Chinatown has planted the seeds for overseas Chinese communities to grow and flourish over the years. Generations have called it home; they have gathered, dined, lived, worked, and spent most of their time in Chinatown. Even when the Chinese immigrant population has eventually spread out to other communities, Chinatown will always be the one and only epicentre for the overseas Chinese heritage. It has also become an integral element in the multi-cultural environment that Canada has been proud of.
Given its longevity, Chinatown has gone through numerous transformations, while local small businesses remain the heart and soul of its core. Their energy, perseverance, and dedication have played vital roles in shaping Chinatown and making it unique. The pandemic has hit businesses hard, especially the locally owned and operated small businesses that call Chinatown home. According to the City of Vancouver’s data, “17% of storefronts in Chinatown are empty compared to the city-wide average of 10%.”
With many Chinatown preservation campaigns happening in other major cities, like New York and Seattle, Chinese Restaurant Awards would like to develop our own approach; we hope to enhance the #MyChinatown experience by shining a light on lesser-known vendors and hidden gems.
This curated guide by Chinese Restaurant Awards and the co-initiators – Lee Man (Judging Chair of Chinese Restaurant Awards) and Emma Choo (Food & Lifestyle Influencer at Vancouver Foodie).
Rediscover this beloved neighbourhood in our city and taste the unique history and culture of #MyChinatown. Your support is much needed to help sustain the local, small business with hard-working folks behind the counter.
I personally love this neighbourhood and the check out the website to see what those hidden gems are.
