A Wallet-Friendly Food Tour of Vancouver’s Chinatown
When in Chinatown, you won’t go hungry. Vancouver is said to be one of the best cities in the world for authentic Chinese cuisine, and it’s in this neighbourhood where that legacy lives loudest. Nowadays, you’ll find traditional dim sum and soul-warming congee, as well as whisk-you-away-to-Italy pizza. Despite having plenty of standout options for those looking to splurge, Chinatown’s true bread and butter is in bites that don’t break the bank.
To help you plan your visit, we’ve gathered a list of our favourite wallet-friendly restaurants to check out as you eat your way through this iconic neighbourhood.
Starting off strong, a visit to Chinatown is not complete without a stop at Juke. It’s home to some of the city’s best fried chicken, and it just happens to be gluten-free. Their Jr. Juke Sandwich comes in at just $6.50, and features a house-made crispy chicken patty, miso-garlic mayo, shredded lettuce, and bread & butter pickles on a pillowy-soft potato bun.
Juke is take-out only, but don’t stress if you’d rather sit indoors to enjoy your meal. Head to The Chickadee Room, the adjoining cocktail bar, where you can sip on a delicious drink while savouring every bite. If you’re there between 4-6 pm, enjoy two free pieces of Juke Fried Chicken with your purchase of a drink from their happy hour list.
The instant dopamine hit from pizza by the slice is second to none. And when that ‘za really delivers on taste, it’s worth writing about. Enter, Straight Brooklyn Pizza. There’s no compromise on quality at this hole-in-the-wall joint. With perfectly thin crust and the highest-quality ingredients, Straight Brooklyn Pizza puts many sit-down restaurants to shame.
Their imported cup n’ char pepperoni is an ingredient highlight for us, but our amore affair doesn’t stop there. The White Pie can’t be missed, and there are mouthwatering plant-based options as well. You can order a whole pie if a couple of slices isn’t enough. It never is for us.
For standouts in the Asian cuisine category, it was unsurprisingly difficult to narrow down this list. Our review would not be complete without mentioning the local favourite, Ba Le Deli & Bakery. It is the go-to destination for the tastiest Bánh Mì sandwiches. With a mouthwatering array of protein options stacked atop fresh pickled veggies, crisp cucumber, and fragrant cilantro, it’s a tough act to beat at under $10 a sandwich. Throw in some jalapeños for added spice.
What is a trip to Chinatown without sampling authentic Chinese barbecue? A trip not well done. Indulge in delicious barbecued meats and award-winning Beef Brisket Curry at Chinatown BBQ.
Their endless offerings include curry fish balls, garlic gai lan, and marinated jellyfish that will take you on a flavour-filled adventure. Our go-to for big taste without breaking the bank? Grab a BBQ meat dish on steamed rice for just $13. You can even swap the steamed rice for rice noodle soup for just $1.50 more. Worth. Every. Penny.
Since 1980, New Town Bakery and Restaurant has been serving up some of the city’s best Chinese and Filipino baked goods and pastries. From award-winning Apple Tarts to world-famous Steamed Buns (Siopao), no sweet tooth or salty craving will go home disappointed. This family-run bakery and counter-serve restaurant is a cherished landmark in Chinatown. CNN Travel called it a “must-visit restaurant,” so the obsession is certainly not ours alone.
To round out our list, it’s time for a little sweet treat. Say hello to Mello. Hand-crafted and made from scratch, Mello donuts rise above the rest. On your first visit, we recommend one of each. But if you have to pick just one, go for the classic Vanilla. This brioche donut is filled with Madagascar vanilla bean custard cream that is truly irresistible.
In the spirit of celebrating the delicious Chinese cuisine Vancouver has to offer, the 2026 Chinese Restaurant Awards are just around the corner. The Awards serve as an excellent guide to dining for Chinese food enthusiasts and will certainly inspire you to add more dishes and restaurants to your list.
Suddenly, we’re very hungry and we hope you are too.
Hungry
for
fresh
eats?