It's been ten months since I've last been in my beautiful home city of Vancouver. 'Tis true, we never really know what's so special about a place until u no longer have the freedom to enjoy it whenever u like. So many times I hear my friends say, "oh, u eat out so much, but I don't find them any different". Well, of course! U live here, so u don't realise just how unique the availability n quality of the cuisine that's here in Vancouver at your pleasure to enjoy. For me, I only have 5 days, n most likely 5 out of 365 days as I don't plan to be back any other time this year. So, indulge as I like.
Once again, I'll let the pictures do the talking simply because we didn't do much around the city, except to run some errands. The rest of the time? Well, u guessed it! Meal gatherings with friends! What a good way to attempt to complete both my to-eat list n my to-meet list at the same time! So here goes...
(Me & my partner in crime- my sister! Get ready, Vancouver!)
(@ this Kerrisdale 2nd floor dimsum place: their marinated pork ribs are just brilliant. Same with their house-special shrimp paste stuffed in anything. Actually, I quite like this place simply because they always switch up their menu with different dishes once in a while. Keeps me coming back to see what else they can come up with!)
(With my Tim Horton's chocolate! Just realise I forgot to get some Tim Bits! OMG =.=")
(What better way to kill time than to go sing K! With my friend, Mel @ K-Mix2 on Kingsway)
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(The best Jap food in town: Sushi Garden on Kingsway. Always a line-up, but totally worth it. We didn't even need the menu to order. That's how many times I dine at this place, because it's so good. No competition really. Surprisingly a Korean-runned restaurant, but their sashimi's fresh, seafood salad's awesome, udon's just al dente, roll's creative, n tempura's crispy. U can't go wrong with ur order here! A must-eat on my list)
(Met up with my friends at a well known bubble tea shop "Pearl Castle" in Richmond. If u didn't know already, Richmond, wel,l the whole Vancouver really, has a big bubble tea culture. The brilliant drink, brought over by the Taiwanese many years ago- yes, I had been a patron of the 1st bubble tea store in Greater Vancouver over a 12years ago- n the quality hasn't changed a bit. Totally objective, it's as good as u'd get them in Taiwan. No kidding. Though, most people are freaked out by the texture of pearls/bubbles, but really, it's a magical surprise in ur drink. It is for me, anyway, even after all these years. How to tell if a place's legit? Order the original "milk tea" n u'll know in an instant)
(@ De Dutch in Richmond- been craving for a western breakfast, n there's really no better place than here. A very good point to advise, the servings are huge n there's no shame in not being able to finish them on ur own. So, if u do plan to save up more stomach space for more food, then share. U'll enjoy it more when u aren't stuffing urself anyway)
(@ Secret Garden on 41st: having been in Europe n tried the afternoon teas, I can truly say that the hightea at Secret Garden still stands as one of the best. Their scones n home-made jams are to die for. I don't think there's quite an order, but we usually eat it from bottom up- savoury, semi-sweet, n sweets. That's how I feel in love with this place :P My favourite is still their Secret Garden Secret for tea selection. Mind u, hightea needs prior preparations, so definitely call in advance to make bookings!)
(@ Jang Mo Jib: My favourite Korean restaurant situated on Robson Street. They've got the best seafood pizza n glass-noodles! Of course, they're hot pots are their speciality as well, but as I don't take spicy too well, I only tried for taste. The last time I was here, I ended up bday drunk on Shoju, so I'm quite glad I got to really enjoy the food this time :P)
(@ Thierry Chocolate Patisserie Cafe in Downtown after Korean: their macarons are crispy on the outside n a bit chewy towards the middle. Ah, just the way I like them. Especially, chocolate. U can't go wrong with chocolate!)
(@ Vivacity Seafood Restaurant for their dim sum: a place that my family frequents for our late brunch. I love how they keep their dishes relatively clean n without too much seasoning. Just natural taste from fresh ingredients. Not too oily or spicy. A place where oldies would chit-chat their mornings away- yes, we were, once again, the youngest ones there)
(@ MingJia- a chasiu meat place under Superstore on No.3: totally forgot to take a picture before we divided the dish, but meh. This place always get their meats right, n really, I haven't tasted the same anywhere else. A requested stop for me!)
(Where to grab a quick Pho? Well, Pho Hoa's relatively easy to find n quality-guaranteed. If ur looking for a restaurant to eat, n craving for noodles, why not Pho Hoa?)
(@ White Spot in Richmond Center: this is what I call my "Canadian Breakfast". There's no better way to start the day than with a "Hearty Breakfast" at White Spot. Although they did change their hashbrowns to this potato blub, it's still quite good. After sausages, eggs n potato, I dig into the fresh whipped-up pancakes drizzled in maple syrup. Oh my god. I want it now!)
(@ Phnom Penh in Chinatown: this restaurant is a must-eat for me! Taiwanese/Cambodian owned, the restaurant really does justice to the exquisite cuisines of Cambodia. Loc Lac- or "beef on rice"- n their chicken? Just perfect. Although I don't take much deep-fried food in general, I'd break my rules just for their chicken because it's simply heaven. Dipped in a bit of a vinegary sauce, it brings out the freshness of the chicken coating. The sauce which the beef's mixed in, well, it's just amazing. So much flavour, a hint of sweetness, it's like a party in my mouth. I think I smiled through the whole meal because I was that happy :) )
(@ Cute Pearl House on 41st: yes, I came here just for the drink in this picture. Soya pudding with pearls. It's true, I don't think I've seen this in bubble tea's hometown Taiwan either. It's a speciality of this particular bubble tea place that we frequented when we were still studying. The prices are more for students, so u can expect a cheaper bill, n as the place has gone through many renovations throughout the years, it's still a hip place for youngsters nowadays)
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I believe that covered most of what I had during my week of indulgence in Vancouver. There were still a few other places that I didn't have time to go, but they're definitely on my to-eat list for my next visit. After reading this post, if ur thinking, "Well, there isn't really a Vancouver cuisine". Hm, you're right. I don't think so either, but as Vancouver's a very multi-cultural place, we're blessed with the best foods around the world all in one location. It's about time to admit that we're very spoiled indeed. Maybe that's why I'm not too surprised by other local foods when I travel. *sigh* I <3 Vancouver.
(This is what I love about Vancouver: the view is wherever you look. Even though it's no longer the best city to live in due to various reason, there's always that calmness here- probably why it still brings travellers from all over the world to our "countryside". The air's fresher, night scene's calmer, people are friendlier, n atmosphere's homier. There's no place quite like Vancouver)