Where to Eat in Vancouver Chinatown? A Food Lover’s Guide

Located in the heart of Vancouver, British Columbia, Canada, Vancouver Chinatown is one of the largest and oldest Chinatowns in North America. This vibrant and culturally rich neighborhood is a melting pot of Asian cuisines, offering a diverse range of dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. From traditional Cantonese and Szechuan restaurants to modern fusion eateries and trendy cafes, Vancouver Chinatown is a food lover’s paradise. In this comprehensive guide, we will explore the best places to eat in Vancouver Chinatown, highlighting the top restaurants, cafes, and eateries that you shouldn’t miss.

Traditional Cantonese and Szechuan Restaurants

Cantonese and Szechuan cuisines are two of the most popular and iconic Chinese culinary traditions. Vancouver Chinatown is home to many excellent restaurants that serve authentic and delicious Cantonese and Szechuan dishes. Here are some of the top recommendations:

Cantonese Restaurants

1. Guu with Garlic – This popular restaurant serves a wide range of Cantonese dishes, including dim sum, roast meats, and seafood. Their garlic-infused dishes are a must-try.

2. May’s Bakery – This family-owned bakery has been a Vancouver institution for over 30 years. They offer a variety of traditional Cantonese pastries, bread, and desserts.

3. King’s Restaurant – This cozy restaurant serves classic Cantonese dishes, including roast duck, char siu, and congee. Their dim sum selection is also impressive.

Szechuan Restaurants

1. Szechuan Chili House – This restaurant specializes in Szechuan cuisine, offering a variety of spicy and numbing dishes, including mapo tofu and kung pao chicken.

2. Spicy City – This casual eatery serves a range of Szechuan dishes, including hot pot, noodles, and rice bowls. Their spicy lamb skewers are a must-try.

3. Golden Lake Restaurant – This family-owned restaurant serves traditional Szechuan dishes, including hot pot, steamed fish, and stir-fried vegetables.

Modern Fusion Eateries

Vancouver Chinatown is also home to many modern fusion eateries that blend traditional Chinese flavors with international ingredients and techniques. Here are some of the top recommendations:

Modern Chinese Fusion

1. Guu with Garlic – This restaurant also offers a modern Chinese fusion menu, featuring dishes like Korean-style BBQ pork and Japanese-inspired sushi.

2. Kingyo – This trendy restaurant serves modern Japanese-Canadian fusion cuisine, including sushi, ramen, and udon noodles. (See Also: Where to Eat in Harpers Ferry? Historic Delights)

3. Blue Water Cafe – This upscale restaurant offers a modern seafood menu, featuring dishes like sashimi, seafood paella, and grilled octopus.

Asian-Fusion Eateries

1. Phnom Penh – This family-owned restaurant serves a range of Asian-fusion dishes, including Cambodian-style BBQ and Thai-inspired curries.

2. Khao San Road – This casual eatery serves a variety of Asian-fusion dishes, including Thai-style noodle soups and Vietnamese-inspired banh mi sandwiches.

3. Wing Kee Restaurant – This restaurant serves a range of Asian-fusion dishes, including Chinese-Canadian fusion cuisine and Southeast Asian-inspired street food.

Trendy Cafes and Bakeries

Vancouver Chinatown is also home to many trendy cafes and bakeries that offer a range of coffee, tea, and pastries. Here are some of the top recommendations:

Coffee Shops

1. Matchstick Coffee Roasters – This specialty coffee roaster serves a range of artisanal coffee drinks, including pour-overs and lattes.

2. Revolver Coffee – This trendy coffee shop serves a variety of specialty coffee drinks, including cold brew and cortados.

3. 49th Parallel Coffee Roasters – This coffee roaster serves a range of artisanal coffee drinks, including pour-overs and lattes.

Bakeries

1. May’s Bakery – This family-owned bakery has been a Vancouver institution for over 30 years. They offer a variety of traditional Chinese pastries, bread, and desserts. (See Also: Where to Eat in Rock? Best Kept Secrets)

2. King’s Bakery – This family-owned bakery serves a range of traditional Chinese pastries, bread, and desserts, including egg tarts and almond cookies.

3. Phnom Penh Bakery – This family-owned bakery serves a range of traditional Cambodian pastries, bread, and desserts, including coconut buns and rice cakes.

Food Courts and Markets

Vancouver Chinatown is also home to several food courts and markets that offer a range of affordable and delicious dining options. Here are some of the top recommendations:

Food Courts

1. International Village Food Court – This food court offers a range of international cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian dishes.

2. Chinatown Food Court – This food court offers a range of traditional Chinese dishes, including dim sum, roast meats, and seafood.

3. Golden Gate Food Court – This food court offers a range of Asian-fusion dishes, including Chinese-Canadian fusion cuisine and Southeast Asian-inspired street food.

Markets

1. Chinatown Night Market – This night market offers a range of street food and snacks, including traditional Chinese dishes and Southeast Asian-inspired street food.

2. Golden Gate Market – This market offers a range of fresh produce, meats, and seafood, as well as a variety of traditional Chinese snacks and street food.

3. International Village Market – This market offers a range of international cuisine, including Chinese, Japanese, Korean, and Southeast Asian dishes.

Key Points to Remember

Here are some key points to remember when dining in Vancouver Chinatown: (See Also: Where to Eat in Northumberland? Best Local Gems)

• Try traditional Cantonese and Szechuan restaurants for authentic Chinese cuisine.
• Explore modern fusion eateries for a blend of traditional Chinese flavors with international ingredients and techniques.
• Visit trendy cafes and bakeries for a range of coffee, tea, and pastries.
• Check out food courts and markets for affordable and delicious dining options.
• Don’t be afraid to try new and exotic dishes!

Recap

In this comprehensive guide, we have explored the best places to eat in Vancouver Chinatown, highlighting the top restaurants, cafes, and eateries that you shouldn’t miss. From traditional Cantonese and Szechuan restaurants to modern fusion eateries and trendy cafes, Vancouver Chinatown offers a diverse range of dining options that cater to all tastes and budgets. Whether you’re a foodie, a traveler, or just looking for a delicious meal, Vancouver Chinatown has something for everyone.

FAQs

Where can I find the best dim sum in Vancouver Chinatown?

The best dim sum in Vancouver Chinatown can be found at King’s Restaurant, May’s Bakery, and Guu with Garlic. These restaurants offer a wide range of traditional Cantonese dim sum dishes, including har gow, siu mai, and cha siu bao.

What is the best way to get to Vancouver Chinatown?

The best way to get to Vancouver Chinatown is by public transportation. Take the SkyTrain to the Stadium-Chinatown station or the Canada Line to the Main Street-Science World station. From there, walk east on Pender Street to reach the heart of Chinatown.

Can I find vegetarian and vegan options in Vancouver Chinatown?

Yes, you can find vegetarian and vegan options in Vancouver Chinatown. Many restaurants offer vegetarian and vegan dishes, including tofu, tempeh, and seitan. Some popular options include Guu with Garlic, King’s Restaurant, and Phnom Penh.

Is Vancouver Chinatown safe at night?

Yes, Vancouver Chinatown is generally safe at night. The area is well-lit and patrolled by police and security guards. However, as with any city, it’s always a good idea to be aware of your surroundings and keep an eye on your belongings.

Can I find gluten-free options in Vancouver Chinatown?

Yes, you can find gluten-free options in Vancouver Chinatown. Many restaurants offer gluten-free dishes, including rice noodles, gluten-free bread, and stir-fried vegetables. Some popular options include Guu with Garlic, King’s Restaurant, and Phnom Penh.