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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…

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 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 young Chef…

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…

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 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 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. Celebrated as one the most fun events of the year, listen to live entertainers and sample…

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 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 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 with us). This…

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 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 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 commonly filled with red bean…

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: 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 Vancouver…

The arrival of spring means more and more events will be budding around Metro Vancouver, and these are some of the tastiest ones on the calendar! A showcase of the types of different dumplings across various cultures? Book your spot now! How about a week-long celebration of the best mixologists in the city? Prime your palate, and keep reading! Taste of the Tri-Cities, February 16 – March 10 This annual food and drink festival is designed to highlight the amazing restaurants, eateries, pubs, breweries, distilleries and cafes in Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody. Various Locations Bite of Burnaby, March 1 to 31 If you missed Dine Out Vancouver, or you just miss it in general, get yourself to Burnaby for the Bite of Burnaby Festival. This annual foodies dream takes place all month and features local restaurant favourites offering prix-fixe menus. Burnaby bills…

 Why stay cooped up inside through winter? After all, Valentine’s is this month, and what better way to show your intentions than by taking your date OUT to a food event or two? Here are the Feb happenings you should know about so you can flex your foodie status with someone special. Just remember, nothing says “💘”, quite like… 🌮 🥗 🍕 🍜 Vancouver International Wine Festival, February 24 – March 3 The Vancouver International Wine Festival is one of the world’s biggest and oldest wine events, offering something for every level of wine enthusiast, collector and trade professional. In 2023 alone, the festival featured 147 wineries across 17 countries, pouring and discussing over eight nights. The heart of the event is the International Festival Tastings at the Vancouver Convention Centre, where each winery pours 4 to 5 wines for the public. Vancouver Various Locations Dark Fields of Winter, Feb…

With over 300 restaurants participating this year, a wide net of delicious, affordable dining options has been cast over communities across the greater Vancouver area. The 2024 Dine Out Festival runs from January 17 to February 4, so here’s a list of top 5 restaurants to get you started on filling your Festival calendar. Make reservations soon to avoid disappointment. By Catherine Dunwoody Burnaby Pho Den We love ducking out of our workday for a great lunch deal anytime, and especially during Dine Out. Vietnamese restaurant Pho Den has 3-courses for $22 (dinner is $24) which cannot be beat. Start with crunchy, dippable spring rolls, then a steamy bowl of winter-comforting pho (beef, chicken or veg) and royal milk tea with topping for dessert.  Accepting reservations for lunch and dinner, $22 and $24 per person.  By transit: bus 191, or SkyTrain Millennium line or Expo line. Instagram Coquitlam The Wild…

Now that the hectic holiday season is over, it’s the perfect time to decompress with a few days of rest, relaxation and letting others do all the cooking and cleaning for you. With that in mind, we invite you to enter to win the Dine and Unwind in Burnaby contest where you’ll spend a weekend in one of Metro Vancouver’s most charming cities,  eating your way through some of the best eateries in the Lower Mainland! A Weekend in Burnaby Day 1 First off, check in to the elegant  Delta Hotel Burnaby for a romantic two night stay with your sweetheart, or a relaxed weekend getaway with your bestie.   Address: 4331 Dominion Street This weekend is all about taking it easy, and that’s the name of the game at the Art of Sauna and Spa. Featuring 8 different traditions of relaxation spanning cultures from the North and South of Europe…

The end of summer is in sight, but there’s still time to fit in an extra staycation (or two!) before it’s officially fall. The great thing about a staycation? You don’t need to worry about planning a road trip or finding a flight deal. Instead, kick back and make the most of the last days of summer by exploring the tourist highlights and exciting dining options in your own backyard in Richmond—one of the Lower Mainland’s most exciting and diverse culinary neighbourhoods. Staycation sounds good right? This month you have the chance to win a Foodie Staycation in Richmond from West Coast Food, including an overnight stay at River Rock Casino Resort, $100 gift card to Bruno restaurant, and a Richmond Night Market zoom pass (includes 5 entries and fast lane entrance.) River Rock Casino Resort Situated alongside the scenic Fraser River and conveniently next to the Bridgeport Canada Line Skytrain station…

