By Mithalee Rawat When people think of Indian food, butter chicken often comes to mind. It is hardly surprising – the creamy, tangy, mildly spiced sauce with the succulent chicken pieces is truly a creation of culinary genius—and a crowd pleaser. However, this dish represents just a small fraction of the diverse Indian culinary landscape. The richness of Indian cuisine extends far beyond butter chicken, with each region offering its own seasonal flavours and sophisticated cooking techniques. One reason traditional Indian dishes haven’t gained global recognition is the vast variety of cooking styles and ingredients found throughout India. Even within the country, many are unfamiliar with the extensive range of regional recipes. Fortunately, the Lower Mainland of BC is a melting pot of Indian flavours, thanks to a growing community of immigrants from different parts of India. This diversity has introduced us to an array of authentic dishes that…
We’re officially into the pre-holiday season, which means menus will start featuring the richest flavours and most sumptuous dishes! It’s truly the pinnacle palate experience. We’re also about as far away from beach season as you can get, so it all lines up nicely. Start with a meat and cheese festival in North Van, then a bit of mulled wine and German pastries at the Vancouver Christmas Market, and perhaps a leisurely stroll through the food trucks at Langley’s Enchanted Forest. Whatever your comfort food is this time of year, make sure you savour every moment! Vancouver’s North Shore Craft Beer Week, November 1 – 15 Various locations on Vancouver’s North Shore Get ready to kick back and soak up the vibes, because Craft Beer Week is back for another round of laid-back fun in North Vancouver! From November 1st to November 15th, we’re rolling out the barrel for two…
If you’re like us, and you keep a dedicated list of YVR restaurants you want to try, get ready to add a few more points of interest to the map! The Michelin Guide recently announced which local spots it would be adding to its list of notable eateries in the city, and we’re ready to dig in. Keeping with the high standards that Michelin is known for, there were only two new additions this year, but the restaurants that did make the cut are well deserving of the spotlight. One Michelin Star Sushi Masuda – Vancouver This intimate sushi bar tucked into Coal Harbour is the latest locale to earn a coveted star. With modest Japanese decor, Chef-owner Yoji Masuda lets guests focus on his unrivalled omakase service. The fact that Masuda only opened in March of this year is extra impressive and speaks to the meteoric rise of the…
Fall in Metro Vancouver is always a beautifully colourful affair, worth stopping and savouring each moment. The long days of summer give way to early evenings, crisp air, and an unmistakable cozy atmosphere. It’s the perfect opportunity to dig out your favourite sweater and make the most of the new season with a staycation! This time, we’ve put together a delicious and relaxing itinerary around Langley City so you can fully recharge before the holiday season arrives. Because once you’re standing in the grocery store and you hear that first playing of “Feliz Navidad” a full six weeks before the holiday break, it will officially be too late! Just consider this pre-holiday outing of culture and cuisine a little gift to yourself—and you don’t even need to wrap it up. All you have to do is enter to win it! Here’s a peek at what you’ll be up to if…
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…
Autumn is the season when our palates open up to foods with a bit more spice, a bit more sweetness, and a lot more flavour! October has arrived with plenty of opportunities to dazzle your taste buds, whether with pumpkin pie, apple cider or whatever your go-to Halloween treats are. Let’s dig in and see what foodie events in Metro Vancouver are arriving with this year’s harvest! Navrati Festival, October 3 – 13 Navrati is an annual Hindu festival observed in the honour of the goddess Durga, and this year’s festival in Surrey includes an exciting lineup of musicians from India and Gujarati refreshments Riverside Signature Banquet Hall, 13030 76th Ave, Surrey Harvest Haus Festival, October 4-5 Pull out your lederhosen, and prepare for a weekend of beer, bratwurst and authentic European festivities at the 8th annual Harvest Haus in East Vancouver. Celebrated as one the most fun events of…
