There’s no need to fly more than 13 hours to get a taste of the Hong Kong café experience. With so many great local options in Vancouver and Richmond, you might just find your new casual go-to when your group can’t decide where to eat.
The first thing that comes to mind when anyone mentions this restaurant should be their infamous pineapple bun with butter, or “bolo yao” in Cantonese. They bake these fresh daily and constantly bring out a new tray whenever the last tray has sold out (which happens very often). This Hong Kong style restaurant has the most traditional feel to it; in fact, they don’t even have an English menu! Dine with a buddy who can translate if you can’t read Chinese, or dare to play culinary roulette and simply place a finger on the menu and hope for the best!
The most modern café on the list is Copa. The Richmond location is the newest but they also have two other locations, one in Vancouver and the other in Coquitlam. You can order traditional Chinese food here, but they also serve up modern fusion dishes as well. Catch their late night menu from 8:00 pm onwards and you’ll satisfy your hunger with a plentiful meal at a great price!
Don’t let the English name confuse you; their Chinese translates to “Old Chinese Donut.” Dining here will give you the feeling of being in Hong Kong as they emulate that atmosphere to a T. From the various handwritten signs on the walls to the shouts of Cantonese between the staff, you’ll feel like you’ve stepped into a café halfway across the world. The food is very good too, so expect a wait before you are seated if you are not an early riser.
Known for their awesome mix-and-match deal, it’s easy to see why so many make this café their go-to place for a simple meal at a great price. Pro-tip: this is one of the only restaurants that offers a refill on the basic drinks, such as iced lemon tea or iced milk tea, so be sure to take advantage when dining here!
Located near the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood, this restaurant provides a nice option to those in Vancouver who are craving Hong Kong style cuisine but don’t feel like making the trip to Richmond. Their quick and consistent service provides a reliable dining experience that won’t disappoint.
Budget-friendly dining is the name of the game when it comes to Hong Kong style eateries, and this restaurant plays it well! Silver Tower Café’s mix and match menu is what most diners go for here, and their central location makes for a quick and convenient meal.
Known for their fantastic value and great quality food, you get a great bang for your buck at this centrally located Vancouver joint. They are one of the most popular congee houses in Vancouver, but that’s not the only thing that is a staple here. Their Zhong (sticky rice) is also a must-try dish for those who have never had one here before.