A WEEK IN VANCOUVER - DELICIOUS ASIAN FOOD AND MORE

I'm Victor and I really love to travel, especially to eat. I've had the opportunity to travel around the world, visiting different cities, experiencing different cultures, and trying so much different types of food that I never had before growing up.
We traveled to Vancouver for a week for a final trip before the baby came. Only a 2.5 hour flight away from the Bay, it was a short flight away for us to explore a city we haven’t been to before, and one we’ve heard great things about, especially for food. Equipped with some recommendations from a friend from Vancouver, these were some of our favorites during our week in the Vancouver area.
Spots highlighted:
• Chinatown + Sun Fresh Bakery
• Bao Bei
• Crystal Mall + Food Court
• Motonobu Udon
• Maruhachi Ramen
• Ask for Luigi
• AnnaLena
• Saku Katsu
• Phnom Penh
• Elephant Garden Creamery
Did You Eat Yet? is a short video series by Victor, highlighting food and the stories that come from food.
Collection Two: “Places I’ve Been” highlights some of my travels from this past year, and how food and culture around the world has inspired me. We share meals with folks in other cities I’ve traveled to, and explore all the best food and experiences that these places have to offer. We’ll also come back home to the kitchen to share and cook up some of my favorite foods that I’ve fallen in love with during my travels.
New episodes coming soon.
Please like and subscribe to our channel for more!
Links:
Instagram: / hididyoueatyet
Merch: hididyoueatyet.com/
Special thanks to:
- Tyler Coolidge for the episode music (IG: tylercoolid...)
- Megan for the Did You Eat Yet? design (IG: @ / mighty.moody )
- And everyone who helped me out with shooting and producing and eating with me!

[@chogdoglet7335]

I live in Vancouver and you did a great job highlighting some of the gems of the city. Great video, looking forward to the next one when you come back. ❤

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks for watching! Appreciate that from someone that lives in Vancouver

[@makumongo]

Not sure how this channel popped up on my recommended. I’m a random guy that worked close to Crystal Mall for years. As soon as your vid started I was like -- please show Shanghai Dimsum House. And you did!!! That mall food court was my go to for a pay day treat every other week. Tried nearly everything there but SDH is the one. Honestly. Subbed immediately. Best mall ever. Got my education in tasty food there.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

@@makumongo Appreciate it! Thanks for watching

[@makumongo]

@@HiDidYouEatYet you should come back up on a mission. There’s so much more here to be shown. Seriously.

[@TaraZsun]

I live near the crystal mall and could not be happier lol I love that place.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

We were joking that we would just stay at the adjoining Hilton next time we were there lmao

[@makumongo]

Love the love for Crystal Mall! Best mall. Best food.

[@makumongo]

This video makes me feel so lucky to live here and know most of these spots. We are truly blessed by the food gods here.

[@blazingasn]

Thanks for coming to Vancouver - you really picked some great spots that I enjoy myself!

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Appreciate that!

[@doublestrokeroll]

If you're a tourist going to Vancouver it's important to know that Chinatown in Vancouver isn't really much of a Chinatown anymore. It's still worth a visit as it's one of the oldest areas in the city and still is pretty cool but also be aware that it is a poor neighborhood. One of the poorest in Canada, so you're going to see lots of homeless people, and general poverty. It can be a bit of a shocking sight. Still though, the area has a lot of character and there are still some really cool shops along with the Sun Yat Sen garden which is well worth a visit. Decades ago the "Chinatown" moved out into other areas. In a way there really isn't a "Chinatown" per se but just areas where more Chinese people tend to live. Richmond being the main one. Burnaby as well as mentioned in the vid. Chinese people have been a part of the fabric of Vancouver for so long all the best Chinese restaurants and shops are just all over the place and there isn't really some kind like touristy neon sign type area that is recognizable as a Chinatown where everything is. So you just have to research and explore.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

We’re probably seeing this type of phenomenon in every major metro area with Chinatowns. As the generations grow older and more affluent populations are migrating over, we’re seeing a ton of other heavy Asian communities developing outside of the original Chinatowns. In the East Bay, there’s an area in Livermore that has a newer growing Asian community. In SF, Richmond/Sunset have been around for a bit too. In LA, they have the SGV, which has hella Chinese food and businesses east of the actual Chinatown. And I think the most famous one in the US is Flushing, which is now considered the biggest Chinatown in the world, even though NYCs Chinatown itself is still very large and busy. Out of all of these places I’ve visited, Richmond and Flushing have been the most eye opening ones to me, legit made me feel like I was in China lol

[@doublestrokeroll]

@@HiDidYouEatYet Yeah for sure. I would hope it's a good sign of more integration with cultures mixing, and multicultural neighborhoods just being normal.

[@Akumagits]

great overview of the dining possibilities in vancouver. great variety in choices. glad you enjoyed our city

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks for watching!

[@samsonxp]

thanks for coming to our city! As a local, I saw so many new places to check out. I'm glad you enjoyed your visit!

