Vancouver, BC, April 30, 2025 - To mark its 15th anniversary, Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie (Bao Bei), one of Vancouver Chinatown’s most enduring and beloved contemporary restaurants, is revisiting its roots. Starting May 1, 2025, Bao Bei is bringing back three of its most iconic dishes from its original opening menu, alongside special versions of classics such as fried rice and sticky rice cakes created by chef Joël Watanabe. Reservations can be made .
The team will also continue slinging popular cocktails from its beverage menu, including the Chino Margarita and Pina Colada, both of which have been guest favourites since day one.
“It’s incredible to think it’s been 15 years since we first opened Bao Bei,” says Tannis Ling, who co-operates Bao Bei, sister restaurant Kissa Tanto, and cocktail bar Meo together with chefs Joël Watanabe and Alain Chow. “In 2010, our main vision was to try to provide a loud, fun and unpretentious environment while dishing out delicious plates of reimagined Chinese small plates and of course, first rate cocktails, all made with exceptional ingredients. We’re grateful for all the staff that have passed through our doors, past and present, for making Bao Bei the special, endearing place it is and also our regulars for their faithful support over the years.”
In addition to Bao Bei’s famous homemade dumplings made by original dumpling maker, Helen, the 15th anniversary menu will feature the return of:
Shan Tofu
chickpea tofu, Hannah Brook Farm salad, almond & garlic emulsion,
fermented chili tomato
Steamed Spring Salmon
cilantro & Thai basil fumet, Pixian douban glaze
Crispy Pork Belly
Vietnamese cilantro sauce, triple cooked potatoes, pickled ramps, ginger compressed cucumber
Original opening sous chef Jesse Grasso (now of Montreal’s Pichai) is also hosting a special one-night only pop-up on June 22, 2025, where he will collaborate with Watanabe, bringing his deep Thai culinary expertise to craft a menu that fuses Chinese and Thai flavours in a way that will be distinctly Bao Bei and Pichai. Tickets will be available soon.
“Our restaurant team has always been close knit, and we’ve maintained close relationships with many of the former staff over the years. It will be great to see Jesse again and have him in our kitchen again,” adds Ling.
In the past 15 years, Bao Bei has received many accolades, including being named to Michelin Guide Vancouver’s recommended list,landing #1 for Best New Restaurant in Vancouver Magazine’s Restaurant Award in 2010, and #2 on enRoute’s Best New Restaurants in Canada list when they first opened. Through it all, the restaurant has remained unwavering in its mission: to honour the spirit of Chinatown by offering a warm, unpretentious haven for delicious modern small plates, good wine and cocktails served with genuine hospitality.
Vancouver’s Chinatown will continue to change, but we hope to evolve, change with it, and look forward to the next 15 years. It would mean the world to see guests continue to visit and ask for Charles — a longtime server whose dedication and warmth have been a part of our story since day one."
For more information and to make reservations, please visit .