About: Sasha Leung

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Ultimate Guide to Dine Out Vancouver 2026

Vancouver’s culinary scene is world-famous, but for locals, the best time of year is January. That is when Dine Out Vancouver returns, turning the city into a 19-day buffet of exclusive menus, special events, and culinary adventures. As we kick off 2026, the event is bigger than ever. Whether you are looking for a budget-friendly […]

8 Costly Mistakes to Avoid When Visiting Granville Island

Planning a visit to Granville Island? Don’t fall into these common traps! Avoid these 8 costly mistakes to make your trip truly unforgettable. Plus, discover how our Granville Island Market Tour ensures you experience the best the island has to offer—without the overwhelm.

10 Ways Gifting Experiences Enriches Lives More Than Material Items

Experience gifts, such as culinary tours or cooking classes, offer lasting memories. Unlike physical gifts that might fade or become outdated, the joy and stories from these experiences can be cherished for a lifetime.

Award-Winning Vancouver Foodie Tours Launches Gastown Gastronomic Tour

Vancouver, B.C. (May 1, 2023): Vancouver Foodie Tours is excited to announce the relaunch of its award-winning Gastronomic Gastown Tour, which takes guests on a journey through the historic streets of Gastown while indulging in three-course meals at iconic restaurants. The tour is designed to bring people together, spark conversations, and foster a deeper sense […]

The Easiest, Most Meaningful Christmas Celebration You Could Plan for Your Team

Is it that time of year already? No sooner do the summer barbecues start dwindling before you’re thinking ahead to December. And one of the biggest items on your agenda is planning the Christmas celebration for your team. There are many ways to make this tradition happen. Most of them involve a lot of logistical […]

8 Super-Fun Things to do on Granville Island

There are so many reasons why 10.5 million people come to visit this magical, nostalgic, creativity-rich peninsula known as Granville Island each year. We’re listing only 8 of them.

Our Short & Sweet Local’s Guide to Granville Island

Granville Island is pure magic. The magic comes from its waterfront vibes, from its potent artistic community, from quirks like its neighborhood of floating homes and quaint pleasures like its Public Market. We count ourselves lucky to be immersed in that magic every day.

How to Have the Best Dim Sum Experience Imaginable in Metro Vancouver

We’ve been writing a lot about dim sum lately, and honestly, it’s very easy to be inspired by this dish, the ultimate Chinese comfort food. There are so many variations on this traditional Chinese dumpling that you could spend a lifetime exploring its gooey, crispy, saucy, savoury, sweet, and sour possibilities. But when it comes to having the best possible dim sum experience in Metro Vancouver, there are a few places and dishes that you should prioritize.

The 4 Best Dim Sum Restaurants in Metro Vancouver’s Dumpling Trail

What is it about dim sum? These savoury dumplings could be stuffed with pork, chicken, lamb, beef, or vegetables. They could be boiled, steamed, fried, or baked. No matter how they’re prepared, they pack bite-sized punches of pure comfort food bliss.

Is Richmond the Best Place for Chinese Food in North America?

When we read this New York Times article about Richmond, BC’s Asian cuisine scene, we were like, “Yup, exactly!” The article, which claims that Richmond’s Asian food is the best in North America, is a straight-up love letter to the city’s dim sum, Chinese barbeque, bubble tea, and stir fries.

Our Guide to the Best of the Richmond Night Market 

Ever been to an Asian-style night market? The idea is to immerse yourself in a multisensory world of food, performances, and games—it’s playtime on a whole other level. Nurtured by a thriving immigrant community, the Richmond Night Market is a classic example of this extremely fun tradition. In fact, it’s the largest night market in North America and attracts one million visitors from around the globe every summer.

A Local’s Guide to the Best Chinese Food in Richmond

Even though it’s technically a half hour Skytrain ride away, Richmond, BC, has been called Vancouver’s new Chinatown. You know what? We couldn’t agree more. It’s where 74% of the population is ethnically Chinese, there are 800+ Asian restaurants, and the food culture couldn’t get much more authentic. For all these reasons and more, we host our Authentic Asian Eats Tour in Richmond, even though we’re a Vancouver-based company.

Updated: September 12, 2022

richmond vancouver dim sum dishes

Blog Highlights

  • Handpicked by Locals: Skip the guesswork—these are the tried-and-true dim sum spots, BBQ joints, bakeries, and bubble tea bars we swear by.

