With many ethnic groups settled in Vancouver, the food scene is just as vibrant, serving up dishes from all over the world. From signature nationwide dishes to localized favorites, these are the foods that should make it to your bucket list.
Poutine at La Belle Patate
The ultimate Canadian food that everyone has to try is poutine. Now as a Singaporean, I always thought to myself ‘no big deal, it’s just cheese with fries, right?’ but I was pleasantly surprised! Poutine has crispy medium-sized cut fries (or thicker) to absorb the flavors of the delicious brown gravy sauce with chewy, melt-in-your-mouth cheese curds. It is a standard way higher than that of cheese fries that you get from fast-food restaurants here.
The most authentic poutine can be found at Davie Street, somewhere over the rainbow (crosswalks).
Address: 1215 Davie St, Vancouver, BC V6E 1N4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-569-1215
Candied Salmon Sticks at Granville Island Public Market
Here’s a fun fact! Vancouver has its own salmon hatchery which makes the fish a part of the local cuisine. It is often consumed as a snack, in the form of Candied Salmon Sticks(or diced). The fish is cold-smoked before being dipped or layered with, you guessed it — sweet maple syrup, bringing out a mixture of salty and sweet flavors. A flavor that is definitely unique and special to the area, this is a must-try for all who comes through!
We recommend heading to Granville Island where you can find other local delicacies and food at the public market too.
Phnom Penh
Craving for fried chicken and pho? Have them both at this award-winning restaurant which serves both Cambodian and Vietnamese food. Run by a close-knitted family who has come a long way since they fled from the Khmer Rouge regime, the restaurant has warm homely vibes and a consistently long waitlist of customers.
Address: 244 Georgia St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1Z7, Canada
Phone: +1 604-734-8898
Japadog
Moving away from traditional foods, Vancouver is known for its good fusion food. One of the best that you have to try is the Japadog — hotdogs with Japanese food toppings. There are six different options on the menu with seaweed, teriyaki sauce, and even soba noodles to top off your hotdog.
Earnest and Elephant Garden Creamery
Another fusion food dish that can’t be missed is ice cream with Asian flavors. Some highly raved about flavors include Thai Milk Tea and Mango Coconut Sticky Rice (suitable for vegans). There are toasts with bubble tea pearls as well. Yum!
Address: 2080 Commercial Dr, Vancouver, BC V5N 4B2, Canada
Phone: +1 604-251-6832
Miku Restaurant
Returning to the traditional food scene, Miku Restaurant has the best Aburi or flame-seared fish on sushi. They also have a gluten-free menu and the view is stunning being on the waters of the Coal Harbour.
Address: 200 Granville St # 70, Vancouver, BC V6C 1S4, Canada
Phone: +1 604-568-3900
Tojo
Aburi is not the only sushi to drool over, as there are California rolls that come in multiple fillings and wraps to try too. Chef Tojo is a top chef recognized by the Japanese government and he acts as an ambassador for Japanese Cuisine. His food needs no more elaboration — try it, you won’t regret it.
Address: 1133 West Broadway, Vancouver BC V6H 1G1
Phone: 604-872-8050
Boulevard Kitchen and Oyster Bar
Seafood is fresh and abundant in Vancouver and is not limited to sushi. This comes at quite a price but it is worth the indulgence to have oysters, tuna and clams cooked by a master chef. Almost everything else on the menu is addictively good too.
Salmon & Bannock Bistro
Lastly, we have to leave you with a Native Canadian restaurant. Serving delicious indigenous food such as red snapper, salmon dishes, bannock bread (gluten-free available), and wildberry cheesecake, this is the taste of Canada that you have been searching for.
