With roots stretching back to the late 1800s, Vancouver’s Chinatown is one of North America’s oldest and most vibrant communities. Between the historic buildings, long-standing family businesses, and eclectic mix of traditional and contemporary eateries, the neighbourhood seamlessly bridges the past and the present. Today, Chinatown has grown into a vibrant hub of rich cultural history and dynamic urban energy, lined with cultural landmarks, award-winning bars, and some of the best bites in the city.
Whether you’re a first-time visitor, or the type to explore like a local, here are some of our team’s favourite things to do in Chinatown.
Eat traditional and not-so-traditional Chinese food
With both long-standing eateries that have been serving the community for decades and new-wave spots that put a modern spin on Chinese comfort food, we can confidently agree that Vancouver has some of the best Chinese food in the world.
Start your morning at New Town Bakery, a beloved family-owned Hong Kong-style diner that has been around since the 1980s, for classic wonton noodle soup, freshly-baked pineapple buns, Hong Kong milk tea, and their famous apple tarts. For a hearty introduction to Chinese barbecue, order the “four treasures” chef’s plate at Chinatown BBQ for their signature sampler of char siu BBQ pork, roast pork belly, soy sauce chicken, and salty duck egg. Or if you’re on-the-go, grab a freshly steamed pork bao from the iconic Kam Wai Dim Sum. (Pro-tip: you’ll also want to bring home an extra bag of frozen dumplings for later.)
Once you’ve covered the basics, round out the neighbourhood’s diverse range of Chinese cuisine with a visit to Michelin-recommended Bao Bei. Known for their contemporary twist on classic Chinese dishes, their omelette with salted turnip and butter and rotating “kick ass fried rice” are a must-try. And don’t leave without trying their signature piña colada.
Treat yourself to a pastry from Annabelle’s
Just across the street from Keefer House, Annabelle’s is a cozy and colourful coffeeshop and bakery tucked inside Chinatown Plaza, with some of the most creative pastries in town. Miso honey croissants, pistachio marbled shortbread, citrus polenta meringue cakes… these are just a few of the feature pastries Annabelle’s has put out in recent months. The lines can get long – so try to go early or stop in during off-peak times.
Visit the newest coffee-bar-to-wine-bar, Touski
Real ones know just how much we love a cafe-to-bistro situation. A coffee bar by day and European-inspired bistro and wine bar by night, Touski has quickly become a neighbourhood gem – opened by the team behind the iconic Say Hey Deli, the spot next door that has a few must-try sandwiches in its own right. By day, thoughtfully sourced coffee is paired with light fare, while in the evening, reimagined French and British shareplates are served alongside a carefully curated wine list.
Shop vintage clothing, traditional ceramics & more.
In between all the snacking and coffee stops, discover a treasure trove of vintage finds around Chinatown. Find a curated selection of retro band tees and refurbished denim at Gore Street Vintage and Chinatown Vintage, or uncover one-of-a-kind pieces at Fish Market Studio.
At The Chinese Tea Shop, browse a wall of antique-style Chinese ceramics, timeless teapots, and premium imported teas. And check out Fuling Gifts & Houseware for another locally-owned gem for handy homegoods, Chinese ceramics, and thoughtful souvenirs.
Discover Chinatown’s historic architecture.
Chinatown is also home to some of the oldest buildings in the city, blending traditional Chinese details with western architectural influences. The Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden – the largest Chinese garden outside Asia – offers tranquil walkways, koi ponds, and Ming Dynasty-inspired architecture, making it a serene escape from the city bustle. At the western gateway of the neighbourhood, the Millennium Gates stand as an impressive cultural landmark, marking the entrance to Chinatown.
For a fulsome tour of the neighbourhood’s heritage buildings and long-standing businesses, book the Keefer Special to receive special rates at Keefer House and 2 passes to a guided walking tour with Judy Lam Maxwell of Historical Chinatown Tours.
A cocktail crawl through some of the best bars in the country.
When the sun sets, Chinatown comes alive with neon signs and award-winning cocktail bars. Behind understated façades, you’ll find intimate bars serving inventive drinks crafted by some of the city’s top mixologists. The award-winning Keefer Bar sits next door to Keefer House, incorporating Chinese herbal medicine into its inventive cocktails, while retro-chic Chickadee Room is just across the street. And in case you need a few more to add to your list: nothing beats Meo’s 80s-inspired interiors, or the adventure of finding Laowai (hint: look for a dumpling shop).
Where to Stay in Chinatown
With so much to see, eat and drink, Chinatown is the perfect homebase for a stay in the city. Keefer House is a neighbourhood’s only apartment hotel, with spacious studio to three-bedroom apartments, full kitchens, and private patios that put you in the heart of Vancouver’s most electric grid.