  • 800+ Restaurants, One Curated List: From Kam Do’s wintermelon cakes to HK BBQ Master’s pork, this guide makes navigating Richmond’s food scene easy (and delicious).

  • Join the Tour, Skip the Lines: Our Taste of Chinatown Tour gives you access to local favorites, cultural insights, and expertly curated tastings—no Mandarin required.

Even though it’s technically a half hour Skytrain ride away, Richmond, BC, has been called Vancouver’s new Chinatown. You know what? We couldn’t agree more. It’s where 74% of the population is ethnically Chinese, there are 800+ Asian restaurants, and the food culture couldn’t get much more authentic. For all these reasons and more, we host our Taste of Chinatown – Richmond Edition Tour in Richmond, even though we’re a Vancouver-based company.

Still, at 800+ Asian restaurants, it can be an overwhelming place to navigate. That’s why we put together this local’s guide to the best Chinese restaurants in Metro Vancouver—all of which are, of course, in Richmond.

Founder, Michelle, sharing Rainbow's Bubble waffles with guests

Uncover Hidden Chinese Culinary Gems You’d Never Find on Your Own

Dim Sum 

Looking for the best dim sum in Metro Vancouver? Our two favourite dim sum places have been in the game a long time, offering consistently outstanding Cantonese cuisine and upbeat service. Note that you must make reservations. We also recommend going at the start of service, when the food is freshest, and the wait-times are shortest.

Fisherman’s Terrace

Try the prawn dumplings, pan-fried rice rolls, and fried bitter melon mochi balls. (We know anything with the word “bitter” in it doesn’t sound too appetizing, but trust us on this!)

Kirin Restaurant

Try the siu mai pork dumplings, taro puffs, steamed rice rolls, egg tarts, and the (extremely luscious) durian mochi balls.  

Pastries

Kam Do Bakery Richmond Chinese Bakery Vancouver

There is nothing quite as unique and magical as a proper Chinese bakery offering up an almost overwhelming variety of custards, pastes, and creams. These are the ones that make our mouths water.

Kam Do

Try the traditional wintermelon wife’s cakes—Kam Do is known throughout North America for this delicate treat.

La Patisserie

Try the fresh mango cakes, swiss rolls, and turnip and taro cakes (which are available during the Chinese New Year only).

Barbeque

Chinese barbeque, or siu mei, serves up the smoky, crispy pleasures of all barbequed food, but with brightly coloured, distinctively flavoured marinades of Cantonese cuisine.

HK BBQ Master

Try the barbeque pork and soy sauce chicken. They’re the best-known dishes at this well-known restaurant that Chef David Chang and Seth Rogen featured on their Netflix documentary Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Parker Place Aberdeen Fresh Meat & BBQ

Try their barbecue pork belly with crispy crackling skin. Locals queue up all afternoon to get their fresh barbequed meats. Don’t worry, the lineups move along quickly.

Hong Kong Style Diner

li do restaurant richmond vancouver

Diners are all about comfort food, and the dishes served in Hong Kong diners are no exception. With a historically eclectic culture, Hong Kong cuisine is fusion-forward and unique, and the diner is where you’ll find the finger-licking crowd favourites.

Li Do

Try the oven-fresh pineapple buns, silky-smooth milk tea, and satay beef noodles.

Copa Café

Try their baked pork chop on rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Hot Pot

HaiDiLao Hotpot Vancouver meats

How delightful is it to watch fresh ingredients cook to perfection before your eyes in a savoury hot pot broth? It’s a dish that’s just as entertaining as it is satisfying.  

HaiDiLao Hot Pot

Any of their hot pots are delectable, and if you’re lucky, you can see servers perform a “changing face” dance. This Sichuan style of opera involves singers changing masks rapidly throughout a thrilling performance.

The Dolar Shop

Again, all the hot pot options are good, and so are their appetizers and desserts.

Bubble Tea

Wushiland Boba Tea Richmond Vancouver Bubble Tea

This delectable, uniquely interactive beverage has taken North America by storm in recent years, and for good reason. What’s more fun than a sweet drink with edible balls of tapioca bouncing around in the froth?

Wushiland Boba

Try any of their teas—the boba (tapioca ball) will always be perfectly chewy.