If you have not checked out German/Bavarian restaurant Tannenbaum in New Westminster since it opened in spring of 2023, it’s time. The busy, bustling vibe and full tables are every indication that this new hotspot is a breath of fresh air, and very welcome in the Greater Vancouver area. An unexpected plus? Vegetarian and gluten-free options are on the menu. I sat down with owner Mira Mendes to chat about schnitzel, German beer, and her favourite dessert. By Catherine Dunwoody Hi Mira, thanks for chatting with us. Your food is delicious, your room is cozy, and we would love to know more about your background. What can you tell us? I was trained in the service and hospitality industry in Germany. I went to Hospitality School and lived there for 13 years where I learned all my recipes and cooking skills. Moving to Canada, my first job was at the Alpen Haus…

Get outside and enjoy the last days of summer by diving into food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Powell Street Festival, August 5 – 6 A long-running celebration of Japanese Canadian culture taking place on the BC Day long weekend Vancouver’s historic Japanese Canadian area, Paueru Gai (known as the Downtown Eastside today.) Enjoy live music, cultural activities and performances, and delicious Japanese festival food.  Oppenheimer Park, 400 Powell Street Vancouver Sea Festival and Semiahmoo Days, August 5 – 6 Sea Fest, as its known by locals, takes place on the BC Day long weekend. Attracting tons of visitors, you won’t want to miss the artisan market and delicious salmon barbecue, alongside live local performers on the main stage, Pirates in the Park and young local talent competing in White Rock’s Got Talent. Memorial Park (White Rock Pier, by the beach), 25CV+FH White Rock  Harmony Arts…

The Township of Langley has a line-up of summer food and beverage events and festivals that are not to be missed. By Catherine Dunwoody Sun and Soil Concert Series On July 8th the Sun and Soil Concert Series, held at Fraser Valley Cider Company promises to be a dreamy, immersive summer evening sure to tickle the senses with food, drink, and music. Tickets are sold in advance, and the experience includes a 90-minute set from local musician Antonio Larosa, a shareable Tiffin Tin for Two, local bevvies, and all aimed at a 19+ crowd. The Fraser Valley, so rich with farm fresh produce, local food growers and producers, means the tiffin tin will feature local meats and cheeses, or vegan options. Cider crafted onsite right at Fraser Valley Cider Company is the perfect pairing. If cider is not your thing, not to fret, local Langley wines and beer will be…

The second annual National Filipino Restaurant Month takes place during the month of April, and we want to celebrate. Our favourite way? With food of course! By Catherine Dunwoody First launched in April of 2022, the intention of this culinary spotlight is to promote Filipino cuisine in Canada, especially the restaurants, the chefs, and highlighting traditional dishes using ingredients from the Philippines. One restaurant, Grandt Kitchen located in Surrey, offers a wide range of food that tastes like home to Filipinos in Canada, and an introduction to an ethnic cuisine many have never tried.  In 2015 the small restaurant first opened in an industrial area in Surrey, followed by a move in 2018 to open Grandt Kitchen Filipino Cuisine with a capacity of 100 people. In 2019, a second location opened on Joyce Street, and the owners proudly serve the community with the cuisine they love to share. Dive into traditional…

Appreciating the natural abundance of the region through healthy lifestyle choices and  ecologically sustainable day-to-day practices are a part of West Coast culture, resulting in an impressive range of restaurants that offer mindful meals and tasty treats that celebrate a plant-based diet, from grab-and-go cafes to upscale dining. In Metro Vancouver, eating your greens isn’t a punishment, it’s a delicious (and nutritious) reward. Serving up more than just salad, Dine the Line’s Plant-Based Path Itinerary features Vegetarian, Vegan and health-conscious plant-forward menus across North Vancouver and Vancouver, all located within a 15 minute walk from a SkyTrain, SeaBus Station, or RapidBus stop. By Marisa Chandler  North Vancouver The Workshop Vegetarian Café Hop on the 2 RapidBus and make the Workshop Vegetarian Café your first stop, just a six minute dash from Pemberton Ave and Marine Drive in North Vancouver. This Japanese-inspired vegetarian café and store is also a plant-based workshop,…