[@Msannimali]

Born and raised in Vancouver and you picked out some amazing places! There’s more you haven’t covered so we’ll wait to see where you go when you come back next!

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks for watching! Send over some spots I needa check out

[@ggavin9934]

Sun Fresh bau's is the best. The rice rolls are freaking fresh and tasty.

[@brycegieschen3208]

Thanks for highlighting our city! I'm pretty impressed at the restaurants you selected - all renowned options! Cheers from Vancity

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Appreciate that! Thanks for watching!

[@lindsayder]

Recommend coming in the summer and going to the richmond night market. For sure richmond is where the chinese food is at! Also recommend kissa tanto, go fish or pajos in steveston for fish and chips (gotta try the salmon), japadog -- go to the storefront on robson for the shoyu fries, dinesty for xlb, shanghai river for peking duck, fishermans terrace or continental seafood for dim sum, ongba for vietnamese, joe fortes happy hour for the seafood tower. I lived in the bay for a few years and wish we had the taquerias here like in the mission.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks for the list! Definitely will check out more next time

[@thefoodranger]

Looks so tasty!!!

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks for watching!

[@dorsia4167]

Vancouver ❤ 🇨🇦

[@simply.k3573]

I'm a Vancouverite and I'm quite impressed with the list of restaurants you recommended, since it was your first trip to Vancouver. If you're returning to Vancouver, you should check out 'Bun Cha Ca Hoang Yen' Vietnamese Restaurant on Victoria Street. Gotta try the deep fried fish with vermicelli in soup 😋

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

I always do my due diligence before a trip to make sure I got the right spots to check out! Thanks for watching, I’ll definitely bookmark that for next time

[@RC30018]

I swear Victoria Drive and Kingsway has the best Vietnamese restaurants in the lower mainland I don't think anything can beat those places in that area.

[@makumongo]

@@RC30018 Victoria is steadily turning into food paradise. Lucky to live about 8 blocks away

[@grapograc]

I live Downtown Vancouver and I'm SERIOUSLY impressed with how well you selected your spots! Like bro, did you have local help?? Cause you hit all the right spots, even down to the finer spots like Annalena and Ask For Luigi, which you probably got from the Michelin guide, but going to Crystal Mall foodcourt and Richmond, which has lie a thousand amazing restaurants, was a good move. I'm interested in how you research for different locations you visit, since I can say from personal experience you nailed this one.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

A mix of everything! Had some help from a local, the wife did some research herself, some other friends who've visited before in the past, plus just some random stumbling around as well. I think the perfect food itinerary for a trip is having some of the really known local spots planned, but also allowing time for yourself to discover things too when you're in certain areas of town

[@makumongo]

Had the same question. Like, you found Shanghai Dimsum House. I miss it so much. Might go tomorrow and fill up.

[@jlife9092]

2 things that stood out: 1. Yours wife's beautifully manicured nails in that gorgeous shade of baby pink 2. That tailored made pivoted rolling pin for the dumpling skins PS: If you think with the wee bairn's arrival you would still have a personal life, you have another think coming lol

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

lol thanks for noticing the nails!

[@johnhancock4303]

You sure that was his wife? 😂

[@SteveRocco]

Great vlog and new places to visit! I usually head over to Richmond for Chinese grub.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Richmond was pretty wild! So much Chinese food. If I go back I’ll probably stay over there instead of downtown

[@penguinobsession]

Excellent video! The food scene in Vancouver is amazing and I also love visiting Crystal mall when I visit the Burnaby area! Since you enjoyed Ask for Luigi, I would recommend Osteria Savio Volpe and Cioppino's for next time.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

We had Osteria Savio Volpe on our list too! But unfortunately couldn’t get a reservation while we were there. Thanks for watching!

[@cdnsilverdaddy]

All way too salty

[@ropro9817]

Great video, Victor! ❤

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thank you! 😃

[@terenceada9140]

Great video. I miss Vancouver, that pasta looks fantastic. Cheers!

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks for watching!

[@coachgirl82]

Hope you guys had a good trip here in Vancouver :)

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks, we did!

[@HarrySKeith]

I miss Vancity! Great vid sir, best of luck being a new Dad.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks for watching!

[@watericed777]

Oh by the way, many of the Asian restaurant have Fantuan ordering option for take out. Perhaps more so relevant if you live in Canada - if you use your Koho card you get a bonus 6% cashback on all Fantuan transactions with the 1.5% on food. You basically get about 7.5% discount on all takeout orders lol. This on top of the special deals only on the Fantuan app. (Thought of this when seeing the Fantuan sticker at the entrance of your first stop) Also, ask for Luigi is definitely one of the best pastas in Vancouver. If you’re looking to complement it with trying pizza next time you can consider via tevere which is near the area or Lombardo’s. Both in grandview-woodland neighbourhood which is kind of like little Italy. Pizza Farina is ran by the same people as ask for Luigi if I remembered correctly. They have great pizzas too.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks for the recs! Appreciate it

[@PP-js1qx]

the actual “Chinatown “it's around the airport city call “Richmond” ,the massive 80% to 90%Chinese population 🎉🎉🎉❤❤❤ you gonna be impressed … 😂

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Yup we spent a whole day in Richmond too! It really was impressive seeing all the different Chinese and other Asian establishments everywhere

[@walkyoooo44o4oo4o]

Nice video man. I wanna take a trip there

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Great trip for an extended weekend!