Leisure Cafe

Try their passionfruit green tea with pearls—and if you’re peckish, we also love the popcorn chicken and fish tempura.

Dessert

l'otus cake boutique mille crepe matcha cake

In Asia, as elsewhere, dessert is served after the main course, and usually accompanied by tea.

L’OTUS Cake Boutique

Try their delicate matcha or chocolate crepe cakes.

Excellent Tofu & Snacks

Try their classic tofu pudding with ginger syrup.

That’s our guide to Metro Vancouver’s best Asian food! If you come on one of our Richmond food tours, you’re going to sample some of these delicacies while learning so much about their cultural context. And remember, a place with 800+ Asian restaurants is a nearly bottomless world of culinary exploration. Want to get started?

1

Gastronomic Gastown

Updated: September 12, 2022

richmond vancouver dim sum dishes

Blog Highlights

  • Handpicked by Locals: Skip the guesswork—these are the tried-and-true dim sum spots, BBQ joints, bakeries, and bubble tea bars we swear by.

  • 800+ Restaurants, One Curated List: From Kam Do’s wintermelon cakes to HK BBQ Master’s pork, this guide makes navigating Richmond’s food scene easy (and delicious).

  • Join the Tour, Skip the Lines: Our Taste of Chinatown Tour gives you access to local favorites, cultural insights, and expertly curated tastings—no Mandarin required.

Even though it’s technically a half hour Skytrain ride away, Richmond, BC, has been called Vancouver’s new Chinatown. You know what? We couldn’t agree more. It’s where 74% of the population is ethnically Chinese, there are 800+ Asian restaurants, and the food culture couldn’t get much more authentic. For all these reasons and more, we host our Taste of Chinatown – Richmond Edition Tour in Richmond, even though we’re a Vancouver-based company.

Still, at 800+ Asian restaurants, it can be an overwhelming place to navigate. That’s why we put together this local’s guide to the best Chinese restaurants in Metro Vancouver—all of which are, of course, in Richmond.

Founder, Michelle, sharing Rainbow's Bubble waffles with guests

Uncover Hidden Chinese Culinary Gems You’d Never Find on Your Own

Dim Sum 

Looking for the best dim sum in Metro Vancouver? Our two favourite dim sum places have been in the game a long time, offering consistently outstanding Cantonese cuisine and upbeat service. Note that you must make reservations. We also recommend going at the start of service, when the food is freshest, and the wait-times are shortest.

Fisherman’s Terrace

Try the prawn dumplings, pan-fried rice rolls, and fried bitter melon mochi balls. (We know anything with the word “bitter” in it doesn’t sound too appetizing, but trust us on this!)

Kirin Restaurant

Try the siu mai pork dumplings, taro puffs, steamed rice rolls, egg tarts, and the (extremely luscious) durian mochi balls.  

Pastries

Kam Do Bakery Richmond Chinese Bakery Vancouver

There is nothing quite as unique and magical as a proper Chinese bakery offering up an almost overwhelming variety of custards, pastes, and creams. These are the ones that make our mouths water.

Kam Do

Try the traditional wintermelon wife’s cakes—Kam Do is known throughout North America for this delicate treat.

La Patisserie

Try the fresh mango cakes, swiss rolls, and turnip and taro cakes (which are available during the Chinese New Year only).

Barbeque

Chinese barbeque, or siu mei, serves up the smoky, crispy pleasures of all barbequed food, but with brightly coloured, distinctively flavoured marinades of Cantonese cuisine.

HK BBQ Master

Try the barbeque pork and soy sauce chicken. They’re the best-known dishes at this well-known restaurant that Chef David Chang and Seth Rogen featured on their Netflix documentary Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Parker Place Aberdeen Fresh Meat & BBQ

Try their barbecue pork belly with crispy crackling skin. Locals queue up all afternoon to get their fresh barbequed meats. Don’t worry, the lineups move along quickly.

Hong Kong Style Diner

li do restaurant richmond vancouver

Diners are all about comfort food, and the dishes served in Hong Kong diners are no exception. With a historically eclectic culture, Hong Kong cuisine is fusion-forward and unique, and the diner is where you’ll find the finger-licking crowd favourites.

Li Do

Try the oven-fresh pineapple buns, silky-smooth milk tea, and satay beef noodles.