As foodies, we’ve all run into those people who insist that they can make food better themselves. Whatever cuisine you suggest, Thai, Ukrainian, Ethiopian… “Nah, we can have that at home.” For many of us, this is our mother. Thankfully, no matter how skilled they are as a chef, there’s a reliable checkmate argument you can use against these culinary naysayers: the themed restaurant. Where else can you sip cocktails in a tropical tiki shack, or enjoy brown sugar bubble tea in a candy-colour room filled with cat plushies? The following local Metro Vancouver spots are all about an experience you can’t get at home, no matter how much your mom tries to tell you otherwise! MAKCHANG DODOOK- Coquitlam 1150 Austin Ave #100, Coquitlam, BC If you’ve ever wondered what the food is like in prison, here’s your chance to find out (ok, this is likely far better, but stay…
Now that autumn has arrived, you’re likely settling back into your normal day-to-day post-summer routine. Your tan has faded a bit, and you’re looking back on your vacation time with fond memories… So what better moment to head out on an impromptu fall staycation! Make the most of the new season by seeing how beautiful Metro Vancouver is when the leaves begin to change. To make the most of it, we’re giving away a two-night experience in New Westminster that is sure to keep your healthy holiday glow through the fall. We’ve put together a package of cuisine and culture that you can redeem whenever you’re in need of a quick getaway! You could win this New West staycation package: 2 Night Stay at the Inn at the Quay Gorgeous views of the river and mountains await as you and a guest play tourist for a couple of days. $50…
Summer ‘24 was a busy season for Metro Vancouver’s ever-evolving culinary scene. Exciting new concepts and additions to established local favourites were popping up everywhere, and still going! Here are 7 new and upcoming restaurants to check out this Fall. Dehl’s Gourmet – New Westminster New West’s Dehls Gourmet specializes in authentic Ghanaian cuisine from chef and owner Delali Adiamah who brings her rich heritage and culinary expertise to traditional dishes like Jollof Rice, Honey Jerk Chicken, and Kelewele. From its humble beginnings as a catering service, Dehl’s now serves not only as a place to grab a delicious meal, but also to learn about a culture under-represented in Metro Vancouver’s dining scene. 906 Quayside Drive, New Westminster Little Pisces – Burnaby First-time restaurateurs Linda Dai and Jacky Tian are bringing another first to a Metro Vancouver dessert shop. A popular street-food in Japan, Taiyaki is a traditional fish-shaped pastry…
Fall has arrived, and the local foodie calendar already has plenty of ways to fill your days (and plates)! September kicks off the cozy season with a feast of flavours— pumpkin, spice, and everything nice. You can dig into fresh strudels at Harvest Haus Festival, sample the area-famous perogies at the Polish Festival Vancouver, or even wander through local farms with a glass of wine in hand, care of Feast Of Fields! Whatever you’re in the mood for, you’re sure to find something to satisfy your cravings. Grab a light jacket, and let’s take a brisk stroll through the itinerary! Halal Ribfest – Surrey, August 30-September 1 Experience the Ultimate Halal Ribfest in Vancouver! Join us for an unforgettable event featuring 100% Halal BBQ, delicious street food, a pop-up market, live entertainment, kids fun zone and so much more. Don’t miss out on the smoke, sizzle, and excitement! Holland Park…
On July 27th, the vibrant culinary scene of Metro Vancouver welcomed a new gem with the grand opening of Dehls Gourmet. Nestled in New Westminster, this restaurant marks a significant milestone for foodies in the region, offering an authentic taste of Ghanaian cuisine that has long been missing from the local dining landscape. Delali Adiamah, the visionary behind Dehls Gourmet, brings a rich tapestry of cultural heritage and culinary expertise to her new establishment. Growing up in Ghana, cooking has been an intrinsic part of Adiamah’s life. Her passion for hearty, well-nourished meals and her love for experimenting with diverse flavours inspired her to introduce traditional Ghanaian dishes to Vancouver. With a background in food service and manufacturing, Adiamah’s mission is clear: to deliver delicious, consistent, nutritious, and culturally thoughtful food to her community. Dehls Gourmet started its culinary journey as a catering service, quickly making a name for itself…
