About
Wok Wiz Tours has proudly been in business for over 35 years and was founded by the late chef/author Shirley Fong-Torres who designed her tours to showcase one of the most remarkable neighborhoods in San Francisco: Chinatown. Each year, we bring thousands of guests, of all ages, from near and far, to our vibrant area.
Every Wok Wiz tour leader was either born in, or grew up in Chinatown, giving a very local flavor to the tour, and each speaks fluent English as well as Chinese. Wok Wiz Chinatown Tours remains a San Francisco icon. Featured in the New York Times, LA Times, Bon Appetit, Gourmet, and Cooking Light, and multiple guide books such as Fodor’s and Frommer’s, the tours are touted as “top attractions” in the city.
Former English as a Second Language teacher, Shirley Fong-Torres worked for Levi Strauss & Co., but she found her true path in life in 1984: “To teach and entertain people while sharing my love for Chinese history and food.” The author of four books and numerous food and travel articles, Shirley also guest starred on the Food Network, Discovery, Fine Living-TV, and PBS shows, as well as the Rachael Ray talk show during her life.
Her legacy continues to inspire the Wok Wiz team today who, led by Shirley’s daughter Tina and the same food-loving chefs and guides, keep Wok Wiz true to its original mission: “For our new friends to leave us with a greater understanding of the Chinese immigrants and their contributions to American life, and with good food and memories.”