Passover starts this week (April 5-13, 2023), so we’re sharing a few of our favourite Jewish delis, and kosher-friendly kitchens in Metro Vancouver to get your celebrations started. Fire up Shiva Baby (a dramedy about a young Jewish woman attending a family’s funeral service-which aptly features a buffet of kosher comfort food) on Netflix and chill, enjoying great food with fam and friends! By Avneet Takhar Garden City Bakery This kosher-certified bakery has been around for 20 years! And its popularity continues, with rave reviews claiming it’s got “the best challah in town.” It’s a great spot to pick up both the savoury and sweet stuff – like the challah or chocolate and cinnamon raisin babkas. 9100 Blundell Rd #360, Richmond. Get off at Richmond-Brighouse and either walk 30 minutes or hop on the 408 bus. Boemma Euro Foods & Deli This Euro deli is great find for buying Prednisone for stocking…

Spring has sprung! And with all the new shoots and blossoms comes a fresh crop of exciting food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Soup & Bread: Tour, Passover Cooking Demo & Lunch, April 8  Enjoy a tour of Coquitlam Heritage’s current Breaking Bread exhibit (running until June 30) focusing on the historical and cultural importance of bread followed by learning about the process of making Matzo ball soup and Matzo Kugel during the Jewish festival of Passover in this mini-workshop and lunch with Chef Victoria Paikin. Details and tickets on the event page. Coquitlam: Coquitlam Heritage at Mackin House, 1116 Brunette Avenue Easter Egg Hunt at Township 7, April 9  Sip on award-winning local wines while the kids enjoy the Easter Egg Hunt, scavenging the vineyard, and enjoy activities such as Glitter Tattoos, a petting zoo by the 4H club, and more. Adults can join…

Burnaby’s one-of-a-kind urban gathering place, The Amazing Brentwood, is not only a destination for fabulous shopping and entertainment but for a wide range of dining options too. In the last few months, five new restaurants have opened, and you’ll want to check them all out. Here’s what’s what. By Catherine Dunwoody Earls Kitchen + Bar Just opened on Brentwood Plaza, the newest Earls location has a beautifully designed space including a lounge, dining room, and an island bar featuring artwork from local BC talent. Expect Earls classic, signature dishes like the Santa Fe chicken salad, famous clam chowder and Bigger Better burgers, plus weekend brunch dishes, and happy hour deals. Exclusive to this Brentwood location is a take-out window, the very first of its kind from Earls, and ideal for grab and go – literally. 1308 – 4525 Lougheed Hwy Neptune Seafood Palace Restaurant This Michelin-recommended restaurant offers sophisticated gourmet…

You made it! March is here and spring is just around the corner. And so is a whole slate of exciting food and drink events in Metro Vancouver. Check ‘em out here. Bite of Burnaby, March 1 to 31 If you missed Dine out Vancouver, or you just miss it, get yourself to Burnaby for the Bite of Burnaby Festival. This annual foodies dream takes place all month and features local restaurant favourites offering prix-fixe menus from $10 to $60. Burnaby bills itself as BC’s most diverse dining city so there’s sure to be something for every taste. Coquitlam Craft Beer Festival, March 4 Fans of this semi-annual event have waited patiently for its return to the Westwood Plateau Golf & Country Club. After three (especially long) years, the wait is over! You’re invited to visit old friends and meet new favourites as craft breweries from around the lower mainland…

The one thing that’s guaranteed to make your meal taste better (other than salt), is sharing it with the people you enjoy spending time with. Whether you’re hitting the bar for appies and drinks after a long day with your work crew or you’re rounding up your buds for a banquet-style dinner and catch-up session, it’s always better with friends. The only catch? You’ll need to find a location everyone likes that’s not only easy to get to, but  has a table big enough for 6 people (or more). Make sure no one gets left behind, and plan your next group dining event using the Dine the Line It’s Better With Friends Itinerary. Ride through Surrey, Burnaby and New Westminster and find your new favourite meet-up spot. Each location is easily accessible on foot from a SkyTrain station or Bus stop and welcomes large parties for all kinds of occasions.…

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  ‘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  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 fritters, to Congolese salad…

Whether milk tea is your must-have or you’re an oolong and fresh fruit slush fan, no matter what type of bubble tea flavours and add-ons are your favourites, there’s no end to the number of ways you can customize this delicious dessert drink. Originating in Taiwan, with countless tasty variations, bubble tea is a global to-go sensation. And thankfully, there are tons of businesses specializing in bubble tea all across Metro Vancouver. If you’re on the hunt for the best and newest bubble tea hot spots in the city, slurp your way across Metro Vancouver using Dine the Line’s Bubble Line itinerary. Try your favourite flavours and (hopefully) a few new ones in neighbourhoods across the city while riding the Expo Line Skytrain or RapidBus. From Surrey to Burnaby to New Westminster, here are our go to spots for boba. Burnaby Money Tea For the fresh fruit tea fans, you…

