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…
Feature Image: Blue Canoe Restaurant; Credit: bluecanoerestaurant.com 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.…
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…
Summertime is synonymous with weekend visits to the local farmer’s market. Picture this: it’s a weekend morning, the sun is shining, and the farmer’s market is abuzz with shoppers and vendors selling artisanal honey, boisterous gleaming vegetables, and crusty loaves of pungent sourdough. You’ve got a wagon full of goodies in one hand, and an iced lavender latte in the other. Maybe your dog is leashed around your wrist, wiggling their nose as they pass by the cheese table. Not to get too Nancy Meyers about it since farmer’s market weekends don’t have to be a fairy tale – but there are many scattered across Metro Vancouver just waiting for you to visit and have your best weekend ever. By: Brittany Tiplady North Shore Markets Lonsdale Quay Farmers Market “In addition to the talented bakers, jam makers, and honey gatherers, the Lonsdale Farmers’ Market welcomes some of the province’s most…
‘May’ new exciting flavours find their way to your plate this season! It’s spring, and with the warmer weather comes longer days and more food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Lonsdale Farmers Market, May 6 Stroll the boardwalk on North Vancouver’s Lonsdale Quay while you check out fresh locally grown produce, delicious baked goods and nifty crafts created by local growers, bakers and crafters every Saturday from 9am to 2pm, running from May 6th until October. North Vancouver: Lonsdale Quay Market, 123 Carrie Cates Court Tian Jin Taiwanese Street Food Festival, May 6-7 Taste Taiwanese treats at the Taiwanese Food Fair at Tian Jin Festival, a free community cultural event showcasing the multiculturalism and diverse backgrounds of Metro Vancouver through food, outdoor performances and free carnival style games for family and children to enjoy. Burnaby: Tian Jin Temple, 3426 Smith Avenue New West Farmers Market,…
Black History Month isn’t the only time to support Black businesses, but we’re spotlighting a bunch so you can keep going back again, and again for some real soul food! Oh, and if you also want to shake down to dancehall beats after some bites, check out AfroQueer’s rave on February 17! By Avneet Takhar Without further ado, here are some places we recommend. Arike Restaurant – Vancouver ‘Nigeria Meets the Pacific Northwest’ is their tagline and it’s certainly fitting! Arike has a tasting menu until Feb 5 that you can enjoy consisting of pineapple jerk, boar with plantains and a chili chocolate sponge. Sounds divine to us. Reserve your spot via Tock. 1725 Davie St, Vancouver Ember Indian Kitchen – Richmond An African Indian Fusion restaurant located on waterfront in Steveston, offers many flavours here at Ember. This chic space has a bit of everything! From Zanzibar style lentil…
A trip to Vancouver and the surrounding areas doesn’t just mean straight-up West Coast cuisine -it’s home to a bunch of international treats. And we’re here to tell you where they’re at! By Avneet Takhar Duso’s Italia Tucked away in Granville Market, is Duso’s Italia. Duso’s own brands of pasta are actually born in B.C, but they import a variety of foods from all over including Italy and Spain. From Sicily’s own Agostino Recca brand of famous anchovies, Ines Rosales’ olive oil tortas (Orange and Original) from Castilleja de la Cuesta, La Molisana’s numerous pastas and risottos, there’s an abundance of European cultural items to take home! And don’t forget to check out their homemade counter filled with cheeses, raviolis, arancini and desserts including tiramisu. Check it out here! Vancouver: Public Market, 1689 Johnston St Cilantro & Jalapeño Located in Lonsdale Quay’s Market, this authentic Mexican vendor has all you…
You’re an adult now, and while you may not still be trick or treating (hopefully), it’s time to have a serious talk about candy. If you’re one to commit to cheat days, then it’s worth doing it right. If you’re going to cheat, then cheat well. With Halloween looming, it’s a fitting time to up our candy game, instead of waiting until Nov 1, to pillage the dollar stores for discounted leftovers. If nothing else, these options will introduce you to a whole new world of snacking that is worth circling a few more days on your calendar. *Cover image care of Karameller Candy Shop Steveston Sweet Shoppe What better way to cap a zenned-out stroll by the water than with a mouth full of Pop Rocks? Come crashing back down to Earth and speed towards its sugary core with all manner of extreme sweets on offer. Crack…
