Bao Down Snack Bar's new menu boasts drool-worthy baos and tostadas all for $8 and under (PHOTOS)

Tucked into Carrall Street, around the corner from the original Bao Down in Gastown, is culinary delight Bao Down Snack Bar.

If you haven’t had a chance to eat here yet, you need to go.

And even if you have had the pleasure of eating here, then you’re going to want to return, because the Pan Asian fusion restaurant just revamped their entire menu – and the results are some seriously good food at a seriously good price. .

In fact, everything on the menu is $8 and under – meaning you can enjoy a Filipino and Nikkei cuisine feast for a song.

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After opening and developing the menu for a Commercial Drive location this summer, along with a recently-opened restaurant in San Francisco, part owner and Executive Chef Greg Edwards decided to switch things up at the Gastown Snack Bar.

Veering away from the rice-heavy delicately-plated offerings we showed you last year, the new menu offers patrons tapas-style share plates and killer cocktails.

The Bao Down Snack Bar team has refocused to bring you late night eats and a sip and savour afternoon/evening atmosphere, which also meant halting their brunch service for now.

Bao Down Snack Bar (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Diners can now devour favourites like Adobo Brussel Sprouts, Kimchi, Fried Chicken, Truffle Parm Fries, Foie Gras Stuffed Olives, and the Sizzurp Salad (a take on the classic Caesar) prepared in Edwards’ signature Filipino and Nikkei style.

Bao Down Snack Bar (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Foie Gras stuffed Olives (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Truffle Parm Fries (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

G.F.C. (gluten free fried maple hills chicken, adobo glaze) Hanna McLean/Daily Hive

Bao Down Snack Bar (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Bao Down Snack Bar (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Adobo Brussel Sprouts (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Sizzurp Salad (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Check out the selection of steamed baos and tacos, and opt for a flight (4 for $18) and you wont be disappointed.

The tostadas have got to be our favourite new addition on the menu at this particular Bao Down location, though. Piled high with fresh veggies, housemade sauces, and combos of proteins like shrimp, salmon, chicken, tuna, and octopus, the tostadas are a must-try.

Tostadas (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Overall we think Bao Down Snack Bar ditching the hefty portions for lighter morsels and share plates is a great move – it simply makes sharing and group dining a whole lot easier.

So it’s safe to say you’ll come for the food – but you’ll probably stay for the drinks, which are prepared with the same unique flare and exotic ingredients as the grub, such as Calamansi (Filipino limes), which are used in this spot’s bevies and housemade guacamole.

Bao Down Snack Bar (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Bao Down Snack Bar (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Bao Down Snack Bar (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Between the lively atmosphere, electric decor, and truly unique eats, we can’t get enough of Bao Down Snack Bar, and highly recommend it as a gathering place for friends and families looking to experience Filipino-inspired deliciousness.

Bao Down Snack Bar is open Tuesday and Wednesday from 3 pm to midnight, Thursday and Friday from nooon to Midnight, and Saturday from 3 pm to midnight.

Bao Down Snack Bar (Hanna McLean/Daily Hive)

Bao Down Snack Bar Gastown

Address: 221 Carrall Street, Vancouver
Instagram: @baodownsnackbar