We spot a chance for you to… seafood, and eat it (as the old joke goes!) The annual Steveston Spot Prawn and Seafood Celebration festival kicked off in mid-May, with local fishing boats offering freshly caught spot prawns right on the Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf. While there’s nothing quite like using fresh prawns in your kitchen, if you’re looking to see how the seasonal ingredient has inspired local chefs, you’re in luck too! Some of Richmond’s top seafood restaurants are participating in Dine About, an event where area foodies can celebrate spot prawn season by digging into expertly prepared seafood dishes. Spot Prawn Sales, Begin May 17 Pro tip: come prepared! There’s a good chance you’ll encounter lines on the wharf so don’t go if you’re pressed for time. Also, some of the vendors only accept cash, so it’s best to visit the bank before arriving. Look for these 2024 vendors…
Thai fine dining near the waterfront in Steveston Village By Catherine Dunwoody Recently awarded number 14 in the Best New Restaurants division on Canada’s 100 Best Restaurants list; Chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng is delighted that her fine dining Thai restaurant is being recognized nationally. Chef Nutcha’s multi-course set menus are exceptional, with earthy, highest quality Thai flavours doing a delicate dance around locally sourced produce and proteins. I sat down with Chef Nutcha to chat about the restaurant she opened just a couple of years ago, which has everyone intrigued and has changed the way most of us see Thai cuisine. Chef, how would you describe your health and wellness vision, in general? And how would you say that applies to your cooking at Baan Lao? Growing up in rural Thailand with no electricity, no running water and no refrigeration taught me a lot about the power of fresh, organic food…
There’s nothing better than community coming together for a great cause. Especially when the gathering involves local BC seafood, freshly caught, and sold right at the docks.
By VisitRichmondBC.ca We’re at Britannia Shipyards National Historic Site, situated on the picturesque Steveston waterfront in Richmond. For today the year is 1914, and our guide for the afternoon is John Thomas, a humble fisherman, full of passion for the local area, its history, and its food culture and industries.We’re about to head out on the Steveston Heritage Experience, an interactive walking tour, of four of Steveston’s key historic sites, that uniquely combines storytelling, history and interactive performance. Did we mention the food? Carefully chosen food and beverage tastings will be served, offering a taste of life in the early 1900s and some favourite treats of today. It’s the perfect way to travel back in time while keeping your taste buds fully entertained.Our knowledgeable fisherman guide, John Thomas, played by Richmond-resident Andrew Wade, begins the tour at the Shipyards, launching into an in-depth look at the fishing and canning industry that…
By Jaclyn Jularbal The Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf in Richmond boasts an amazing view of the Fraser River and it’s also home to some of the best fish and chips around. Whether you’re a cod, halibut, or even a prawn fan – the deliciously deep-fried choice is up to you. In rain or shine, for here or to go, the wharf is open year-round to serve you up some world-famous eats. Pajo’s 12351 3 Ave, Richmond, BC One of the most recognizable, long-standing places along the wharf is Pajo’s. Having been around for over 30 years, its yellow banner and unique dock-style entranceway has been a staple in Steveston for decades. Don’t let the lineup of people fool you, the cooks and counter clerks are speedy and the food is worth the wait. Ask anyone in line and they’ll be able to attest that what they’re waiting for is fish-and-chip perfection. Pajo’s…
Photos by Michele Mateus Words by Alexis Baran In southern Richmond, there’s a salty maritime breeze where the Fraser River meets the Pacific Ocean. The wood keys of the boardwalk play warm, hollow rhythms underfoot, and seagulls screech and coo on salt-bleached perches. A favourite spot to fly a kite or spend an afternoon with the family, seaside Steveston is a neighbourhood of marine wildlife, cozy shops, and some of the freshest seafood around. Start your day back in 1894 at the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. The building that was once one of the largest producers of canned salmon in BC is now a museum. It still holds much of the original equipment and displays historic photos of the BC fishing industry. Since 1989, visitors have been able to stroll along the pier in Steveston and see for themselves which Pacific seafood is in season at Fisherman’s Wharf. While the…
