Richmond, British Columbia—situated just south of Vancouver—is home to one of Canada’s most dynamic food scenes. Owing to its large Asian population, the city offers a fusion of Pacific Rim and Asian cuisines. Whether you’re savoring fiery Szechuan hot pots, hand-pulled noodles, pillowy Japanese soufflé pancakes, or sweet treats from donut counters and dessert cafés, here are a few can’t-miss spots in Richmond.
The Dumpling Trail
Above all, Richmond is a dumpling lover’s paradise. The city’s Dumpling Trail has more than 16 dumpling spots, including Jade Seafood Restaurant, which features banquet-style seafood dishes and Cantonese foods served in a polished dining space. The restaurant earns consistent praise for its pork dumplings as well as its Peking duck, noodles, and soups.
Richmond Night Market
Celebrating 25 years this year, the Richmond Night Market is a summer hotspot and the largest night market in North America. Open weekends and holidays from spring through fall, the market has rows of food stalls with more than 600 dishes, including ramen donuts, mochi cheesecake, volcano ribs, and sushi tacos.
With carnival games, neon lights, and even animatronic dinosaurs, the night market offers fun for all ages. New this year is the debut of the first-ever zip line at a night market. This 600-foot ride gives guests a thrilling bird’s-eye view of the excitement below.
Little Fox Bakery
Little Fox Bakehouse brings European-inspired flair to Richmond’s pastry scene, earning fans for its flaky croissants and whimsical buns. In a cozy strip mall storefront, this boutique bakery turns out treats like almond danishes and seasonal fruit tartlets alongside unique savory buns. Its commitment to butter-forward lamination and careful technique makes it stand out amidst Richmond’s sea of Asian bakeries.
The Fish Man Restaurant
Located on Alexandria Road (“Food Street”), The Fish Man is a buzzy, modern Szechuan-style seafood joint that has quickly become a local favorite. Diners rave over the sour cabbage fish hot pot—hearty, tangy, and loaded with fish, tofu, and vegetables. Beyond hot pots, their skewered street-snack-inspired dishes like tender beef cubes and chewy chicken knuckles elevate casual dining to an unforgettable spice-forward experience.
Peanuts Bubble Tea
A local legend, Peanuts Bubble Tea was Richmond’s first bubble tea shop, opening more than 30 years ago in Richmond Public Market. With classic brown sugar, taro, and novel seasonal flavors, the shop offers comfort in familiarity—trusted by generations and still blending tapioca pearls, fresh milk, and chewy yummies one cup at a time. Aside from its popular milk tea, Peanut’s Bubble Tea also serves fresh fruit drinks, specialty Asian beverages, and Taiwanese wheel cakes.
Steveston’s Seafood Heritage
Richmond’s Steveston Village reflects its maritime roots with fresh Pacific seafood, working docks, and heritage sites like the Gulf of Georgia Cannery. Fishermen still unload salmon and spot prawns by day, fueling restaurants like Steveston Seafood House and Pajo’s fish‑and‑chips shacks with stand-out catches. Dining here is part culinary experience, part living history—waterfront meals served with side views of boats, seals, and whales cruising by.
Britannia Brewing in Steveston
In Steveston, Richmond’s historic fishing village, is Britannia Brewing Co., a cozy pub meeting point where craft beer and community unite. The pub sells its award‑winning ales, from IPAs and saisons to stouts and sours, alongside seafood‑inspired pub fare, charcuterie, burgers, brunch, and more. Pair a house-brewed ale like Adrift Hop Blonde with comfort food classics like fish‑and‑chips or buttermilk fried chicken. The brand has three locations in British Columbia.
Outpost Donuts
With only a small couch and a couple of chairs by the fireplace, this cozy spot keeps things simple, focusing on fresh, made-daily mini-donuts that pack a punch of flavor. From crowd-pleasers like Canadian maple to playful picks like Cookies ‘n Cream, there’s always something tempting behind the counter at Outpost Donuts.
Craft Beer and Modern Dining
Since 2016, the BC Ale Trail has been inviting beer lovers to explore British Columbia’s growing craft beer scene with stops at fan-favorite Richmond-area breweries such as Fuggles Beer and Four Winds Brewing Co., which offer guided tastings and beer flights.
Richmond’s upscale modern dining options are on the rise, with restaurants like Baan Lao leading the way. Recently named Canada’s Best Restaurant in the 2024 World Culinary Awards, this fine Thai establishment offers a seasonal multi-course tasting menu incorporating traditional Royal Thai cooking techniques. Each dish is a work of art, envisioned by owner and executive chef Nutcha Phanthoupheng to achieve the perfect harmony of flavor, texture, and presentation.
For a nightcap, head to Cask at the Versante Hotel. This stylish 12th‑floor rooftop lounge and restaurant features a chic spiral staircase, sleek furnishings, and floor-to-ceiling windows with panoramic views. Sip creative cocktails at the neon-lit bar and sample caviar flights and shareable plates.
This article first appeared on Forbes.com.
