Vancouver’s Finest: 5 Best Chinese Restaurants to Dine In
Chinese cuisine is extremely popular in Canada, so much so that the majority of Canadians often opt for Chinese food when eating out. The situation in Rain City is no different, and altogether there are almost 400 individual Chinese eateries.
If you’re new to the Asian food scene, or you just want some delicious Chinese dishes, then you’re in luck. Today, we’ve got a heaping helping of the best Chinese restaurants in Vancouver!
Now, narrowing down the best restaurants can be tough. So, to help out, we’ve based our list on customer reviews, restaurant backgrounds, and specific highlights for each eatery.
How Much Does Chinese Food Cost in Vancouver
To make sure you can budget properly for your culinary adventure, we’ve included some prices for popular dishes from some of our entries:
Western Lake Chinese Seafood Restaurant
- Dumplings: $6.95 – $8.75
- Signature dishes: $30.80 – $58.80
- Dim Sum Dishes: $9.25 – $23.80
- Appetizers: $4.50 – $58.80
- Soups: $10.45 – $28.80
- Prawns: $23.80 – $30.80
- Seafood: $20.80 – $42.80
- Chicken & Duck: $18.80 – $53.80
- Noodles: $18.80 – $23.80
- Rice dishes: $2.00 – $23.80
- Desserts: $5.75 – $13.80
- Set meals (for 4 to 10): $158.80 – $888
Chinatown BBQ
- Single BBQ on Rice: $10.50 – $11.50
- Two BBQ items on Rice: $12.75 – $13.50
- Curry: $14.50 – $16.50
- Meat platters: $9.90 – $22.00
- Side dishes: $2.00 – $12.00
Happy Noodle House
- Dim sum dishes: $6.98 – $13.98
- Soups: $9.98 – $12.98
- Rice Dishes: $12.98 – $15.98
- Noodles: $10.98 – $16.98
- Cold dishes: $9.98 – $11.98
- Chicken dishes: $15.98 – $16.98
- Vegetable & Tofu dishes: $13.98 – $15.98
- Beef & Lamb dishes: $6.00 – $18.98
- Pork dishes: $14.98 – $16.98
- Seafood dishes: $16.98 – $18.98
Beijiang Restaurant
- Classic meat and vegetable dishes: $7.95 – $23.95
- Group dishes: $21 – $49
- Specialty dishes: $7.95 – $15.95
- Side dishes: $1.95 – $3.95
Dinesty Dumpling House
- Specialty soup dumplings: $6.95 – $12.50
- Dim sum dishes: $4.50 – $8.95
- Appetizers: $6.50 – $9.95
- Seafood dishes: $12.95 – $24.95
- Beef dishes: $16.95 – $18.95
- Pork dishes: $9.50 – $22.95
- Chicken & Duck dishes: $13.95 – $22.95
- Vegetable dishes: $11.50 – $16.95
- Noodles: $8.95 – $14.25
- Rice dishes: $13.95 – $15.95
- Soups: $6.50 – $24.95
- Desserts: $3.95 – $8.95
Many of the restaurants on our list have various offerings for group meals, so it’s best to keep this in mind if you’re dining with friends. Now, if you absolutely can’t wait to order a dish, we’ve linked the sites for each restaurant below for your convenience.
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The Best Chinese Restaurants in Vancouver
So, you now know how much to budget for your food trip. Now it’s time to really get to know the best Chinese restaurants in Vancouver!
1. Western Lake Chinese Seafood Restaurant
Services: | Cantonese dishes, All-day dim sum, Takeout, Party trays |
Website: | Western Lake Chinese Seafood Restaurant |
Address: | 4989 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC V5P 3T7, Canada |
Contact Details: | Phone number: (604) 321-6862 |
Operating Hours: | Monday: 10 am – 3 pm, 5 pm – 8:30 pm Tuesday: closed Wednesday to Sunday: 10 am – 3 pm, 5 pm – 8:30 pm |
Western Lake is a staple in Vancouver’s Asian food scene with over 2,000 loyal customers to prove it. These folks have a little bit of everything, and they’re a great place to get an overall feel for Chinese foods in general.
These folks are particularly well-known for their delicious dim sum offerings, which include both steamed and fried dumplings as well as vegetable dishes and pastries. As a result of this popularity, Western Lake often sees a literal line of customers for lunch and dinner.
Luckily, many clients would say the delectable dishes from Western Lake are well worth the wait. Those who prefer single dishes can choose from several specialty dishes such as braised abalone, roasted pork belly, and steamed king crab to name a few.
