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There is a buzz around Vancouver about Bao Bei, a new “Chinese brasserie” at Keefer and Main Steet. Located steps from Chinatown institutions such as Floata and in an area that is gentrifying quickly, Beo Bei seems to have its timing just right.
Opened by Tannis Ling, a well-regarded former bartender at Chambar, Bao Bei has an excellent drink menu and a well appointed bar. The Taiwanese/Shanghainese dishes are playful and feature pork and dumplings extensively. I loved the toasted dried squid with garlic mayo ($4) which goes perfectly with a well-selected Chinese beer. The Mantou are delicious steamed buns with braised shortrib, hoisin, scallions, pickled cucumber and roasted peanuts. ($9) There is pate, braised pork and pork belly, offal, dumplings galore and lots of other great comfort food to consider. In the kitchen chef Joel Watanabe brings experience from high-end restaurants such as Araxi and the general manager Paul Grunberg came directly from Jean-Georges’ Market.
The room is modern, stylish and most of all welcoming. It makes good use of a small space with only around 50 seats and they told me in their first week they are doing more than twice as many covers. Some reviews have suggested that you can be in for a long wait at Bao Bei and that the crowds of visiting colleagues and friends are leaving diners by the wayside. But it is only week one and the staff were beyond accommodating and friendly during my visit. I think that Bao Bei is a major hit and I can’t wait to go back.
Note: I didn’t get any food photos, but these great blogs have some with their reviews:
Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie
163 Keefer St
Chinatown, Vancouver
604-688-0876
bao-bei.ca
January 21, 2010
Victoria said,
Thanks for the link love!
Great post Jonathan. I’m really glad to hear that you and many others have had great service since. I was hoping that my case was an anomaly since I really liked the food and room!
January 21, 2010
Jonathan said,
thanks! yes, i think your experience was a first-weekend anomaly, they were doing a great job last night. i am looking forward to going back to try more dishes!
January 24, 2010
Jessica said,
I love a good buzz! :p
Nice seeing you again yesterday, I love how Bao Beis’ decor mimics that of a 70s style HK outdoor eatery. I will have to try them out soon and do a post!
January 29, 2010
sf said,
great review
what did you think of the prices? will a birthday party there be just as expensive if not even more than at a caucasian restaurant like joeys or cactus?
thx!
January 29, 2010
Jonathan said,
the style of eating is to order lots of dishes to share. the “snack” dishes are approx $4, and the larger ones are $8-9. I would expect that you would want to order a 2-3 per person at least, and if it was a party, you could keep eating! so it could be the same as or more expensive than the entre-style eating at joeys or the like, depending on how much you order/eat. hope that helps. its a way cooler spot and much better food than joeys or cactus.
January 29, 2010
sf said,
thx jonathan
do they have fried rice/ stir fried noodles?