We’re now into one of the sweetest times of the year—berry season! Whether you’re using them to bake, adding them to breakfast, or eating them on their own, we can all agree that Lower Mainland berries are second to none. And one of the best parts of living/visiting here is all the fantastic places you can pick your own. By the basket or bucket full, these spots let you load up and feast on the best strawberries, raspberries, blackberries, and blueberries that are now in full ripeness. So roll up your sleeves, let’s get picking! Driediger Farms – Langley 72nd Ave, Langley Since 1964 Driediger Farms has been supplying Langley and it’s surrounding communities with juicy and flavourful Strawberries, Blueberries, Blackberries, Red Currants and Raspberries. The Farm has over 160 acres of berries, with dedicated U-pick fields where you can harvest for yourself. The onsite farm market also sells fresh…
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 summer feasting continues! We hope you’ve booked some time for even more seasonal snacking because this month’s outdoor foodie events are well worth a wander. At the Richmond Night Market, you can cruise the aromatic aisles looking for that perfect chicken karaage skewer, or you can always stop by Langley Ribfest to sample the secret sauces and admire the swathing technique of local grill masters. Take it from us, there’s nothing that pairs better with a summer evening than heading for a stroll and trying all the treats along the way! Fort Langley Summer Food Festival, August 3-4 Indulge in a culinary adventure at the Fort Langley Summer Food Festival! Join in for a weekend packed with mouthwatering delights, local wines, and artistic wonders. It’s the perfect recipe for a memorable summer experience! Langley Fort Langley Community Hall The Korean Cultural Heritage Festival, August 3 The Korean Cultural Heritage…
Family owned and operated Bow & Stern is a Fraser Valley based seafood restaurant brand, with locations in Abbotsford and Chilliwack. Now, they’re about to open in Metro Vancouver for the first time in Burnaby’s food focused The Amazing Brentwood, aiming for early August. The new 5,000 square foot restaurant will feature all the delicious ocean-inspired dishes they’re known and loved for, including fresh oysters at a centrepiece oyster bar, impressive seafood platters and towers, and of course their classic fish n’ chips. With 160 seats indoors and 60 seats on the patio, expect both happy hour and dinner, plus weekend brunches being hinted at. North Vancouver-based Humphries Construction Group has designed the gorgeous space with kelp-green velvet seating, plenty of lush plant life, and cheeky octopus wallpaper. The L-shaped bar is where you’ll want to hang, lingering over a bowl of mussels and a glass of wine. Or a New York Sour…
While an increasing number of restaurants in Metro Vancouver proudly advertise themselves as LGBTQ+ friendly, there remains a noticeable scarcity of LGBTQ+-owned establishments. Discrimination, whether subtle or overt, has long posed significant challenges for LGBTQ+ individuals aiming to establish themselves in entrepreneurship. These obstacles, spanning financial disparities to enduring social stigma, highlight the resilience needed to launch and sustain openly LGBTQ+-owned restaurants. Moreover, many of these businesses choose not to openly promote their LGBTQ+ identities, wary of potential backlash or loss of clientele. Join us as we celebrate the pioneering eateries in Metro Vancouver that proudly celebrate their LGBTQ+ ownership. Article by: Mithalee Rawat Tall Shadow Bakery – Vancouver 2474 E Hastings St, Vancouver Tall Shadow Bakery began by showcasing their organic sourdough, artisanal loaves, and pastries at farmers’ markets and fulfilling custom orders for beloved Vancouver restaurants and food trucks. The enthusiastic reception prompted them to establish a bustling…
Article Updated April 14, 2025 When it comes to dining out, modern sensibilities dictate that grabbing great content is almost as important as grabbing a bite! From bartop swings to immersive nautical-themed private rooms and breathtaking 360-degree city views, we’ve found spots that deserve more than just 15 minutes of fame—they deserve a permanent spot on the feed. That’s right—these are some of the most Instagrammable restaurants you’ll find from Vancouver to the Valley. By Kristi Alexandra Skye Avenue Kitchen and Lounge in Surrey Luxury oozes at the art deco wonderland that is Surrey’s Skye Avenue Kitchen and Lounge. In this nostalgic whiskey bar, rounded, repeating corners and marble walls contrast with clean, modern lines, creating the perfect Instagram backdrop for your Gatsby-esque dining experience—and ensuing photoshoot. Glowbal in Vancouver Glowbal at TELUS Garden in Vancouver nearly spans the block at 17,000-square-feet, all of it decorated by gold…
