5 Ways to Enjoy Vancouver’s Diverse Chinese Cuisine

Vancouver is known for having some of the best Chinese food in North America. With the city’s vibrant Chinese population and Pacific Rim location, Vancouver has a long history of excellence in Chinese cuisine among the many restaurants in Vancouver.

A trip to Richmond is a must. Home to the Richmond Night Market (running from April to the beginning of October) and a population that is over 50% of reported Chinese origin, Richmond has an incredible Chinese food scene.

The term “Chinese cuisine” in Vancouver encompasses incredible diversity, ranging from Cantonese dishes that showcase local seafood to spicy Sichuan stews. Here are 5 restaurants that showcase both the evolution and range of Chinese food in Richmond and Vancouver:

ChoCho Hot Pot Richmond

In the Lower Mainland, hot pot season is every season. There’s no better place to fulfill those cravings than ChoCho Hot Pot Richmond.

This premium, all-you-can-eat establishment is the go-to spot to gather with friends and family to eat and chat the night away. It’s open until 1 AM every night, which means you have plenty of time to enjoy the food and the atmosphere.

What makes ChoCho special is that every guest has their own hot pot, so you and your loved ones can tailor the perfect combination of broth and ingredients. Everyone cooks their own food and ca pick from five tasty broths, including pork, tomato, and vegan mushroom. Or go half-and-half to try two at once. Add in premium meats, fresh seafood, and vegetables, and you’ve got a meal that’s as fun as it is satisfying. A true Richmond must-try.

Kirin Mandarin Restaurant

Downtown Vancouver’s Kirin Mandarin Restaurant continues to impress diners with its upscale Chinese cuisine. The kitchen team has specialities in “New Era” and classic Cantonese cuisine, Sichuan dishes, as well as northern Chinese specialties.

Their dim sum menu changes seasonally while their dinner menu spotlights many of the “chef’s special recommendations,” such as braised sea cucumber with dried shrimp roe, or prawn, scallop, and Arctic surf clam sautéed with mushroom and puréed truffle.

Chinatown BBQ

Another Chinatown staple is Chinatown BBQ, a classic spot for Cantonese-style roasted meats. Their signature Four Treasures Chef’s Plate is perfect for indecisive orderers, allowing you to sample multiple of their signature BBQ meats alongside steamed rice and half a salty duck egg.

For something heartier, go for the award-winning beef brisket curry. It’s melt-in-your mouth tender and so packed with flavour you’ll be scraping your bowl clean. If you’re like us, you’ll want to end your meal with something sweet. Sweet, silky, and refreshing, their lychee pudding pairs perfectly with a steaming hot cup of tea.

Floata Seafood Restaurant

Located in Chinatown, Floata Seafood Restaurant is an institution in the city. It’s a go-to spot for classic dishes with a side dish of nostalgia, given its important place within Vancouver’s restaurant history.

Dim sum is served daily, while their seafood-focused dinner menu features some sustainable Ocean Wise selections. Floata is an excellent choice for a meal at the start or close of a trip to Chinatown, the cultural heart of Vancouver’s Chinese Canadian community.

Mott 32

Mott 32 is the jewel in the Vancouver Chinese restaurant scene. Started in Hong Kong, Mott 32 takes Chinese cuisine to the next level in terms of culinary technique and creativity, service, and drink pairings.

They are well known for their 42 days applewood-smoked Peking duck, in addition to specialty dishes such as their barbecue pluma Iberico pork. Mott 32 has added a handful of plant-based signature dishes to their menu, including braised lion’s head meatballs made of tofu, mushrooms, and water chestnuts.

Little Bird Dim Sum + Craft Beer

The Michelin-recognized hot spot for night snacks, tasty treats, and craft beer is Little Bird. Located in the trendy neighbourhood of Kitsilano, this hole-in-the-wall restaurant delivers big on taste in not a lot of square footage.

Find all your dim sum favourites, like delicate chive and shrimp dumplings, Shanghai soup dumplings, and flaky egg tarts. If you’re looking for a non-alcoholic option to sip on, their small batch tea menu features unique offerings such as a Chrysanthemum tea, sure to warm you up.

Mello Donuts

When it’s time for a sweet treat, make your way to Mello on Pender Street in Vancouver’s Chinatown. This beloved shop is known for its pillowy soft brioche donuts, made fresh every day. Each delicious donut is stuffed to the brim with gourmet fillings like premium matcha custard and tangy lemon curd. For a lighter indulgence, you can try any flavour in a mini.

These restaurants are just the start for delicious feasting on diverse Chinese cuisine in Vancouver. Enjoy!