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New Town Bakery & Restaurant: A Chinatown Classic for Steamed Buns and Hong Kong Cafe Food
New Town Bakery & Restaurant on East Pender Street has been serving Chinatown for around four decades. It is famous for its steamed buns and Hong Kong cafe-style dishes, and in 2025 its boiled beef brisket with rice noodles in soup won a Chinese Restaurant Awards Critics' Choice Signature Dish Award.
Here's what to know before you go.
About New Town Bakery & Restaurant
New Town is part bakery, part cha chaan teng, and an essential stop on any Chinatown food walk. Its steamed dai bao (big buns) have long been one of the neighbourhood's best-known snacks.
The menu is extensive and includes a long list of vegetarian dishes, so it suits mixed groups.
The Menu
How It Works
Grab baked goods to go from the counter or sit down for a meal of noodles, rice dishes and milk tea.
What to Order
- Steamed dai bao: big buns with savoury fillings, a Chinatown icon.
- Boiled beef brisket with rice noodles in soup: an award-winning signature dish.
- BBQ pork buns and egg tarts: classic bakery items.
- Vegetarian dishes: an extensive meat-free selection.
Dietary Needs
Hong Kong cafe menus lean on pork, beef, eggs and dairy; ask staff about other options.
Atmosphere and Dining Experience
Busy, casual and old-school.
- Best for: quick breakfasts, snacks and Chinatown visits
- Noise level: busy
- Dress code: casual
- Payment: cash only
Location: Chinatown, Vancouver
New Town is at 148 East Pender Street, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3, next to Chinatown BBQ. Stadium–Chinatown Station is a short walk away.
Hours of Operation
New Town is generally open early morning to early evening daily. Check current hours before visiting.
Reservations
- No reservations needed.
- Cash only.
Price Range
New Town is very affordable.
Awards and Recognition
- Chinese Restaurant Awards Critics' Choice Signature Dish: Boiled Beef Brisket with Rice Noodle in Soup (2025)
Contact Information
- Address: 148 E Pender St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1T3
- Website: newtownbakery.ca
- Neighbourhood: Chinatown, Vancouver
- Cuisine: Hong Kong-style cafe (cha chaan teng)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is New Town known for?
Steamed dai bao, Chinese bakery items and its award-winning beef brisket rice noodle soup.
Where is New Town Bakery?
At 148 East Pender Street in Chinatown.
Is New Town cash only?
Yes.
Does New Town have vegetarian food?
Yes, an extensive vegetarian menu.
How long has New Town been open?
Around four decades.
Has New Town won awards?
Yes, a 2025 Signature Dish Award.
Is it good for breakfast?
Yes, it opens early.
Is it expensive?
No.
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