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…
Adventurous foodies need not leave Metro Vancouver to explore hidden gems of world cuisine. In an era where global connectivity is at our fingertips, our local dining scene becomes a portal to far-off lands. By exploring unique regional cuisines, we not only indulge in exotic flavours but also get the opportunity to engage in a deeper dialogue about identity, heritage, and the socio-political forces shaping our world. In each dish lies a story of history, migration, and resilience, offering insights into the complexities of our world. From culinary fusions born out of cultural exchange to dishes that carry the weight of centuries-old traditions, every bite becomes a lesson in empathy, understanding, and appreciation for the diverse tapestry of human experience. Uncover the delightfully unexpected at these restaurants around Metro Vancouver. Article by: Mithalee Rawat Spice of Nepal – Surrey While Indian cuisine enjoys worldwide popularity, the culinary treasures of its…
North Vancouver’s craft spirits destination has a new owner and new product launch. Known for their award-winning craft spirits (hello 3 different types of Amaro, plus Limoncello, Nocino, Gin and more!), this North Shore distillery has a new owner, plus an exciting new product release. By Catherine Dunwoody Celia Chiang owned and operated two successful florist businesses for years before becoming the proud new owner of The Woods Spirit Co. What may seem to some as a not-so-natural-progression career-wise, Chiang believes all came about rather serendipitously. After selling Port Moody Flowers and Sunwing Flowers in Port Coquitlam, Chiang “ went back to school to get my MBA, and at this age thought [owning a distillery] might be the worst thing I could get myself into,” she laughs. “But I have always been curious about the wine and spirits industry, and one day I went to see the Sons of Vancouver…
June is Indigenous History Month, with June 21st marking National Indigenous Peoples Day, so we invite you to celebrate the occasion with these local Metro Vancouver Indigenous food spots. Each of these Indigenous-owned restaurants, eateries, and small-batch producers offers the opportunity to savour local ingredients and flavours as they’re woven into traditional and contemporary recipes. When you visit these culinary gems this month (and year-round), you’re not only supporting small businesses but also the culture of Metro Vancouver’s first people—an important step as we collectively move towards reconciliation. Once you’ve sampled the delicious menus of each, you can continue your foodie tour outside of Vancouver with more culinary delights in Whistler, Squamish, Shushwap and beyond. Visit Indigenous Tourism BC to discover other Lower Mainland gems you might be missing. You can use this guide to spruce up your travel plans with some added wellness opportunities, and outdoor adventure ideas. Salmon…
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…
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…
You can learn practically anything from the internet these days. However, interactive classes are way more fun and immersive than learning from a YouTube video. What’s more, you get to taste the fruits of your labour while you learn. Get set to impress at your next dinner party or dazzle your date with skills learned at these fun adult cooking classes and wine workshops. Don your apron and dive into a world of flavour. Class is now in session! By Mithalee Rawat Posh Pantry – Burnaby On weekends, Posh Pantry offers hands-on cooking classes tailored for those with a passion for food. Their lineup includes professional chefs and seasoned home cooks, all geared towards equipping you with impressive kitchen skills. This summer, you have the opportunity to learn firsthand from an authentic Italian mamma how to handcraft gnocchi or ravioli. If West Coast seafood is more your style, a former…
