity that supports low-income women through entrepreneurship.”
A City Gaining Recognition
Vancouver has long been home to an impressive dining scene. In Michelle’s view, the arrival of the Michelin Guide in 2022 has helped shine a welcome spotlight on the city.
“Having the Michelin Guide here in Vancouver has really put our city on the map for foodies, especially European and Asian diners. Michelin has such a big presence there and it’s really highlighted us to those types of travellers. We just weren’t on their radar before.
“It’s been a long overdue addition to our city and an extremely welcome one.”
Vancouver’s restaurants are not the only ones earning accolades. Vancouver Foodie Tours is the top-ranked food tour in Canada according to Forbes Magazine and has been named one of Top 10 Global Food Tours for Travellers.
“It’s always nice to be recognized but what really appeals to me is the ability to actualize my values and what’s meaningful to me. To use my company to live out what’s most important, and that’s spreading happiness and helping people to appreciate the amazing things around us.”
Get Involved
Whether you’re a visitor to Vancouver, or a local looking to connect with our diverse culinary scene, visit the Vancouver Foodie Tours website, book a tour, and get a unique insight into the flavours of Vancouver.