Copa Café

Try their baked pork chop on rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Hot Pot

HaiDiLao Hotpot Vancouver meats

How delightful is it to watch fresh ingredients cook to perfection before your eyes in a savoury hot pot broth? It’s a dish that’s just as entertaining as it is satisfying.  

HaiDiLao Hot Pot

Any of their hot pots are delectable, and if you’re lucky, you can see servers perform a “changing face” dance. This Sichuan style of opera involves singers changing masks rapidly throughout a thrilling performance.

The Dolar Shop

Again, all the hot pot options are good, and so are their appetizers and desserts.

Bubble Tea

Wushiland Boba Tea Richmond Vancouver Bubble Tea

This delectable, uniquely interactive beverage has taken North America by storm in recent years, and for good reason. What’s more fun than a sweet drink with edible balls of tapioca bouncing around in the froth?

Wushiland Boba

Try any of their teas—the boba (tapioca ball) will always be perfectly chewy.

Leisure Cafe

Try their passionfruit green tea with pearls—and if you’re peckish, we also love the popcorn chicken and fish tempura.

Dessert

l'otus cake boutique mille crepe matcha cake

In Asia, as elsewhere, dessert is served after the main course, and usually accompanied by tea.

L’OTUS Cake Boutique

Try their delicate matcha or chocolate crepe cakes.

Excellent Tofu & Snacks

Try their classic tofu pudding with ginger syrup.

That’s our guide to Metro Vancouver’s best Asian food! If you come on one of our Richmond food tours, you’re going to sample some of these delicacies while learning so much about their cultural context. And remember, a place with 800+ Asian restaurants is a nearly bottomless world of culinary exploration. Want to get started?

2

Granville Island Market

Updated: September 12, 2022

richmond vancouver dim sum dishes

Blog Highlights

  • Handpicked by Locals: Skip the guesswork—these are the tried-and-true dim sum spots, BBQ joints, bakeries, and bubble tea bars we swear by.

  • 800+ Restaurants, One Curated List: From Kam Do’s wintermelon cakes to HK BBQ Master’s pork, this guide makes navigating Richmond’s food scene easy (and delicious).

  • Join the Tour, Skip the Lines: Our Taste of Chinatown Tour gives you access to local favorites, cultural insights, and expertly curated tastings—no Mandarin required.

Even though it’s technically a half hour Skytrain ride away, Richmond, BC, has been called Vancouver’s new Chinatown. You know what? We couldn’t agree more. It’s where 74% of the population is ethnically Chinese, there are 800+ Asian restaurants, and the food culture couldn’t get much more authentic. For all these reasons and more, we host our Taste of Chinatown – Richmond Edition Tour in Richmond, even though we’re a Vancouver-based company.

Still, at 800+ Asian restaurants, it can be an overwhelming place to navigate. That’s why we put together this local’s guide to the best Chinese restaurants in Metro Vancouver—all of which are, of course, in Richmond.

Founder, Michelle, sharing Rainbow's Bubble waffles with guests

Uncover Hidden Chinese Culinary Gems You’d Never Find on Your Own

Dim Sum 

Looking for the best dim sum in Metro Vancouver? Our two favourite dim sum places have been in the game a long time, offering consistently outstanding Cantonese cuisine and upbeat service. Note that you must make reservations. We also recommend going at the start of service, when the food is freshest, and the wait-times are shortest.

Fisherman’s Terrace

Try the prawn dumplings, pan-fried rice rolls, and fried bitter melon mochi balls. (We know anything with the word “bitter” in it doesn’t sound too appetizing, but trust us on this!)

Kirin Restaurant

Try the siu mai pork dumplings, taro puffs, steamed rice rolls, egg tarts, and the (extremely luscious) durian mochi balls.  

Pastries

Kam Do Bakery Richmond Chinese Bakery Vancouver

There is nothing quite as unique and magical as a proper Chinese bakery offering up an almost overwhelming variety of custards, pastes, and creams. These are the ones that make our mouths water.

Kam Do

Try the traditional wintermelon wife’s cakes—Kam Do is known throughout North America for this delicate treat.

La Patisserie

Try the fresh mango cakes, swiss rolls, and turnip and taro cakes (which are available during the Chinese New Year only).

Barbeque

Chinese barbeque, or siu mei, serves up the smoky, crispy pleasures of all barbequed food, but with brightly coloured, distinctively flavoured marinades of Cantonese cuisine.

