Vancouver's trendy Chinatown restaurant offering creative Chinese small plates, craft cocktails, and late-night atmosphere. Modern take on traditional flavors.
Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie on Keefer Street in Vancouver's historic Chinatown has been one of the city's most consistently celebrated and influential restaurants since chef Tannis Ling opened it in 2010. The concept draws on the Chinese brasserie tradition — small plates, communal eating, and a menu that references Taiwanese street food, Shanghai noodles, and Hong Kong tea culture — while applying a creative modern sensibility that makes the cooking genuinely exciting rather than purely nostalgic. The Szechuan pork belly bao, salt cod fried rice, and cold sesame noodles have appeared on best-dish lists in Canadian food media for years. The late-night atmosphere is a central part of Bao Bei's identity: the bar is serious about cocktails and natural wine, and the room fills with an artistically inclined crowd after other kitchens have closed. Keefer Street's position in Chinatown gives the restaurant an atmosphere of genuine neighbourhood embeddedness — the original immigrant community and the city's creative class coexist on the same few blocks. Bao Bei accepts limited reservations but a portion of seating is kept for walk-ins.
Signature dishes
- Szechuan Pork Belly Bao — $14
- Salt Cod Fried Rice — $18
Good to know
- Hours
- 5:30 PM - 12:00 AM daily
- Reservations
- Limited
Location
163 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X3
49.2796, -123.1007 View on map
Highlights
- Creative Chinese brasserie in Vancouver's Chinatown drawing on Taiwanese, Shanghai, and Hong Kong traditions
- Szechuan pork belly bao and salt cod fried rice are celebrated signature dishes
- Late-night atmosphere with a serious natural wine and cocktail programme
- Chef Tannis Ling's cooking helped define contemporary Chinese dining in Vancouver since 2010
- Limited reservations with walk-in seating available — lively and spontaneous atmosphere
Tips for visiting
- The pork belly bao is the essential order — order it immediately when it appears on the current menu
- Late-night visits (after 9 PM) capture the restaurant at its most atmospheric
- The natural wine list is excellent and well-suited to the small-plate format — explore beyond beer
- Reserve early in the week for weekend evenings; walk-in slots fill quickly after 7 PM
- Chinatown is worth exploring before dinner for context — traditional shops and vendors line Keefer and Pender Streets
Accessibility
Bao Bei is at street level on Keefer Street in Chinatown. The entrance is step-free and the dining room has moderate spacing between tables. The late-night format and narrow bar area can become crowded. Accessible washrooms may be limited — contact the restaurant in advance if this is a concern.
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Frequently asked questions
What type of food does Bao Bei serve?
Bao Bei serves creative Chinese small plates drawing on Taiwanese street food, Shanghai noodle traditions, and Hong Kong brasserie culture. The cooking is modern but deeply rooted in Chinese culinary history.
Does Bao Bei take reservations?
Bao Bei accepts limited reservations with some walk-in seating kept available each evening. Reserving in advance is advisable for weekends.
What are the must-order dishes?
The Szechuan pork belly bao and salt cod fried rice are consistently cited as the standout dishes. The cold sesame noodles and house cocktails are also highly regarded.
Is Bao Bei a late-night restaurant?
Yes. The restaurant operates until midnight and its late-night atmosphere — with a strong bar programme and a creative crowd — is one of its defining characteristics.
Where exactly is Bao Bei in Vancouver?
Bao Bei is at 163 Keefer Street in Vancouver's Chinatown, accessible by bus from downtown and a short walk from Stadium-Chinatown SkyTrain station.