Amelia HallLooking to spice up your Vancouver adventure with a dash of lively energy and a sprinkle of historical charm? Chinatown might just be your ideal neighborhood.
After combing through every nook and cranny of this buzzy area, we’ve handpicked the most exciting spots to concoct the best adventure for you.
From finding the best steam buns to discovering tasty innovative cocktails, there’s a great blend of experiences waiting for you, reminiscent of savoring a classic Chinese noodle dish.
- 1. Experience a serene atmosphere at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
- 2. Savor innovative cocktails at Bao Bei
- 3. Indulge in fine dining at Chambar Restaurant
- 4. Try the delicious wings at The Pint Public House
- 5. Sip on a delicious bubble tea at Boba Run
- 6. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Mello Donuts
- 7. Order a box of egg tarts at New Town Bakery and Restaurant
- 8. Get your hands on some tasty burgers at Between 2 Buns
- 9. Try traditional ramen at The Ramen Butcher
- 10. Order delicious steam buns at Sun Fresh Bakery
- 11. Delve into history at the Chinese Canadian Museum
- 12. Consume tasty walnut cakes at Hoduya Walnut
- 13. Have a cup of coffee at Prado Cafe
1. Experience a serene atmosphere at Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden
Website: https://vancouverchinesegarden.com
Address: 578 Carrall St, Vancouver, BC V6B 5K2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-662-3207
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 9:30 AM to 4 PM
While you’re out and about in the buzzing Chinatown and suddenly crave a short moment of relaxation, Dr. Sun Yat-Sen Classical Chinese Garden will transport you into a world teeming with natural wonders.
Considered the first Chinese garden outside Asia, this dazzling attraction boasts masterful landscaping that showcases harmony and balance. The pond is definitely the highlight, putting together everything to create a tranquil atmosphere.
To fully immerse yourself in the experience, we recommend joining one of their amazing guided tours.
2. Savor innovative cocktails at Bao Bei
Website: https://www.bao-bei.ca
Address: 163 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-688-0876
Operating hours:
- Monday to Thursday, and Sunday – 5:30 PM to 10 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 5:30 PM to 11:30 PM
Bao Bei is a snazzy locale with a welcoming ambiance, offering modern Chinese dishes and creative cocktails that will make your taste buds tingle in delight.
If you like something with a little kick, chino margarita will pleasantly surprise you. This delicious concoction is made with reposado infused with dried tangerine peel, as well as ginger, egg white, lime, sugar rim, and chili salt.
Other than their creative booze, they also have a wide variety of other alcoholic beverages like wine, sake, beer, and so on.
3. Indulge in fine dining at Chambar Restaurant
Website: https://www.chambar.com
Address: 568 Beatty St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-879-7119
Operating hours:
- Monday to Wednesday – 5 PM to 10 PM
- Thursday and Friday – 5 PM to 11 PM
- Saturday – 9 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 11 PM
- Sunday – 9 AM to 3 PM, 5 PM to 10 PM
Nestled in the middle of festive Chinatown, Chambar Restaurant stands out with its sleek facade with a slightly rustic touch. Here, they offer delectable and inventive Belgian dishes with each bite proving to be indulgent.
Their menu options rotate depending on the season, which proves to be a delight every time we visit.
As of the moment, we’re particularly enamored of their La Brochette de Boeuf – a comforting plate made with grilled hanger steak with the accompaniments of celeriac purée, black trumpet jus, pine nuts, and frisée.
4. Try the delicious wings at The Pint Public House
Website: https://vancouver.thepint.ca
Address: 455 Abbott St, Vancouver, BC V6B 2L2, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-684-0258
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday – 3 PM to 1 AM
- Friday and Saturday – 3 PM to 3 AM
The Pint Public House is a lively sports bar guaranteed to give you a taste of how the locals party. They offer an assortment of classic bar grub and alcoholic beverages to complete the exciting experience.
The ultimate treat you’re in for? It’s definitely the wings with 40 different sauces to choose from.
If you really like the flavor as hot as it can go, order the 41st sauce. Oh and before you ask – yes, it’s still delicious without the sauce!
5. Sip on a delicious bubble tea at Boba Run
Website: https://www.bobarun.co
Address: 102 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G8, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-423-5890
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 10 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday – 10 AM to 7 PM
- Sunday – 11 AM to 6 PM
Boba Run is a highly-rated bubble tea store right on the fringe of Chinatown. Exuding a welcoming ambiance with its sun-soaked interior, customers have the chance to bask in the sunlight while sipping on their delicious drink.
What seems to be the most popular one among their array of flavors is the matcha, which they managed to whip up just how we like it – not too sweet with a prominent earthy taste.
Matcha-infused drinks are also recommended such as strawberry matcha latte and dalgona matcha.
The pineapple matcha latte is also an interesting choice, especially for those with adventurous taste buds.
6. Satisfy your sweet tooth at Mello Donuts
Website: https://www.mellovancouver.com
Address: 223 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 2T9, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-423-3556
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 9 AM to 7 PM
Take a break from your Chinatown adventure by stopping by Mello Donuts, a local donut shop offering tasty brioche creations.
