June is Indigenous History Month, with June 21st marking National Indigenous Peoples Day, so we invite you to celebrate the occasion with these local 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 n’ Bannock
Not to be missed, Salmon n’ Bannock proudly serves First Nations cuisine with a variety of dishes inspired by global fare. Owned and operated by Inez Cook, this is arguably the most well-known Indigenous restaurant in Vancouver. You can find them at their longtime location on Broadway, and now at YVR International Departures (Salmon n’ Bannock on the Fly) for a pre-flight delight!
Must-haves on their menu: Signature Bannock with butter and jam ($5), Salmon Mousse with Bannock Crackers ($12), and the Urban Smoked Salmon Burger ($22).
7-1128 West Broadway, Vancouver
YVR International Departures, Post Security (next to gate 71)
Mr. Bannock
No brick and mortar? No problem! Mr. Bannock is “keeping tradition alive” and mobile, with his ever-popular food truck and catering services. Chef Paul Natrall is a busy guy– he’s a founding member and Director of National Culinary, with the non-profit Indigenous Culinary of Associated Nations, the Director-At-Large of Indigenous Tourism of British Columbia and an Ambassador for Sodexo Canada where he shares about the opportunities in Indigenous cuisine throughout the country.
Follow Mr. Bannock on Instagram for food truck locations, grocery options, and catering services.
Tradish’s The Ancestor Cafe
At Tradish’s, you can support Indigenous sovereignty and women entrepreneurs, while enjoying delicious Indigenous fare. Chef Sarah Meconse Mierau’s food truck is located in Fort Langley at 23433 Mavis Avenue from Wednesday to Sunday. The menu at her mobile cafe includes a delicious lineup of sweet and savoury bannock tacos, plant medicine lemonade, and herbal teas.
Sarah’s traditional Indigenous nourishment is also available to order. You can order retail items like her outstanding jams and bannock mix straight to your pantry.
23433 Mavis Avenue, Fort Langley
Tawnshi Charcuterie
“Tawnshi,” means hello in Michif, the language of the Métis, and after calling on this wonderful catering service you’ll be ready to say Tawnshi to incredible tastes and flavours. With their charcuterie boards and boxes you’ll find a variety of smoked and cured meats, seasonal fresh fruits and vegetables, bannock, assorted jellies, dulse (sea bacon), cheese, pickled preserves, nuts and berries.
Gluten-free, vegetarian, and pescatarian options are also available. Whether you’re looking to step up your hosting menu or cater a large event, Tawnshi is ready to fuel your guests with a delicious and immersive culinary experience.
Follow Tawnshi on Instagram for updates!
Spirit Bear Coffee Company
Spirit Bear’s organic, fair-trade products are available at over 600 locations across the country. Find a cafe near you serving their socially conscious roasts here, or check out their retail store in Port Coquitlam.
Unit 111 – 2071 Kingsway Ave, Port Coquitlam
Sriracha Revolver Hot Sauce
Calling all hot sauce connoisseurs! This Indigenous-owned hot sauce brand will bring a big kick of flavour to any meal. Shop online, or find a local stockist to grab a bottle – I highly recommend the Jalapeno or Chili Garlic.
Article by: Brittany Tiplady
There are many ways to get to each of these spots in Metro Vancouver by transit. Visit TransLink’s Trip Planner to find your way.
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