Keefer Street Food and Nightlife, Vancouver

In 2010, Condé Nast Traveler described Vancouver's Chinese food as "the best in the world," better even than in Hong Kong or mainland China! Despite the abundance of incredible Chinese food available on East Pender Street, Keefer Street is just as prominent foodie's destination in Vancouver Chinatown, with a few stand-outs of its own.

Among them are Gold Stone Bakery & Restaurant (139 Keefer Street), a local favorite renowned for its Hong Kong-style diner food and sweets, including egg tarts and sticky buns; Kent's Kitchen (232 Keefer Street) – serving big portions of Chinese fare with a small price tag; Floata Seafood Restaurant (180 Keefer Street), a classic Chinese restaurant that hosts Chinese New Year celebrations and is most famous for its seafood and dim sum; and Bao Bei (163 Keefer Street) noted for its contemporary twist on Chinese cuisine in a trendy eclectic space. Its seasonal menu harmoniously blends Chinese and French culinary traditions, reinforced with an interesting cocktail list to match. Great date spot, and you can’t go wrong with the menu.

Another point of interest is Gain Wah Restaurant, at 218 Keefer Street, offering a taste of old school Chinatown. This place may not look like much on the outside, but on the inside it will win you over hands down with its cheap, but finger-licking quality Chinese tucker. And if that's not enough, there are also several terrific Chinese markets on Keefer Street worth checking out, just before Gore Avenue, including San Lee Enterprises (267 Keefer Street), a perfect place to shop for seasonal fruits, or Sing Chong Food Centre (253 Keefer Street), a must-stop for all types of BBQ meats.

Keefer Street is also home to Vancouver's major nightspot – Keefer Bar at number 135 – which has put Chinatown firmly on the map of nightlife entertainment alongside prominent destinations, like Gastown and the Granville Street Entertainment District. This is one of the city's Top 10 Cocktail Bars with a strong reputation for fabulous original cocktails containing Chinatown-sourced ingredients. Come have a sip, whenever you get a chance!