Richmond Guide
by Randall Shirley
September 24th, 2009
In the past, a visit to Vancouver’s southern neighbour could easily feel as mysterious as the items on a dim sum cart—lots of strange creations to explore; unknown contents within.
But Richmond’s perpetual gridlock and confusing street signage belie a deep and delicious spread of seriously good Chinese cooking. After all, 60 per cent of locals are from across the Pacific, with the majority hailing from Hong Kong, China and Taiwan. Add in a handful of immigrants from other countries—Japan, Vietnam, Korea—and Richmond may offer the thickest, heartiest stew of Asian cultures on the planet.
As of last month, a new SkyTrain rapid transit line now links Richmond with both Vancouver International Airport and downtown Vancouver, putting some of the planet’s best Chinese cuisine in reach of anyone’s chopsticks. The only things you’ll require are an adventurous appetite and patience. Take this item from a local menu: “Ancient Boil Chili Fish”—better flag down a server before deciding on an order.
But whether you’re looking to cure hunger pangs during a layover or want to explore an unconventional side of the Lower Mainland, the edible array in Richmond is only a transit ticket away.
Gallery (38 images)
Map
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Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant
102–4940 No. 3 Rd.,, Richmond, , British Columbia
604-273-8208
SKYTRAIN STOP: ABERDEEN You’ll swear you’re in Hong Kong as you snack on Sun Sui Wah Seafood Restaurant’s legendary, super-fresh steamed dumplings, buns, meatballs and other hard-to-identify items. Dim sum, which translates to “sweet hearts,” is cooked to order, with menu photos helping to take some of the mystery away. Standard dumplings like har gow shrimp ($4.20) and siu mai pork ($3.75) are perfectly prepped, but be sure to try something new—fried turnip cakes, perhaps?
www.sunsuiwah.com -
Frappé Bliss
4151 Hazelbridge Way,, Richmond,, British Columbia
604-295-6600
For dessert, stroll over to Aberdeen Centre and seek out the food court (which also boasts a bunch of Asian fast food spots, not to mention great coastal mountain views), and find Frappé Bliss. The unique texture and flavour of the shaved ice—a Taiwanese treat with toppings including peanuts, chocolate, chopped mango and sweet red beans—is like silk melting on your taste buds (from $3.80). The entire mall is a cultural experience, and you might pick up some unique Asian sweets like dried salted plums or lemongrass-flavoured coconut jelly at Kwong Leung Hing (4151 Hazelbridge Way; 604-232-9182) on the second floor.
http://www.frappebliss.com -
Dinesty Chinese Restaurant
160–8111 Ackroyd Rd.,, Richmond, , British Columbia
604-303-7772
SKYTRAIN STOP: LANSDOWNE Great puns aside, Dinesty lives up to its lofty moniker. This modern, Taiwanese-style eatery features a stylish, open-concept kitchen that turns out slurp-worthy beef noodle soups, green onion pancakes and other island specialties. Be sure to save room for deep-fried tofu pudding in garlic sauce. You’ll have to try it to believe it. -
Bo Kong Vegetarian Restaurant
80–8100 Ackroyd Rd.,, Richmond,, British Columbia
604-278-1992
At Bo Kong Vegetarian Restaurant, you’ll find proof the Chinese are experts at creating meat-like vegetarian dishes using a variety of glutens and other vegetable products. Take Bo Kong’s amazing creations like bean curd skin roll with black bean sauce (11.95), which tastes like chicken, or the very, very hot and spicy wonton ($8.95), which definitely delivers on its promise! -
Shanghai River Restaurant
110–7831 Westminster Hwy.,, Richmond,, British Columbia
604-233-8885
SKYTRAIN STOP: RICHMOND-BRIGHOUSE Float on over to Shanghai River for authentic dumplings, served exceptionally hot on round bamboo steamer trays. Connoisseurs will enjoy trying to catch every drop of the dumplings’ savoury, pork-infused juices. This spot is also famous for handmade noodles and great dinner entrées, and the entertainment that comes with watching the kitchen through large windows.
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Very comprehensive and my mouth was watering as I read this article! Lots of helpful details but not too wordy. I enjoyed it very much.
That's always the problem with seeing these articles all time... I'm always hungry!
Fantastic article, Randall! It's a reminder of how easy it is for Vancouverites to head over to Richmond for all that yummy Asian food.
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