HK BBQ Master

Try the barbeque pork and soy sauce chicken. They’re the best-known dishes at this well-known restaurant that Chef David Chang and Seth Rogen featured on their Netflix documentary Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Parker Place Aberdeen Fresh Meat & BBQ

Try their barbecue pork belly with crispy crackling skin. Locals queue up all afternoon to get their fresh barbequed meats. Don’t worry, the lineups move along quickly.

Hong Kong Style Diner

li do restaurant richmond vancouver

Diners are all about comfort food, and the dishes served in Hong Kong diners are no exception. With a historically eclectic culture, Hong Kong cuisine is fusion-forward and unique, and the diner is where you’ll find the finger-licking crowd favourites.

Li Do

Try the oven-fresh pineapple buns, silky-smooth milk tea, and satay beef noodles.

Copa Café

Try their baked pork chop on rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Hot Pot

HaiDiLao Hotpot Vancouver meats

How delightful is it to watch fresh ingredients cook to perfection before your eyes in a savoury hot pot broth? It’s a dish that’s just as entertaining as it is satisfying.  

HaiDiLao Hot Pot

Any of their hot pots are delectable, and if you’re lucky, you can see servers perform a “changing face” dance. This Sichuan style of opera involves singers changing masks rapidly throughout a thrilling performance.

The Dolar Shop

Again, all the hot pot options are good, and so are their appetizers and desserts.

Bubble Tea

Wushiland Boba Tea Richmond Vancouver Bubble Tea

This delectable, uniquely interactive beverage has taken North America by storm in recent years, and for good reason. What’s more fun than a sweet drink with edible balls of tapioca bouncing around in the froth?

Wushiland Boba

Try any of their teas—the boba (tapioca ball) will always be perfectly chewy.

Leisure Cafe

Try their passionfruit green tea with pearls—and if you’re peckish, we also love the popcorn chicken and fish tempura.

Dessert

l'otus cake boutique mille crepe matcha cake

In Asia, as elsewhere, dessert is served after the main course, and usually accompanied by tea.

L’OTUS Cake Boutique

Try their delicate matcha or chocolate crepe cakes.

Excellent Tofu & Snacks

Try their classic tofu pudding with ginger syrup.

That’s our guide to Metro Vancouver’s best Asian food! If you come on one of our Richmond food tours, you’re going to sample some of these delicacies while learning so much about their cultural context. And remember, a place with 800+ Asian restaurants is a nearly bottomless world of culinary exploration. Want to get started?

3

Authentic Asian Eats

Updated: September 12, 2022

richmond vancouver dim sum dishes

Blog Highlights

  • Handpicked by Locals: Skip the guesswork—these are the tried-and-true dim sum spots, BBQ joints, bakeries, and bubble tea bars we swear by.

  • 800+ Restaurants, One Curated List: From Kam Do’s wintermelon cakes to HK BBQ Master’s pork, this guide makes navigating Richmond’s food scene easy (and delicious).

  • Join the Tour, Skip the Lines: Our Taste of Chinatown Tour gives you access to local favorites, cultural insights, and expertly curated tastings—no Mandarin required.

Even though it’s technically a half hour Skytrain ride away, Richmond, BC, has been called Vancouver’s new Chinatown. You know what? We couldn’t agree more. It’s where 74% of the population is ethnically Chinese, there are 800+ Asian restaurants, and the food culture couldn’t get much more authentic. For all these reasons and more, we host our Taste of Chinatown – Richmond Edition Tour in Richmond, even though we’re a Vancouver-based company.

Still, at 800+ Asian restaurants, it can be an overwhelming place to navigate. That’s why we put together this local’s guide to the best Chinese restaurants in Metro Vancouver—all of which are, of course, in Richmond.

Founder, Michelle, sharing Rainbow's Bubble waffles with guests

Uncover Hidden Chinese Culinary Gems You’d Never Find on Your Own

Dim Sum 

Looking for the best dim sum in Metro Vancouver? Our two favourite dim sum places have been in the game a long time, offering consistently outstanding Cantonese cuisine and upbeat service. Note that you must make reservations. We also recommend going at the start of service, when the food is freshest, and the wait-times are shortest.

Fisherman’s Terrace

Try the prawn dumplings, pan-fried rice rolls, and fried bitter melon mochi balls. (We know anything with the word “bitter” in it doesn’t sound too appetizing, but trust us on this!)

