By Avneet Takhar
As the snowy weather continues and temperatures drop; winter’s in full flow and it’s time to revel in “hygge”. The Nordic term for coziness and contentment, whereby hot cups of soup are a must!
Here are our top 5 snug spots to cop a cup:
Boiling Point
4148 Main St, Vancouver
Transit: 3 bus, get off at E 26th Ave on Main
With locations in Canada, USA and Japan, Boiling Point is a Tawainese-inspired concept known as the original #wokinabox, and goes against the grain in providing an atypical mix of ingredients in their hot soups.
Having personally taste-tested the “House Special”, at a medium spice level containing tofu, pork blood, pork intestine, mushrooms and a sophisticated quail egg my tastebuds were overwhelmed- in the best possible way! The best thing is, it also comes as a trio with a green/black tea and either vermicelli or rice and various sauces.
If you’re an adventurous foodie, take my word in trying them out; they don’t disappoint.
North Noodle House
800 Carnarvon St #356, New Westminster
Transit: New Westminster station, go up the escalators/ or arch and it’s near Landmark Cinema
This unassuming Chinese hole in the wall right by the New West metro is a gem- not only are the portions generous, but the prices are reasonable and the food comes out quickly in chic, delicate black bowls.
I tried the traditional chicken noodle soup, immersed in a comforting broth with a chilli twist and a selection of vegetables including bok choy and carrots. If you’re a bit under the weather, this is the one! It may be TMI, but my chest and nasal passages were feeling way better afterwards…
Zubu Ramen
4575 Central Blvd M01, Burnaby
Transit: Take the Expo Skytrain to Metrotown Station, then walk 5 mins East, and it will be on the Northside of the street.
While it might have three locations across Metro Vancouver, our tummies belong to the Metrotown location. When the winter blahs set in, there’s no better combo than a hearty bowl of umami noodles, and a movie at the Metropolis cinema.
One of our fave comfort foods, the ramen here definitely dials into that nostalgic feeling of having a hot bowl prepared for you on a cold day. The steam and savoury smells wafting from the kitchen are just a preview of the deliciousness on the way. Favourite menu items: Beef bone marrow soup with thick-cut noodles, and Spicy Obsession Ramen (to snap you out of your frozen daze).
Haan BBQ
Sunwood Square, 3025 Lougheed Hwy, Coquitlam
Transit: Lincoln station, then walk towards Lincoln Ave, until you reach Ponderosa St . Keep along the main road until you see Sunwood Square. Walking distance: 10 minutes.
A Korean BBQ house, named as one of the top 3 in Coquitlam! With guests often milling by the entrance due to its popularity, it’s always worth the wait.
The inside is inviting and intimate; small booth tables containing individual BBQs, the chefs casually dropping by the tables to have a chat with regulars.
For soups, the kimchi with tofu and pork is a classic and the spicy beef with bean sprouts, egg and noodles is super filling. To add an extra meaty BBQ element, go for the salt and pepper beef rib side!
Mek’s Delight
14910 104 Ave, Surrey
Transit: Surrey Central station, then grab the R1 bus and hop off at 104 Ave @ 148 St
Mek’s is an authentic Malaysian restaurant with a no-frills interior and an excellent menu with halal options.
For a taste of the Island, try the “Tomkha”, a coconut milk soup with Thai herbs and chicken. Or for something zesty, there’s the “Tomyam”, a hot and sour soup with lemongrass, lime leaves and cilantro chicken.
Pho 77 Langley & White Rock
20598 Fraser Hwy, Langley / 15230 Russell Ave, White Rock
Transit: King George station, and the 502/ 503 to Langley Centre. Then walk 5 minutes!
Or a 3 minute walk from White Rock Centre
With both meat and veggie-friendly options, Pho 77 is a family-run business that caters to all.
Their tofu, broccoli, mushroom and cabbage noodle soup “Pho Chay” is a healthy bowl of goodness and the seafood with egg noodle soup is good for those who love shellfish! They also have a variety of beef and chicken soup options.
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