The tiramisu flavor earns a well-deserved spot on the most popular one out of their entire menu. This creamy coffee mascarpone concoction is sure to satisfy your sweet tooth!
Other flavors that we’ll keep coming back for are lemon curd, strawberries and cream, and everything bagel donut.
By the way, their donuts are guaranteed fresh as they make them from scratch every day.
7. Order a box of egg tarts at New Town Bakery and Restaurant
– Media credit: @marco.chiu
Website: https://www.newtownbakery.ca
Address: 148 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-689-7835
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 6:30 AM to 7:30 PM
Is your Chinatown experience really complete without having a taste of the delicious egg tarts? No, definitely not!
We find the creation to be perfectly crafted – not too sweet with just the right flakiness in the crust.
Aside from this delicious baked treat, they also make other delicious Chinese classics including pork congee, shrimp dumplings, and deep-fried spare ribs.
8. Get your hands on some tasty burgers at Between 2 Buns
Website: https://www.between2bunsburgers.ca
Address: 105 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T6, Canada
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Thursday, and Sunday – 4 PM to 8 PM
- Friday and Saturday – 4 PM to 10 PM
Between 2 Buns is a Chinatown gem that serves mouthwatering smashed patties nestled in the warm embrace of a soft bun.
The most popular out of the bunch is the single cheeser that comes with a single patty, shredded lettuce, pickles, and sauce, which is the culprit that elevates the flavors.
A personal favorite of ours is the jalapeno bacon cheeser, which is quite similar to the single cheeser but with the inclusions of fried and pickled jalapenos. Definitely order this if you want a spicy kick to your order.
By the way, their store is on a smaller scale, which might not be ideal for big groups.
9. Try traditional ramen at The Ramen Butcher
Website: https://theramenbutcher.com
Address: 223 E Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z6, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-806-4646
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 11 AM to 10 PM
Craving a delicious bowl of traditional Japanese flavors? The Ramen Butcher is here to the rescue!
This unassuming spot offers a broad range of ramen flavors, ensuring there’s something for everyone.
Want a deep and savory flavor profile with a garlic-y punch? The black garlic ramen is a must-try and happens to be one of the most popular items on their menu.
Craving something simple that will allow you to savor and appreciate all the elements in the bowl? Try the classic ramen made with delicious pork broth.
If you want a thicker soup with a richer burst of flavors, tsukemen is the standout choice.
10. Order delicious steam buns at Sun Fresh Bakery
– Media credit: @yummybites604
Directions: https://maps.app.goo.gl/rUtpHDCZCWanN2Yn6
Address: 245 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X5, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-688-3868
Operating hours:
- Monday to Sunday – 7:30 AM to 6 PM
Considered the oldest Chinese bakery in the neighborhood, Sun Fresh Bakery is a must-visit for its heavenly steam buns. Each bite provides a generous amount of filling, perfectly stuffed to satisfaction.
Other popular options include rice rolls and dim sum plates, which we also urge you to try during your visit.
Another highlight of Sun Fresh Bakery is how cheap the products are. Considering the high quality and the affordable pricing, it doesn’t get any better than this!
11. Delve into history at the Chinese Canadian Museum
Website: https://www.chinesecanadianmuseum.ca
Address: 51 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1S9, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-262-0990
Operating hours:
- Monday and Tuesday – closed
- Wednesday to Sunday – 10 AM to 5 PM
History buffs shouldn’t miss out on the Chinese Canadian Museum if they find themselves in Vancouver’s Chinatown. This local attraction is a pioneer in the country, showcasing untold tales of Chinese Canadian history.
Unfortunately, this attraction is considered one of the lesser-known gems in the neighborhood, only attracting small groups each day.
However, if you admire the resilient stories that survived throughout the years because of community efforts, a visit here will delightfully surprise you.
12. Consume tasty walnut cakes at Hoduya Walnut
Website: https://hoduya.square.site
Address: 86 Keefer Pl, Vancouver, BC V6B 0C9, Canada
Contact details: +1 604-312-3749
Operating hours:
- Monday – closed
- Tuesday to Sunday – 12 PM to 5 PM
Hodya Walnut is a hidden gem that serves delicious renowned Korean walnut cakes. These are small pastries that can almost be consumed in one bite!
Fans of the red bean flavor will surely have the time of their life here. This interesting taste is definitely one of the most popular menu options, instantly turning first-time customers into longtime fans.
We also thoroughly enjoyed the vanilla custard cream and matcha custard cream, which are both satisfying options that you won’t regret trying.
Website: https://www.pradocafe.com
Address: 100 W Hastings St, Vancouver, BC V6B 1G8, Canada
Contact details: +1 778-379-4315
Operating hours:
- Monday to Friday – 7 AM to 6 PM
- Saturday and Sunday – 8 AM to 5 PM
Prado Cafe is a stylish establishment with a warm, inviting feel. If you’re tired from walking around Chinatown all day, its comforting facade paired with the aroma of coffee beans will beckon for you to enter.
The hot cocoa was a surprising crowd favorite among our staff, which we like to call ‘comfort in a cup’. Its rich chocolate flavor with creamy textures definitely pleased our palate.
We also developed a strong affinity for their baked goods, so be sure to try that out as well!