By Winnie Tam When Steveston Bakery opened in 1989, the road wasn’t yet paved and there were barely any other businesses nearby. Today, Steveston is one of Richmond’s most beloved and bustling neighbourhoods, with lots to see and eat for locals and tourists alike. And while the surroundings of Steveston Bakery have changed dramatically, husband-and-wife owners Hemant and Bimla Rao’s commitment to quality in their food and baked goods hasn’t budged one bit. The lineups that appear daily in their bakery are the best proof. The shop is the kind of friendly neighbourhood place that every town dreams of. Since moving from Fiji to Canada in the early 80s, the couple has established a regular fan base for their bakery; in fact, some patrons have been visiting nearly every day since it opened (yes, it’s open seven days a week). Hemant jokes that some people call his bakery Steveston’s “second…
By Kathy Mak The historic fishing village of Steveston is one of Richmond’s well-known attractions, drawing a significant number of day-trippers to explore its charming shops, cafes, restaurants, bakeries, Fisherman’s Wharf, and two National Historic Sites. And on certain Sundays between May to October, visitors who are enamored with outdoor markets can also enjoy the quaint Steveston Farmers & Artisan Market. Now in its ninth year, the Steveston Farmers & Artisans Market is a thriving local marketplace with a diverse sampling of artisans, growers and producers from all over the Lower Mainland. Relative to other farmers markets in Metro Vancouver, it’s not the farm fresh produce that is the biggest draw here; but instead, visitors will step into an array of kiosks to find a good balance of handmade edible treats, handcrafted beverages, homespun pottery, and everything in between. Perhaps of interest to intrepid market goers, there are several vegetable…
By Jaclyn Jularbal The Steveston Fisherman’s Wharf in Richmond boasts an amazing view of the Fraser River and it’s also home to some of the best fish and chips around. Whether you’re a cod, halibut, or even a prawn fan – the deliciously deep-fried choice is up to you. In rain or shine, for here or to go, the wharf is open year-round to serve you up some world-famous eats. Pajo’s 12351 3 Ave, Richmond, BC One of the most recognizable, long-standing places along the wharf is Pajo’s. Having been around for over 30 years, its yellow banner and unique dock-style entranceway has been a staple in Steveston for decades. Don’t let the lineup of people fool you, the cooks and counter clerks are speedy and the food is worth the wait. Ask anyone in line and they’ll be able to attest that what they’re waiting for is fish-and-chip perfection. Pajo’s…
One of the top perks of the West Coast food scene is the proximity to so much incredibly fresh seafood! We are so lucky to have such a delicious bounty from the sea that sometimes we might take it for granted. But every now and then it’s good to wade back into the water (this is a metaphor) and remind ourselves of what we truly have. From the precisely cut nigiri with a hint of wasabi to the bold flavours of smoked salmon, Metro Vancouver has a wealth of options if you’re craving the rich harvest of tastes from beneath the waves. Not only that, but the summer is an excellent time to do it! Fish ‘n chips on a patio while the seaside breeze rolls in, or perhaps a round of Pacific oysters like Kushhi or Fanny Bay to ring in National Oyster Day (August 5). So drop anchor…
We might be halfway through the summer, but it’s no reason to fear the clouds rolling in just yet! There is still plenty of sun to be had, outdoor food festivals to be attended, and bright seasonal menus to sample. So take this moment as an opportunity to stock up on all the food options that will match the different days of the next few weeks. The day off spent aimlessly wandering, the slight drizzle afternoon, and the absolute scorcher. Whatever the rest of summer has in store, you’ll find a delicious accompaniment to it. Start with a few of the local picks below and see where the sun (and your hunger) takes you! Cool Treats Duke’s Fine Ice Cream Surrey Duke’s has such a fun vibe to it, you’ll likely get that nostalgic feeling of family summer outings. The menu is filled with classics to keep the mood…
We’re smack dab in those summer days now, and that means that the BBQ is at full flame, gelato is being dolled out by the scoopful, and all of our cultural communities are ready to share their passion for food! A good rule of thumb during the al fresco season is if the sun is out, somebody is likely serving up something tasty. Especially so if you’re approaching a weekend. July is brimming with all kinds of edible avenues to spice up your routine. Whether it’s Taiwanese bubble tea, German sandwiches, or Spanish churros, the events ahead will take you around the world in no time at all. So put on your SPF, a comfy pair of shoes, and get ready to follow your hunger across the globe, all within the West Coast. Langley Community Farmers Market | Langley Wednesday evenings – July 1, 8 & 29, 2026 The…
The June menu has arrived! With the bright weather and hungry foodies ready to connect, the month ahead brings all sorts of tasty ways to wander. The summer is off to a solid start with celebrations of cuisines and cultures from across the globe. Italian, Greek, Scottish…with each turn of the calendar page, you’ll get a reminder of what an incredible mosaic of different influences the West Coast is! And of course, along with all those different voices comes the best part of all, the food! Have a scroll down and hop on the foodie express for an edible tour that requires no ticket, passport or bags (unless you’re wrapping something up to take home!) Now let’s get to it then! Culinary Stage | Richmond June 6, 2026 One of the top destinations for fresh seafood, Steveston is a hive of activity this time of year! This lively culinary…