Kirin Restaurant

Try the siu mai pork dumplings, taro puffs, steamed rice rolls, egg tarts, and the (extremely luscious) durian mochi balls.  

Pastries

Kam Do Bakery Richmond Chinese Bakery Vancouver

There is nothing quite as unique and magical as a proper Chinese bakery offering up an almost overwhelming variety of custards, pastes, and creams. These are the ones that make our mouths water.

Kam Do

Try the traditional wintermelon wife’s cakes—Kam Do is known throughout North America for this delicate treat.

La Patisserie

Try the fresh mango cakes, swiss rolls, and turnip and taro cakes (which are available during the Chinese New Year only).

Barbeque

Chinese barbeque, or siu mei, serves up the smoky, crispy pleasures of all barbequed food, but with brightly coloured, distinctively flavoured marinades of Cantonese cuisine.

HK BBQ Master

Try the barbeque pork and soy sauce chicken. They’re the best-known dishes at this well-known restaurant that Chef David Chang and Seth Rogen featured on their Netflix documentary Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Parker Place Aberdeen Fresh Meat & BBQ

Try their barbecue pork belly with crispy crackling skin. Locals queue up all afternoon to get their fresh barbequed meats. Don’t worry, the lineups move along quickly.

Hong Kong Style Diner

li do restaurant richmond vancouver

Diners are all about comfort food, and the dishes served in Hong Kong diners are no exception. With a historically eclectic culture, Hong Kong cuisine is fusion-forward and unique, and the diner is where you’ll find the finger-licking crowd favourites.

Li Do

Try the oven-fresh pineapple buns, silky-smooth milk tea, and satay beef noodles.

Copa Café

Try their baked pork chop on rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Hot Pot

HaiDiLao Hotpot Vancouver meats

How delightful is it to watch fresh ingredients cook to perfection before your eyes in a savoury hot pot broth? It’s a dish that’s just as entertaining as it is satisfying.  

HaiDiLao Hot Pot

Any of their hot pots are delectable, and if you’re lucky, you can see servers perform a “changing face” dance. This Sichuan style of opera involves singers changing masks rapidly throughout a thrilling performance.

The Dolar Shop

Again, all the hot pot options are good, and so are their appetizers and desserts.

Bubble Tea

Wushiland Boba Tea Richmond Vancouver Bubble Tea

This delectable, uniquely interactive beverage has taken North America by storm in recent years, and for good reason. What’s more fun than a sweet drink with edible balls of tapioca bouncing around in the froth?

Wushiland Boba

Try any of their teas—the boba (tapioca ball) will always be perfectly chewy.

Leisure Cafe

Try their passionfruit green tea with pearls—and if you’re peckish, we also love the popcorn chicken and fish tempura.

Dessert

l'otus cake boutique mille crepe matcha cake

In Asia, as elsewhere, dessert is served after the main course, and usually accompanied by tea.

L’OTUS Cake Boutique

Try their delicate matcha or chocolate crepe cakes.

Excellent Tofu & Snacks

Try their classic tofu pudding with ginger syrup.

That’s our guide to Metro Vancouver’s best Asian food! If you come on one of our Richmond food tours, you’re going to sample some of these delicacies while learning so much about their cultural context. And remember, a place with 800+ Asian restaurants is a nearly bottomless world of culinary exploration. Want to get started?

4

Granville Island Uncorked

Updated: September 12, 2022

richmond vancouver dim sum dishes

Blog Highlights

  • Handpicked by Locals: Skip the guesswork—these are the tried-and-true dim sum spots, BBQ joints, bakeries, and bubble tea bars we swear by.

  • 800+ Restaurants, One Curated List: From Kam Do’s wintermelon cakes to HK BBQ Master’s pork, this guide makes navigating Richmond’s food scene easy (and delicious).

  • Join the Tour, Skip the Lines: Our Taste of Chinatown Tour gives you access to local favorites, cultural insights, and expertly curated tastings—no Mandarin required.

Even though it’s technically a half hour Skytrain ride away, Richmond, BC, has been called Vancouver’s new Chinatown. You know what? We couldn’t agree more. It’s where 74% of the population is ethnically Chinese, there are 800+ Asian restaurants, and the food culture couldn’t get much more authentic. For all these reasons and more, we host our Taste of Chinatown – Richmond Edition Tour in Richmond, even though we’re a Vancouver-based company.