Where can you go to get a delectable hot waffle, enjoy a wine tasting with a glass (or a bottle) of berry wine, while picking fresh fruit from the vine all at once? If you’re a Fraser Valley local, you’ll know it’s all at Langley’s Krause Berry Farms—located off of 248th Street in the heart of Langley Township. Since its inception in 1974, the family-run farm has come a long way—now playing host to a fulsome farm, vineyard, estate winery, a hot waffle bar, a marketplace selling fresh produce grown on site, and family-friendly seasonal u-pick fields. But back to the beginning. It all started with Alf Krause planting one acre of strawberries in 1974. Today, the farm is still owned and operated by Alf and his wife Sandee, and expanded to more than 200 acres of growing produce—yielding some of the Fraser Valley’s best berries. Indeed, fresh berries and…
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…
Jumping into May brings us sunny weather and several food events around Metro Vancouver for all to attend! If you are interested in trying new alcoholic beverages, engaging in African culture, and hanging out with friends or family at the Shipyards Night Market—this month is full of fun for all foodies. Mother’s Day Market at Festina Lente Estate Winery and Meadery, May 5th Pamper Mom at the picturesque Festina Lente Estate Winery and Meadery for a day filled with laughter, love and loads of fantastic finds. This Mother’s Day Market is a memorable celebration for all! Langley Festina Lente Estate Winery and Meadery Coquitlam Farmers Market, Every Sunday from May-October Poirier Street Farmers Market is the longest running suburban farmers market in the Lower Mainland. The Poirier Street Market hosts a diversity of vendors and products from May through October. Each week a wide variety of vendors gather to showcase their…
Kitsilano’s Tayybeh offers a unique culinary experience with authentic Syrian fare prepared by a team of all-women newcomer cooks. Tayybeh means good, positive, and delicious in Arabic. True to its name, this restaurant in the heart of old Kits feels welcoming and fun, featuring pops of bright white and fuchsia, brimming with natural light and redolent of spiced dishes and rich coffee. “We initially thought of opening as a café,” says Nihal Elwan, Tayybeh’s founder, “but soon our guests made it clear that they are expecting a full-service dining experience.” Tayybeh is a social enterprise that creates stable employment to empower refugee and newcomer women from Syria and other parts of the Middle East. Though Tayybeh is just in its sophomore year as a brick-and-mortar location, Elwan and her team have been serving Vancouverites a taste of Syria “just the way they cook at home” for years. Since 2015, the…
If there was an award for best cocktails in Metro Vancouver, it’d certainly be hard to choose just one winner—but it sure would be fun to be the judge. There are more than a handful of destinations in the region to sip on an inventive cocktail, from the soulful notes of Free Bird Kitchen + Bar in Richmond to the unapologetically vibey atmosphere of Steven’s Cocktail Corner in Langley. Here are some spots to enjoy every sip-savouring minute of cocktail hour. MEO – Vancouver Chinatown’s newest cocktail bar MEO is a must-visit, where Ukrainian-born bar manager Denis Bykov creates a refreshing cocktail experience amid kitschy ‘70s aesthetics. The cocktail menu is fruit-and-vegetable forward, with drinks like the Golden Devine (Blue Agave Altos Tequila, summer peach, cacao nib, ginseng cordial, Cocchi Americano vermouth, and a peach cacao yogurt crisp) and Espresso Carrotini (Beefeater Blood Orange gin, carrot reduction, citrus peel infused…
Salt Spring Coffee is well respected in the world of premium, ethically sourced coffee and has just launched the country’s first ever Regenerative Organic Certified® (ROC) coffee. The Village Trade Dark Roast is in stores now, and for purchase online. Regular West Coast Food contributor Catherine Dunwoody chatted with Mickey McLeod, Co-Founder & CEO of Salt Spring Coffee. What does the term Regenerative Organic Certified coffee mean to the consumer? McLeod: Regenerative organic certification sets the highest standard in the world for soil health, ecosystem preservation, and farmworker fairness. For a farm or product to be Regenerative Organic Certified™, it must first meet USDA organic requirements. From there, additional rigorous standards must be met including sustainable agricultural practices, animal welfare protections, and social responsibilities including supporting the wellbeing and livelihoods of farmers and workers. Regenerative organic certification provides a holistic framework that ensures communities and ecosystems flourish throughout the coffee supply…