You can always count on May to bring a flourish of flavour to the calendar. As spring and summer meet, local ingredients start reaching their full potential. This May, new wines are pouring, spot prawns are arriving, and outdoor markets are reopening their food stalls. With the forecast looking decidedly tasty, there are plenty of upcoming ways to pamper your palate around Metro Vancouver. TJ Fest | Burnaby May 2 – 3, 2026 Burnaby never fails to impress with its wide range of world cuisines. At this yearly foodie fest, you can treat your tastebuds to an incredible variety of food from across Asia. The diverse food options range from crispy popcorn chicken and savoury Taiwanese lunchboxes to sweet mochi and tender fried squid. Our advice: walk through all the stalls first before deciding. You never know what treats are around the corner! Naramata Bench Wines Spring Release…
If your cravings wander from one cuisine to another at a moment’s notice, this one’s for you! In the morning, you’re searching for a Belgian waffle. By noon, you’re daydreaming about a hearty plate of pad thai. And when dinner rolls around, all you can think about is fresh nigiri and tempura. Maybe it’s because we live in such a diverse culinary landscape on the West Coast that these global cravings come so naturally. The local food scene is like a desk globe covered in delicious destinations, each worth pinning. So give it a spin, pack your appetite and see where your next meal lands. Let’s see what the different continents are cooking up in our community! Asia Sushi Jin | Vancouver With more than 30 years of experience, renowned sushi master Chef Jin invites you on an unforgettable culinary journey where traditional Edomae sushi meets bold, contemporary artistry. Every…
Ready to bid farewell to winter? Whether you’ll miss it or not, there’s no better way to send off the chilly season than with a spring feast surrounded by lush greenery, dewy florals, and crisp, sun-filled skies. Toss your toque aside and order a perfectly chilled glass of rosé. Spring is arriving soon, and it’s time to celebrate! These Metro Vancouver spots offer the perfect setting to soak up the new season while savouring fresh inspiration from our community of creative chefs. Let’s wander through some of the brightest blooms in our local foodie scene Shaughnessy Restaurant | Vancouver Overlooking one of Vancouver’s true gems, VanDusen Gardens, this stunning restaurant is a wonderful place to savour the season. Open for lunch, brunch, and dinner, each menu highlights fresh, local ingredients that feel thoughtfully foraged and carefully selected. After your meal, take a stroll through the garden for a picture-perfect…
More than any other month, December is all about eating, drinking and being as merry as humanly possible. Here’s what’s happening around Metro Vancouver this month to do all three at once! Luxury Holiday Wine Tasting and Paint at Van Urban Collective | Vancouver Dec 7, 2025 Take a little break from the hustle and bustle of the holidays and maybe come away with a pretty unique gift idea! You and I Paint is hosting a guided paint-and-sip afternoon at Belgard Kitchen in Railtown. Tickets are $110 and include a pro-led painting session, a BC wine flight, and charcuterie. All skill levels welcome! Luigi’s Italian Salsiccia (Sausage) Making Class | Vancouver Dec 9, 2025 Learn how the sausage gets made–literally!–from one of the best in the business. Luigi Bastone brings his expertise to The Italian Cultural centre in this hands-on class, making old-school homemade Italian sausages from scratch.…
With a few more weeks of golden sunshine ahead, there’s no better time to get out and explore. And what better way to soak it all in than with an impromptu road trip? To help you make the most of it, we’ve put together an edible itinerary featuring some of our favourite eateries across the Lower Mainland. So hit the road and follow your appetite, we’ve got you covered for every meal. Start by mixing and matching courses and cuisines! It’s often the most unexpected combinations that lead to the best new experiences. Japanese BBQ in Richmond for lunch, authentic German fare in North Vancouver for dinner, and maybe a sweet waffle in downtown Vancouver to finish the day… there’s no end to the possibilities! Richmond Breakfast The Story Cafe 2800 Sexsmith Road, Richmond Known for its cozy, vintage atmosphere and high-quality breakfast dishes made with fresh, local ingredients, this…
Summer is in full swing on the West Coast, and with it plenty of opportunities to get outside and sample the flavours of the season! From cultural festivals full of traditional cooking, to live music shows that happen to showcase incredible chefs and mixologists from across the region. And every weekend in just about every community, Farmers Markets are bustling with freshest, most local groceries you can find. Steveston Salmon Festival | Richmond July 1, 2025 Richmond’s largest event returns for its 78th anniversary! Join the fun at “Canada’s biggest little birthday party” in Steveston, with the Salmon Festival parade, musical entertainment, historical and cultural programs and displays, and lots of food, including the famous Salmon Bake and festival chow mein. Carnaval del Sol | Vancouver July 11 – 13, 2025 Revel in all the colours and tastes of Latin American culture at Carnaval del Sol 2025. Over 15…