If you’re planning on eating with your family or a handful of friends, Western Lake has you covered with large set meals. Whether there are 2 diners or several, the dinner set menu provides a full-course meal at a decent price.
Pros:
- Has an extremely large menu if you love variety
- Offers set meals for big groups
- Has received multiple local awards
- Perfect for big family lunches or dinners
Cons:
- Wait times for tables can be long
- Relatively far from downtown Vancouver
Customer Reviews:
- “Very solid spot for Chinese food. The dishes are very tasty and the portions are big. Great value. I’ve ordered via their website and Uber Eats, and both have been great and prompt! They always seem to have a promotion going on, which is a nice bonus. Got the Peking duck dish with 2 courses the other day. Loved the crispy duck with the crepes. The other dish was the meat – very funny to see them give us half a head of lettuce but it was greatly appreciated.” – Audrey T.
- “Holy Crab! King Crab! Oh the days when we could gather and actually share one of these bad boys. This was last Lunar New Year Western Lake! They are known for their enormous dim sum portions, but they also have great set dinner menus including fancy ones like this. They actually take the crab fat and stir fry it into a fried rice dish with dried scallops. It’s the best rice you’ll ever have! Personally, I still prefer lobster over crab, but if you’re going to have crab, this is the way to go. There’s no trying to squeeze the meat out of tiny little legs here. It comes out beautifully and is all pre-cut for you.” – Davina M.
2. Chinatown BBQ
Services: | Traditional Chinese BBQ, Family-style dishes, Takeout, Delivery |
Website: | Chinatown BBQ |
Address: | 130 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3, Canada |
Contact Details: | Phone number: (604) 428-2626 |
Operating Hours: | Monday to Sunday 11 am – 8 pm |
There’s an unmistakable sense of reverence that great restaurants often project when they keep their menus simple and to the point. This is true for Chinatown BBQ and their offerings of expertly prepared barbecue dishes.
Chinatown BBQ is a great place to go for Cantonese-style barbecue dishes like roasted duck, soy sauce chicken, and crispy pork belly. The flavors of these dishes are so rich that many customers prefer to pair them with a bowl of white rice.
Those who want a hearty meal can choose from several of the restaurant’s combo platters which provide some amazing value. These platters typically feature a main course, several sides, and a bowl of rice.
This establishment has a decidedly no-frills interior to keep the focus on the food, and some would even describe the overall look of the place as ‘classic’. This is a great choice for those who want to try simple but delectable dishes for takeout or delivery.
Pros:
- The minimalist menu makes it easy to choose
- Excellent choice for barbecue meat lovers
- Meals are affordable and portioned for big eaters
- Offers pick-up or delivery options
Cons:
- Menu can feel limited to some diners
- A few diners found the sides less appetizing than the main courses
Customer Reviews:
- “Fantastic BBQ meats, arguably the best in Chinatown, especially the soy chicken and roast pork. The brisket curry and fried rice were not on the same level as the BBQ, although decent. The meat platter was solid value for money.” – Johnny P.
- “We finally got to check out Chinatown BBQ. It’s one of the few places open on Mondays in Chinatown and well worth a visit if you’re a fan of BBQ meats. Service is friendly and food comes out fast. The soy chicken has great flavor and is very moist. The crispy pork is also flavorful, but can be dry.” – Fiona C.
3. Happy Noodle House
Services: | Authentic Lanzhou Beef Noodles, Handmade dumplings, Takeout |
Website: | Happy Noodle House |
Address: | 1348 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5L 3X6, Canada |
Contact Details: | Phone number: (604) 423-3833 |
Operating Hours: | Monday: closed Tuesday to Sunday 11 am – 9 pm |
Happy Noodle House takes a more specific approach by serving authentic Lanzhou beef noodle dishes from the Gansu province of Northwest China. Their handmade noodles and delectable broth have earned them praise from both locals and visitors.
Their signature dish is the Lanzhou beef noodle soup, which is known for its clear broth and tender beef slices. Each bowl is topped with fresh cilantro and a hint of chili oil to balance the flavors.
In addition to their famous noodle soup, Happy Noodle House offers a variety of dumplings and side dishes that perfectly complement the main courses. Their dumplings, which are made fresh daily, are a must-try for any visitor.
