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Chinatown BBQ: Classic Cantonese Barbecue in the Heart of Vancouver's Chinatown
Chinatown BBQ is a small, beloved Cantonese barbecue restaurant on East Pender Street that has helped revive the tradition of the neighbourhood barbecue shop in Vancouver's historic Chinatown. It serves roast duck, barbecue pork (char siu), crispy roast pork and soy chicken just the way Chinatown restaurants did generations ago, in a room that celebrates the area's history.
Here is what to order and what to expect.
About Chinatown BBQ
The restaurant was opened by Carol Lee, a champion of Chinatown's revitalisation, who wanted to preserve affordable, traditional food as part of a living neighbourhood. Several of the cooks previously worked at Daisy Garden, a much-loved Pender Street restaurant destroyed by fire in 2015.
The 48-seat room has a vintage feel, with heritage touches and, famously, beautifully decorated washrooms with antique cabinetry. It was a 2026 Vancouver Magazine Readers' Choice finalist for Best Chinatown restaurant.
The Menu
How It Works
Order a barbecue plate on rice, a bowl of noodle soup topped with roast meats, or a mixed platter to share. Specialty curries and cold plates round out the menu.
What to Order
- Roast duck on rice or in noodle soup: darkly caramelised duck, chopped to order. The duck noodle soup is a Chinatown classic.
- BBQ pork (char siu): sweet, sticky and glazed barbecue pork.
- Crispy roast pork (siu yuk): pork belly with crackling skin.
- Beef brisket curry: an award-winning, slow-braised curry with five-spice notes.
- Soy sauce chicken and poached chicken: served with ginger-scallion sauce.
Dietary Needs
The menu is focused on meat, but there is a vegetable fried rice and some vegetable sides.
Atmosphere and Dining Experience
Chinatown BBQ is bright, clean and casual, with a vintage, heritage-inspired interior.
- Best for: quick lunches, solo meals and exploring Chinatown
- Noise level: moderate and bustling
- Dress code: casual
- Good to know: the room is small, so expect a wait at peak times
Location: Chinatown, Vancouver
Chinatown BBQ is at 130 East Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3, in the heart of Vancouver's Chinatown, next to New Town Bakery. Stadium–Chinatown Station is a short walk away.
Hours of Operation
Chinatown BBQ is open for lunch and an early dinner, typically closing in the evening, and has historically been closed on Mondays. Check current hours before visiting.
Reservations
- Mainly walk-in; the 48-seat room fills quickly at lunch.
- Call 604-428-2626 for larger groups or takeout.
Price Range
Chinatown BBQ is affordable, with barbecue plates and noodle soups priced as an everyday meal.
Awards and Recognition
- Vancouver Magazine Readers' Choice, Best Chinatown: Finalist (2026)
- Chinese Restaurant Awards: Signature Dish award for beef brisket curry
Contact Information
- Address: 130 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3
- Phone: 604-428-2626
- Website: chinatownbbq.com
- Neighbourhood: Chinatown, Vancouver
- Cuisine: Cantonese barbecue (siu mei)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chinatown BBQ known for?
Classic Cantonese barbecue: roast duck, char siu, crispy roast pork and soy chicken, plus its award-winning beef brisket curry.
Who owns Chinatown BBQ?
It was opened by Carol Lee, a leader in Chinatown's revitalisation.
Where is Chinatown BBQ?
At 130 East Pender Street in Vancouver's Chinatown.
Does Chinatown BBQ take reservations?
It is mostly walk-in. Call 604-428-2626 for groups or takeout.
Is Chinatown BBQ expensive?
No. Prices are affordable for a casual meal.
What is siu mei?
Siu mei is the Cantonese term for roasted meats such as duck, char siu and crispy pork.
Is Chinatown BBQ open late?
No. It closes in the early evening.
What should I order on a first visit?
The roast duck noodle soup or a two-meat barbecue plate on rice.
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