Welcome the Year of the Dragon with an exciting food and drink event in Vancouver that will give you an authentic Taste of Chinatown.
As part of the community's Lunar New Year festivities, Taste of Chinatown returns from February 9 to 11, with exciting food pop-ups and other tastebud-tempting activations in the lively neighbourhood.
The free three-day family-friendly festival will feature specialty foods, as well as exciting incentives to explore Chinatown's businesses, including its renowned eateries. Enjoy discounts at places like Aiyaohno Cafe, Between 2 Buns, Fat Mao, The Irish Heather, Juke, Tato's Kitchen, Virtuous Pie, and more.
Specialty Food Items for Taste of Chinatown
Running from February 9 to 10, starting at 11 a.m. until they are sold out, unique offerings from local bakeries and restaurants include:
- BBQ Pork Poptart by Chinatown BBQ and Kiko Nakata, Tall Shadow Bakery
- The “Jin Dui” housemade sesame and red bean paste by Boba Run
- Beef Brisket Curry Cheese Croissant by Beaucoup Bakery and Chinatown BBQ
These rare goodies tend to sell out, so make sure you get there in time.
Need some help navigating the delicious eats available in Chinatown? Chinese Restaurant Awards judge Lee Man has curated several guides to help you eat your way around the neighbourhood, including his picks for the Top 10 Dishes in Chinatown, and where to stop on a Chinatown Pastry Walk.
Chinatown Cocktail Showdown
There's also some fun planned before the free three-day event gets underway: The Vancouver Chinatown Foundation is hosting a cocktail competition at the Chinatown Storytelling Centre on Thursday, February 8. This ticketed event will feature unique cocktail creations from eight current (and future) Chinatown restaurants and bars; Bagheera, Bao Bei, Chickadee, Fiorino, Kissa Tanto, Keefer Bar, Laowai, and Meo (which will be opening soon). The competition will be judged by Vancouver mixology enthusiasts and experts.
“At the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, our focus is community building. We are committed to the revitalization of our neighbourhood and are thrilled to welcome back the Taste of Chinatown! Festival to celebrate Lunar New Year,” said Carol Lee, Chair of the Vancouver Chinatown Foundation. “We look forward to celebrating our shared history and invite you to attend all the Lunar New Year festivities happening around Chinatown.”
Taste of Chinatown
When: Feb. 9-11, 2024 from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. (Cocktail event on Feb. 8)
Where: 16 blocks in Vancouver's Chinatown community
Cost: Free admission to fest, food available for purchase