Pros:
- Specializes in authentic Lanzhou beef noodles
- Handmade dumplings are highly praised
- Quick service and friendly staff
- Offers takeout and delivery options
Cons:
- Limited menu options may not cater to all tastes
- Restaurant can get crowded during peak hours
Customer Reviews:
- “Happy Noodle House is my go-to for authentic Lanzhou beef noodles. The broth is flavorful, and the noodles are always perfectly cooked. The dumplings are also a must-try. Highly recommend this place!” – Mark L.
- “I love the Lanzhou beef noodle soup here. The clear broth is so comforting, and the beef slices are tender. The handmade dumplings are also delicious. The place can get busy, but it’s worth the wait.” – Emily K.
4. Beijiang Restaurant
Services: | Halal Chinese cuisine, Uighur specialties, Family-style dishes, Takeout |
Website: | Beijiang Restaurant |
Address: | 130-8111 Anderson Rd, Richmond, BC V6Y 1S3, Canada |
Contact Details: | Phone number: (604) 284-5181 |
Operating Hours: | Monday to Sunday 11:30 am – 3 pm, 5 pm – 10 pm |
Beijiang Restaurant offers a unique culinary experience with its focus on Uighur cuisine from the Xinjiang region of China. This Halal-certified restaurant provides a diverse menu that includes both traditional Chinese dishes and Uighur specialties.
Their most popular dish is the Big Plate Chicken, which features tender pieces of chicken cooked with potatoes, peppers, and a rich, spicy sauce. This dish is served with handmade noodles or bread, making it a hearty and satisfying meal.
In addition to their signature dish, Beijiang Restaurant offers a variety of kebabs, stir-fried dishes, and rice dishes that showcase the flavors of Uighur cuisine. The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere makes it a great place for family gatherings or casual dining.
Pros:
- Unique Uighur cuisine with Halal certification
- Signature dishes like Big Plate Chicken are highly praised
- Warm and inviting atmosphere
- Offers takeout and delivery options
Cons:
- Some dishes may be too spicy for certain tastes
- Limited parking options in the area
Customer Reviews:
- “Beijiang Restaurant is a gem for Uighur cuisine. The Big Plate Chicken is a must-try, and the flavors are amazing. The kebabs and rice dishes are also delicious. Highly recommend this place for a unique dining experience.” – Alex H.
- “I love the Uighur dishes at Beijiang Restaurant. The Big Plate Chicken is my favorite, and the handmade noodles are a great addition. The restaurant has a cozy atmosphere, and the staff are friendly. Definitely worth a visit.” – Sarah M.
5. Dinesty Dumpling House
Services: | Specialty soup dumplings, Dim sum, Traditional Chinese dishes, Takeout |
Website: | Dinesty Dumpling House |
Address: | 1719 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C8, Canada |
Contact Details: | Phone number: (604) 669-7769 |
Operating Hours: | Monday to Sunday 11 am – 9:30 pm |
Dinesty Dumpling House is renowned for its specialty soup dumplings, also known as xiao long bao. These delicate dumplings are filled with savory broth and tender meat, making them a favorite among locals and visitors alike.
In addition to their famous soup dumplings, Dinesty Dumpling House offers a wide range of dim sum dishes, appetizers, and traditional Chinese dishes. The restaurant’s modern decor and attentive service create a pleasant dining experience.
Their menu also features a variety of seafood, beef, pork, and chicken dishes that are perfect for sharing with friends and family. Dinesty Dumpling House is a great choice for those looking to enjoy a variety of Chinese flavors in a contemporary setting.
Pros:
- Famous for specialty soup dumplings
- Wide range of dim sum and traditional Chinese dishes
- Modern decor and attentive service
- Offers takeout and delivery options
Cons:
- Some dishes can be pricey
- Can get crowded during peak hours
Customer Reviews:
- “Dinesty Dumpling House is my go-to for xiao long bao. The soup dumplings are amazing, and the flavors are spot on. The dim sum dishes are also delicious. The restaurant has a modern vibe, and the service is great.” – Kevin L.
- “I love the soup dumplings at Dinesty Dumpling House. The broth is rich and flavorful, and the dumplings are always fresh. The menu has a lot of variety, and the dim sum dishes are also a must-try. Great place for a casual meal.” – Jennifer W.
Conclusion
There you have it, folks! These are the best Chinese restaurants in Vancouver that offer a variety of delicious dishes and unique dining experiences. Whether you’re in the mood for Cantonese dim sum, Uighur specialties, or Lanzhou beef noodles, there’s something for everyone to enjoy.
So, grab your chopsticks and get ready to embark on a culinary journey through Vancouver’s vibrant Chinese food scene. Bon appétit!