Still, at 800+ Asian restaurants, it can be an overwhelming place to navigate. That’s why we put together this local’s guide to the best Chinese restaurants in Metro Vancouver—all of which are, of course, in Richmond.

Founder, Michelle, sharing Rainbow's Bubble waffles with guests

Uncover Hidden Chinese Culinary Gems You’d Never Find on Your Own

Dim Sum 

Looking for the best dim sum in Metro Vancouver? Our two favourite dim sum places have been in the game a long time, offering consistently outstanding Cantonese cuisine and upbeat service. Note that you must make reservations. We also recommend going at the start of service, when the food is freshest, and the wait-times are shortest.

Fisherman’s Terrace

Try the prawn dumplings, pan-fried rice rolls, and fried bitter melon mochi balls. (We know anything with the word “bitter” in it doesn’t sound too appetizing, but trust us on this!)

Kirin Restaurant

Try the siu mai pork dumplings, taro puffs, steamed rice rolls, egg tarts, and the (extremely luscious) durian mochi balls.  

Pastries

Kam Do Bakery Richmond Chinese Bakery Vancouver

There is nothing quite as unique and magical as a proper Chinese bakery offering up an almost overwhelming variety of custards, pastes, and creams. These are the ones that make our mouths water.

Kam Do

Try the traditional wintermelon wife’s cakes—Kam Do is known throughout North America for this delicate treat.

La Patisserie

Try the fresh mango cakes, swiss rolls, and turnip and taro cakes (which are available during the Chinese New Year only).

Barbeque

Chinese barbeque, or siu mei, serves up the smoky, crispy pleasures of all barbequed food, but with brightly coloured, distinctively flavoured marinades of Cantonese cuisine.

HK BBQ Master

Try the barbeque pork and soy sauce chicken. They’re the best-known dishes at this well-known restaurant that Chef David Chang and Seth Rogen featured on their Netflix documentary Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner.

Parker Place Aberdeen Fresh Meat & BBQ

Try their barbecue pork belly with crispy crackling skin. Locals queue up all afternoon to get their fresh barbequed meats. Don’t worry, the lineups move along quickly.

Hong Kong Style Diner

li do restaurant richmond vancouver

Diners are all about comfort food, and the dishes served in Hong Kong diners are no exception. With a historically eclectic culture, Hong Kong cuisine is fusion-forward and unique, and the diner is where you’ll find the finger-licking crowd favourites.

Li Do

Try the oven-fresh pineapple buns, silky-smooth milk tea, and satay beef noodles.

Copa Café

Try their baked pork chop on rice for the ultimate comfort food experience.

Hot Pot

HaiDiLao Hotpot Vancouver meats

How delightful is it to watch fresh ingredients cook to perfection before your eyes in a savoury hot pot broth? It’s a dish that’s just as entertaining as it is satisfying.  

HaiDiLao Hot Pot

Any of their hot pots are delectable, and if you’re lucky, you can see servers perform a “changing face” dance. This Sichuan style of opera involves singers changing masks rapidly throughout a thrilling performance.

The Dolar Shop

Again, all the hot pot options are good, and so are their appetizers and desserts.

Bubble Tea

Wushiland Boba Tea Richmond Vancouver Bubble Tea

This delectable, uniquely interactive beverage has taken North America by storm in recent years, and for good reason. What’s more fun than a sweet drink with edible balls of tapioca bouncing around in the froth?

Wushiland Boba

Try any of their teas—the boba (tapioca ball) will always be perfectly chewy.

Leisure Cafe

Try their passionfruit green tea with pearls—and if you’re peckish, we also love the popcorn chicken and fish tempura.

Dessert

l'otus cake boutique mille crepe matcha cake

In Asia, as elsewhere, dessert is served after the main course, and usually accompanied by tea.

L’OTUS Cake Boutique

Try their delicate matcha or chocolate crepe cakes.

Excellent Tofu & Snacks

Try their classic tofu pudding with ginger syrup.

That’s our guide to Metro Vancouver’s best Asian food! If you come on one of our Richmond food tours, you’re going to sample some of these delicacies while learning so much about their cultural context. And remember, a place with 800+ Asian restaurants is a nearly bottomless world of culinary exploration. Want to get started?

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