We’ve officially (almost) stepped into summer! What is it about snacking in the fresh air that just makes food so much better? Indulging in a double scoop in the park, savouring a BBQ skewer while patrolling the food aisles at a night market, it’s one of the best ways to mark the sunny season. Maybe it’s the fact that everyone is out and about, flaunting their food preference (*thinking emoji*). If you’ve ever been to a cultural festival and wandered by someone digging into their yakitori, and thought, I want THAT, it’s a special type of satisfaction once you finally get it. This month’s foodie events are full of moments like that. So venture out and see what people are having—chances are you’ll likely be somebody’s muse for their next sudden craving! Surrey Urban Farmers Market | Surrey From June 7, 2025 Every Saturday, rain or shine from 10 am…
Now that Spring is in full swing, it’s time to start considering not just what we’re going to eat, but where we’re going to enjoy fresh and local BC ingredients–and what we want most is to be up front to equally fresh views of the blossoming season. Here are a handful of places to pair Spring scenery with lunch or brunch in Metro Vancouver. Jess’ Fine – Coquitlam Set on the mountainside of Westwood Plateau, this eatery at GreenTee Golf and Country Club offers splendid views of the changing season all over the Lower Mainland and out to Vancouver Island on their panoramic patio. Bask in the colours while enjoying a locally sourced menu. Shaughnessy Restaurant – Vancouver Where natural Spring beauty meets a menu inspired by the very same season, this restaurant is part of Vancouver’s VanDusen Botanical Garden. Its light airy deck is surrounded by lush…
March 14th, or 3.14, or Pi Day, maybe a big day on the calendar for math enthusiasts—but what about the rest of us? We tack on an “e” and celebrate all things pie! Anyway you slice it, it’s a pretty good day to get out and explore these wonderful purveyors of the pastry throughout Metro Vancouver. Aphrodite’s Organic Pie Shop – Vancouver 3598 West 4th Avenue, Vancouver Like their namesake, “love” is the main ingredient in all Aphrodite’s does—which includes making some delicious pies. They spread the love through a passion for wild, organic and sustainable food, working directly with local farmers and producers across their entire menu that also does breakfast and lunch. The Pie Hole – Burnaby 7832 6th Street, Burnaby Endorsed by none other than Guy Fieri himself, The Pie Hole has built a reputation for mouthwatering desserts, as well as savoury meal-pies, since its…
As a new crisp settles in the air and the warm colours of Autumn come out, thoughts inevitably turn to the season’s favourite gourd: the mighty pumpkin. Whether you’re looking for a sinister decoration for your front stoop or a delicious addition to your Thanksgiving meal, here are 7 pumpkin patches—that are so much more than pumpkins!—to visit this October in Metro Vancouver. Loutet Farm Pumpkin Patch + Community Market – North Vancouver Come for your Halloween pumpkin, stay for your week’s haul of local produce, fresh bread, tasty brews and community spirit! The Loutet Farm Pumpkin Patch is also the final Farmers Market of the season for the Edible Garden Project on Vancouver’s North Shore. 1400 Rufus Ave, corner of Rufus & 14th, North Vancouver Maplewood Farm – North Vancouver On October 26, fun Fall festivities are afoot at the North Shore’s last remaining farm. Get all costumed up…
Welcome to Metro Vancouver wine country! If you’re a wine lover, the Lower Mainland is full of places to please your palate. From family-owned vineyards to award-winning wineries, our local wine scene has plenty of ways to keep your glass full this summer. Whatever varietal you’re into right now, these are just a few delicious tasters of what you can expect when you start sampling the area’s grapes. Let’s start pouring! Pacific Breeze Winery – New Westminster One of our favourite spots to sip in New West, Pacific Breeze, holds the claim to fame of being the very first “Garagiste” (garage winery) in Canada. It’s a unique urban model that allows the family-owned business to hand-craft small lot wines without actually growing any grapes onsite. Since they began making their signature full-bodied reds and luscious white wines in 2007, they’ve won over 50 international wine awards, including InterVin’s “Winery of…