Wondering where to eat with the family in Metro Vancouver?  These transit-friendly options will keep you dining car-free. Enjoying a meal together as a family is an indispensable bonding experience—add exploring Metro Vancouver and you’re bound to keep your family engaged and entertained as well as create lasting memories. Family Day is just around the corner, and it’s the perfect time to gather your crew and hop on the transit for a fun-filled family excursion chowing down across Metro Vancouver. For parents or activity organizers in the family, finding just the right crowd-pleasers for a mixed group of adventurous diners and picky eaters across ages can seem like a tricky challenge, but luckily there are lots of transit-accessible options serving up delicious family-friendly fare, from exciting international flavours to traditional comfort food favourites. Check out Dine the Line’s Bring the Family Itinerary to explore family dining using the Canada Line…

Jackie Kai Ellis is the former owner of Vancouver’s beloved Beaucoup Bakery, which she in recent years decided to move on from in order to focus on her other projects. She’s since been featured on House & Home magazine, has her own self-titled website, and recently released the show House Special on Telus, a series that follows Chinese-Canadian food history across BC and Alberta. We got the chance to sit and chat about her exciting food journey! By Avneet Takhar So Jackie, you got into the food scene and learned how to be a pastry chef whilst studying in Paris! Was that the catalyst for opening Beaucoup?  I don’t think I necessarily had a plan when I went to pastry school in France. But it was always in the back of my head (opening a bakery), and there were ideas percolating for many years. When I got back I had the choice to either continue with my design…

Like most of us, you probably spent December in unabashed overindulgence. We’re here to ask: why stop now? Here’s a list of events around Metro Vancouver to keep the food party going well into the new year. The Ultimate Sunday Brunch: Unlocking Secrets of a Favourite Weekly Meal, January 8  Level up your brunch game at this cooking demonstration in the Market Kitchen at Lonsdale Quay Market. This class will demystify the fables that make preparing eggs seem such a tricky endeavor, and teach the ways of Japanese Soufflé Pancakes, Brioche French Toast, Eggs Benedict and more – the ways the pros do it. Dine Out Vancouver Festival, January 20 to February 5 Canada’s largest celebration of food and drink returns to communities all around Metro Vancouver for its 21st season. As if 350+ restaurants offering up special 3-course meals for anywhere between $20 and $65 weren’t enough, there’s also…

The holidays can be stressful, expensive, and challenging for a lot of folks. I’m here to make sure you’re well-nourished, without all the hooplah. By Brittany Tiplady Let’s face it: cooking a full, traditional, tried-and-true holiday meal is an exhausting feat. If you’re not up to the challenge this year – or if you’re keeping your holiday circle small and intimate – why not let the pros do the dirty work? If you’re hosting a large gathering we’ve listed a few catering companies to save the day with inventive holiday meals available for pre-order. If dining out is more your thing, I’ve found a selection of restaurants across Metro Vancouver serving up hot holiday meals at a variety of price points and ambiances. Catering The Lazy Gourmet Whether your kitchen chops need a little bit of work, or you’re simply just too busy to whip up a holiday feast, the…

Dine the Line has exciting, delicious new itineraries! Take your taste buds on a culinary tour and experience Metro Vancouver like never before. All of the new itineraries are easily accessible by TransLink – make sure to load up your compass card and enjoy these NEW amazing additions: Bring the Family, Plant Based, Bubble Tea Line, Brunch to Brews, It’s Better With Friends, and Explore East and Southeast Asia. Dine the Line and WIN Enter to win a grand prize of a 2-night stay in The Metropolitan Hotel Vancouver, dinner with Diva at the Met plus Compass Cards for two, pre-loaded with three days of unlimited transit on all SkyTrain lines, busses and the Seabus! We’ll also keep you dining around the whole time with $400 in gift cards to Dine the Line featured restaurants! Enter to win here! https://youtu.be/Ny72aGgZSy0 Follow us on Facebook Instagram and Twitter