For kids, maintaining composure in the lead-up to Halloween can be just as unbearable as trying not to eat the whole advent calendar on December first. I say “for kids” mainly as a misdirect to hide the fact that, as I’m a grown man, with no kids, I’m finding it hard to maintain my composure in the lead-up to Halloween. Thankfully these spooky, fresh-air activities are like a ghostly balm on my impatience as I wait for the calendar to run down. Hazelmere Pumpkin Patch – Surrey A mainstay of the best autumn events in Surrey, the Hazelmere patch returns with a you-pick pumpkin area, a mini corn maze, a playground area and a wagon ride. Oh, and not to be outdone, there’s plenty of opportunity to interact with the friendly locals of the farm (goats, pigs, peacocks). Food trucks will be on the scene, so stay for lunch and…
As we continue our tour of the best patios on the West Coast, we land in Richmond where the Fraser River meets the Pacific Ocean meets epic views all around. By Wade Kinley Milltown Bar & Grill Situated on a land bar in the Fraser River, Milltown boasts not one but two amazing waterside views to sit by and enjoy plates of West Coast pub favourites and one or two of their signature cocktails. On the north side, you’ll take in the majesty of the Coastal Mountains, the backdrop to the new and bustling Milltown Marina. Southside, you’re right next to the river with the main YVR Airport runway in the background. So pick your poison: boats or planes? Blue Canoe Waterfront Restaurant – Richmond On the busy Bayview Pier in the iconic Steveston Village, Blue Canoe serves up fresh local-as-it-can-get seafood on their patio right along the…
Why make your own coffee and lunch when you can work from one of these delicious spots? By Winnie Tam Richmond is a foodie’s paradise with a diverse range of restaurants and cafes. Here are three worthy places to check out if you’d like to get some work done while enjoying delicious treats and beverages. Rocanini Coffee Roasters With a passion for the art of living, Rocanini Coffee Roasters has a keen understanding of the delicate balance of coffee. They’re not only in pursuit of the arts, but also dedicated to the scientific side of coffee roasting and preparation. There are lots of unique drinks and treats you can enjoy at Rocanini. Special mentions include their Matcha Basque Cheesecake, Ice Teddy Bear Latte, and Rose Caffe Latte. With large tables, plenty of seating, and free wifi, it’s a great spot to meet and work. You can even make…
By VisitRichmondBC.com Most restaurants tend to shut their doors on Christmas and we can’t really blame them. It is, after all, a time to celebrate with friends and family! Even so, Christmas remains a busy day for the few restaurants that are open during the holidays. Here are our top five restaurant picks in Richmond that’ll keep their lights on for Santa. HK BBQ Master If you’re looking to get a fill of Cantonese-style barbecue, HK BBQ Master (4651 No. 3 Road) is hands down one of the best places to get your fill of char siu, crispy skin roast pork, BBQ duck or BBQ chicken. It’s a tiny hole-in-the-wall type eatery with just 14 seats and they accept cash only for payment. So be warned: come early to snag seats, or buy the meats by the pound with a side of rice and take it to go for an…
By Avneet Takhar It’s no secret that veganism has been on the rise in the last few years, and most notably within the health-conscious West Coast. When plant-based comes to mind, media coverage tends to be dominated by food outlets and “food-fluencers” who happen to be white. But the communities of colour who have primarily always provided veggie options (Indian and Vietnamese in particular) are leading the way in showing how it’s done. Here’s the lowdown on 5 PoC (people of colour) vegan spots that are causing a stir. Cham Cham Vegan Vietnamese Chefpreneur Kim Vo decided to leave her well-established catering and food truck business in Toronto for Vancouver- amidst the pandemic! Some would say a bold choice when the world was at the brink of disaster? But she didn’t even blink before setting up in Kits with Cham Cham (meaning ‘slow-down’ in Vietnamese). The crunchy Saigon chick’n…
By Kristi Alexandra While autumn marks the end of the u-pick berry season, it doesn’t mean local harvesting is over. From pumpkin patches to cranberries to organic greens, here are a selection of working farms in Metro Vancouver and beyond that have markets where you can purchase seasonal produce this fall. Riverside Cranberry Farm Riverside Cranberry Farm boasts a picturesque harvest season perfect for scooping up fresh cranberries and taking selfies. On your visit, you can snap photos around Riverside’s cranberry bog, learn about cranberry farming, and bring home some freshly harvested cranberries and other goodies from the new onsite Farm Store. If getting it all for the ‘gram is your motivation, we suggest adding the “Cranberry Plunge,” where you can plunge into the bog of berries to do some harvesting yourself. Don’t worry–the farm provides the waders so you don’t actually get wet. Open Sept 30–Oct 7, Thurs–Sat 26885…