The scents of summer have begun wafting through the air, and we’re ready to start feasting! Whatever your sunny favourites are: BBQ, popsicles, cob salads, or hot dogs and burgers, there are always plenty of delicious ways to celebrate the season. Start with these local happenings that take the warmer weather as an opportunity for bold menus and big flavours. Here are some of the notable events you should put on our foodie radar this month! Steveston Salmon Festival, July 1 The annual Steveston Salmon Festival is Richmond’s largest event! Enjoy the Salmon Festival parade, musical entertainment, historical and cultural programs and displays, and lots of food, including the famous salmon BBQ and festival chow mein. Richmond Steveston Village VCBW: Vancouver Craft Beer & Music Festival, July 6 By combining delicious beer with incredible food, cutting edge arts, music and craft culture, the yearly event captures the very essence of…
Things we can’t wait to eat/drink in June: flights of award-winning local and international ciders, spot prawns just pulled from the water, and 70+ authentic Japanese food vendors. The list goes on! If you can’t tell, we’re already experiencing sensory overload with the many tasty things to do in the coming weeks. The smell of BBQ is in the air, and eager ice cream trucks are revving their engines— bring on the first course of summer! These edible events are just the start of what we’ll be digging into for June. Shipyards Night Market – North Vancouver, Every Friday Night from May 10-Sep 13 Every Friday night, locals and visitors gather at the Shipyards District to indulge in a culinary extravaganza, explore unique artisan vendors, enjoy live music and DJ sets while unwinding in the lively beer garden. This one-of-a-kind experience is brought to you by the Greater Vancouver Food…
Summer is around the corner and that can only mean one thing: Farmers’ market season is calling! So grab your sturdiest tote bags, wagons, and baskets, and get ready to hit the stalls at your local farmers’ markets across the BC Lower Mainland. Farmers’ markets offer far more than just fresh, organic produce–although, that’s reason enough to make the trip–these busy bustling spots are valued community hubs, offering an array of culinary and artisanal delights. Support your local growers and producers by shopping local for everything from bread to dairy products, to canned goods and frozen products. Food stalls only scratch the service, however – plenty of farmer’s markets open up to vendors who sell other handmade goods such as candles, jewelry, ceramics and more. From the quaint charm of suburban markets to the bustling energy of stalls nestled in the center of the city, these Lower Mainland farmers markets…
International Women’s Day is just around the corner, and we’re celebrating some of our region’s incredible chefs and restaurateurs with a guide to fabulous female-led businesses you’re going to want to check out! By Avneet Takhar Pampanga Cuisine – Vancouver Edith Malang, who fed frontline nurses during the throes of COVID-19 with her comforting Filipino food, has seen her business grow to two Vancouver locations due to its popularity! From breakfast plates such as Longsilog (rice and Filipino style sausage) all the way through to Combo Meals (any dish, with rice and soup) and meat dishes consisting of favourites such as Crispy Sisig (chunks of pork, chillies and ginger), Malang makes sure you’re well taken care of. Instagram Get there by transit: The R4 or number 8 buses will take you to the Fraser location and Joyce station is a 1 minute walk from the other site. Burdock & Co…
Robert Giardino sticks to one(ish) product and it works. His focaccia, made with a mix of “00” or “0” flour, Durum Wheat flour, and potatoes, likely rivals every at-home COVID-inspired recipe you’ve tried. You’ll just have to stop by his Fort Langley shop and see. There’s no fuss at La Focacceria. Giardino’s store is strictly retail, offering fresh focaccia options, Italian sweets (cannolis are the biggest hit) and a freezer full of frozen flatbreads with flavours of olive, garlic, roasted bell pepper, and onion. Often in the freezer rotation are pizza doughs, parbaked baguettes, and dinner rolls. And thanks to the exclusive use of Italian flour, Giardino’s products are safe for most gluten-intolerant people. It’s a small but mighty operation. Nearly everything produced at the shop is made by hand, by Giardino. Somehow keeping up with a growing demand, Giardino puts the top quality of his products over social media…
It’s finally summer–which means festivals with live music, local breweries and international flavours are happening across Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Steveston Salmon Festival, July 1 The annual Steveston Salmon Festival is Richmond’s largest event! Enjoy the Salmon Festival parade, musical entertainment, historical and cultural programs and displays, and lots of food, including the famous salmon BBQ and festival chow mein. Parade starts at 10AM and festival grounds are open 11AM – 5PM Steveston Community Centre, 4111 Moncton Street Langley Bubble Tea Festival, July 7 – 9 After a successful inaugural event last summer, the Bubble Tea Festival returns! This year’s Bubble Tea Festival theme is Taste of Taiwan, featuring Bubble tea vendors, Food trucks with Asian street foods, outdoor movies, concerts, performances and even bumper cars for toddlers. Children 12-year old enter free (with an accompanying adult.) Swangard Stadium, 3883 Imperial Street Burnaby BC Halal Food Fest, July…