Take a bite out of Cambridge! Off the Beaten Path Food Tours offers a behind the scenes look at Cambridge eats. This locally-owned tour group uncovers hidden gems across the city, and their guides are eager to share.
In 2016, Cambridge locals Sam and Lizzie attended their first food tour during a vacation in Japan. While speaking with the tour guide, the couple realized how food can serve as a window to a community. They began researching the food and history in their own backyard upon returning home. The stories they found entwined in our local history inspired them to launch Off the Beaten Path Food Tours.
The Harvard Square Chocolate Tour was their debut tour, created in partnership with the Harvard Square Business Association. Designed for visitors and locals alike to discover something new, this hour-and-a-half walking tour explores the Square’s sweetest spots and teaches chocolate history along the way. Independent ice cream shops as well as bakeries are on the itinerary. Test your knowledge about Cambridge chefs, try treats especially developed for the tour and, if you’re in luck, sip cacao juice from the fruit itself. You’ll leave the tour as a true chocolate connoisseur. As Off the Beaten Path’s most popular offering, the chocolate tour runs three times a week.
Those lacking a sweet tooth can still sample their way around historic Harvard Square with OTBP. Keep an eye out for the upcoming return of the Harvard Square Cambridge Food and History Tour. This excursion stops by must-see spots, including one of the Square’s cool music venues. While hearing stories about Cambridge icons, sample craft beer along with Mark Zuckerberg's favorite college pizza and more.
After the success of establishing the Harvard Square tours, Sam and Lizzie branched out to neighboring Central Square. This eclectic neighborhood is filled with vibrant public art. OTBP’s guides know just where to find every mural and tell you all about their origins. Both foodies and art lovers will delight in their Food and Mural Arts Tour. Spend a Sunday afternoon strolling through Central on this tour. It stops at five Central restaurants so the group samples a variety of foods from gyoza to granola. Then you can test your mixology skills and create a mocktail or cocktail. Keep the creative energy flowing and leave your mark on Cambridge when the tour stops at Graffiti Alley, a legal graffiti space where the art changes daily.
Sam and Lizzy also brought the fun (and food!) to Kendall Square with their Food and Innovation Tour. This three-hour outing stops by seven locations around the most innovative square mile on Earth. Peak behind the scenes of Cambridge kitchens and learn from top chefs. Of course, it wouldn’t be an Off the Beaten Path tour without sampling delectable dishes at every stop. The Food and Innovation Tour is due to return later this year!
OTBP boasts 12 food-focused tours throughout Massachusetts. Each tour makes at least four eatery stops and includes more than enough samples to leave you full of food and foodie knowledge. Guides share the information they find most interesting—meaning no two tours are exactly the same. Have a dietary preference? Certain tours can be customized to fit your needs too. To book a private tour or one of the regularly scheduled tours, visit offthebeatenpathfoodtours.com.
Later tag photos from your tour with #PictureCambridge; we’d love to share the mouthwatering memories you make!
