There is something uniquely wonderful and deeply magical about food. As a fundamental part of cultural heritage, it acts as a marvelous (and mouth-watering) way to learn and share where we come from and who we are. Food is also connected to traditions, long lasting memories and has the power to bring people and communities together.
It is no surprise that food holds a very distinctive place in special celebrations such as Chinese New Year. The shape, colour and meaning behind certain dishes represent heartfelt wishes and hopes for the new year. This year we are celebrating the Year of the Ox, which begins on February 12th.
Many of the vibrant annual festivities that normally take place across Vancouver’s Chinatown have had to be reimagined this year. But many restaurants are still open! We encourage you to welcome the earnest and resilient Ox by wandering through this fascinating heritage neighborhood and support local businesses.
We have a few delicious suggestions that will awaken your palate and help you embrace new or familiar flavours.
130 E Pender St
Serving delicious barbecued meats this award-winning restaurant is a must-go! You can dine in and enjoy the traditionally decorated room or order take-out.
163 Keefer Street
This unique restaurant is famous for its small plates meant to be shared amongst your household or safe bubble. A global take on traditional food with Taiwan and Shanghai serving as main inspirations. Dine-in and take-out available.
217 E Georgia St
This Modern Asian Noodle bar focusing on Thai-Chinese soup noodles is open 7 days a week and you can choose between delivery or pick-up.
137 E Pender St
You cannot go by without noticing the beautiful jade coloured storefront of this Chinatown landmark. Their famous Dim Sum and much more are available for both dine-in and take-out.
Support this social enterprise that empowers marginalized women in the DTES/Chinatown/Strathcona by ordering their special Chinese New Year treats! Pre-order using the link below.
The Boss Bakery & Restaurant’s 大班餐廳餅店
532 Main St
The vibrant blue sign will guide you to this historical bakery and restaurant. Dine-in and Takeout are available.
223 E Pender St
Chinatown’s colour palette got even brighter almost two years ago when Mello’s yellow storefront sellingfinger-licking donuts opened. Pre-order or takeout available.
New Town Bakery & Restaurant 新城餅家餐室
148 East Pender St
Since 1980, Pender Street has been home to this family-run bakery serving Chinese and Filipino baked goods and pastries. You cannot go wrong: choose from their award-winning apple tarts to the world-famous steamed buns (Siopao) including fillings such as BBQ Pork (Asado) and Chicken Deluxe (Bola Bola). The hardest thing is resisting the urge to taste them all!
Treasure Green Tea Company 妙品馨茶莊
227 E Georgia St
As the first authentic Chinese tea shop in Vancouver with a wide range of specialty tea products and accessories, you are invited to order by mail or online as well as walk-in tea tasting.
135 East Pender St
If you want to bring a deeper sense of celebration into your home, this family-owned business is the place to go. The charming experience inside is as unique as its hand-picked and individually sourced products: lanterns, one-of-a-kind Chinese antique furniture & collectibles, housewares and much, much more!
Food and its profound cultural significance make up a decisive part of who we are, how we connect and what we value. Although this year Chinese New Year celebrations will be like no other, meals still have the ability to brings us closer to home and to all those we cherish. However you choose to celebrate, we wish you and your loved ones a safe and auspicious Year of the Ox!
新年快樂 Happy New Year!
Join the Garden for our Chinese New Year Program! We invite you to explore our unique kits, join us for an in-person field trip, or connect virtually with our educational and cultural activities. Click here.