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…
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…
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 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 bakery and…
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 Haven Kitchen + Bar in Langley Funky, deep colors and playful bohemian elements make Haven Kitchen + Bar in Langley—well—a haven for influencers. Kitschy Tiki cups and décor are the perfect props for your shot at the oversized bar, which boasts a neon sign urging you to “Choose Your Own Adventure.” Velvet and rattan accents add cozy textures to the eclectic, saturated palette—making virtually every corner of the restaurant a spot for selfies. We say that’s worth a…
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…
Burger-love. It’s a thing. We absolutely crave them, so when the mood hits, no other meal will do. Here’s 5 restaurants doing something special between two buns. By Catherine Dunwoody New Westminster Burger Heaven has been dedicated to burgers since 1984 with a menu filled with both classic combos and unusual offerings. No matter what you choose, their potato wedges and salad are delicious sidekicks. Ernie’s Mile High is 8 patties thick and weighing in at 3 lbs of meat. Not for the faint of heart. Or try the Perogy Burger topped with our favourite Ukrainian doughy dumplings, sour cream, cheddar cheese and chives. Langley Built in 1946, Hilltop Diner is like something out of a time machine. Who doesn’t love the classic, diner-décor vibe while chowing down on a burger and shoestring fries? Check out the TV & Movies tab on their website, as many cool films have been…
Major international airports aren’t usually well known for their healthy grab-and-go snacks or eco-friendly dining, but Burnaby-based company Trendi, who specialize in upcycling fruit for smoothies, are changing that. Trendi recently partnered with Vancouver International Airport to install five of their smoothie vending machines at YVR, making sustainable smoothies accessible to hungry eco-conscious travellers 24/7. By Marisa Chandler Reducing food waste The Smoothie Machine by Trendi serves 100% plant-based smoothies made from rescued fruit, furthering YVR’s commitment to promote sustainability at the airport and for travellers. Upcycled ingredients for Trendi’s Smoothie Machine converts upcycled shelf-stable fruits rescued from the farm to delicious smoothies with minimal waste GHG emissions using agricultural automation and collection systems called BioTrim units that take the unused fruit from the farm and process them for the next stage. The majority of Trendi’s ingredients are currently sourced via farm partners in Ecuador, and they estimate they’ve rescued…