[@SeaToSkyImages]

Great video! It's not everyday that you see Sunfresh featured on a YT food vlog. By me and my wife's standards, they serve the best baozi in the city. Hell, it's better than most baozi I get when I go back to Taiwan. As you said, so juicy. Another Chinatown staple for cha chaan teng is Maxim's. Sure, Richmond has a ton more, and they may even be better, but I've yet to find one that makes better french toast. The coconut butter in the middle puts it over the edge. Poor Chinatown has kinda got the shit kicked out of it over the years, but the heart is still there. So many lovely people live and work in that neighbourhood. I always go there to eat, and support the community. I'm really happy to see you did too. As for recommendations: For stellar cha chaan teng in Richmond, you can't beat Lido and Double Double. Lido is your standard HK diner, but with amazing pineapple buns and radish cakes. Double Double has the best radish cakes I've ever had. I don't know what they do to them, but it's like deep fried savoury ice cream. I'm sure HK BBQ Master in Richmond was on your list, and it's worth the trip. The pork is usually the most popular order, but for me, it's all about the soy chicken. It's insanely juicy and flavourful. I prefer it to the pork. Yaohan Center in Richmond has my favourite noodle dish. Ajea Noodle sells dry Chongqing-style spicy noodles, and they're phenomenal. I used to live in Shanghai, and frequent a Chengdu noodle house run by an acclaimed Sichuan chef, and the ones at Ajea compete with those. I'd recommend venturing out to East Vancouver next time. Kingsway, Fraser St and Victoria Drive have a lot of good food. Crab Hot Lau on Kingsway serves North Vietnamese crab Hot Pot, and it's amazing. Thanks for the video, man. I enjoyed it.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks for the in depth recs! Will def check out next time I come back. Appreciate you for watching

[@luvpinkhellokitty]

Great reviews!!! Wow! So cool to know Toisan is spoken in Vancouver!!

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

I only heard it in that bakery but def was cool to learn that too!

[@bmak6]

@@HiDidYouEatYet Like the states, vancouver's original population of chinese were toisan and zhongsan. However theres been a lot less around lately as most just started teaching their kids cantonese.

[@loudmouthnewyorker2803]

That char-siu looked like huge slices of Canadian bacon!

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Real good stuff

[@unknownphate]

great choices while you were here! Chinatown has taken a hard hit with the opioid epidemic and a lot of business have closed or moved to Richmond unfortunately. Next time you come, visit my partners aunts restaurant in Richmond, Wo Fung and have the chicken wings, you will not be disappointed :)

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks for watching! I'll definitely bookmark for next time.

[@alexchainey.]

Great food yes, but crazy prices too!

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Expensive everywhere now!

[@winstonwinston3487]

I’m not sure how long you have been editing videos , but you seem like a seasoned pro . I’m from Vancouver and crystal mall is the best Asian food court in B.C.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Appreciate that! I’ve dabbled with video editing since high school but this is the first real video project I’ve ever done. I consume a lot of food video content and have a lot of friends that do video production so was able to get some helpful tips. Thanks for watching!

[@lemonpower.]

lol i got recommended this video. welcome to our city should've tried the butter beef from phnom penh tho

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

lol really wanted to but pregnant wife couldn’t have it!

[@mattnarayan6147]

It's no secret that the best Chinese Food outside of China is in Vancouver. A lot of my Chinese side of the family say it's even better than at home. Hope you get to try more and more the next trip here. :)

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks for watching! Definitely will be returning in the future

[@slam5]

the alternate Chinatown is in Richmond. the Chinese restaurants there are world class.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Richmond is insane, will probably stay there next time I visit

[@wnose]

1:35 Hate to say it, but the Chinatown in Vancouver is a shadow of itself. In the 1980s, the government decided to position the homeless shelters 2 blocks away, and since then the area has just gone downhill. The community were housed in old housing stock, so younger generations migrated out to the surburbs. Without fresh blood, the shops gradually declined and went away. The pandemic was one of the final nails in the coffin. Now you're more likely to see cafes, tattoo parlors, weed shops and skateboard shops in the "Chinatown".

[@sunnybunny50]

next time you come, you should def try out miku!

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Nice, thanks for watching!

[@justinogen]

I’m sitting at the table to the right of your camera at Phnom Penh 😂

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

lmao small world, thanks for watching

[@martincristobal2019]

Explore Richmond City at Vancouver airport!!! Most Asian city in North America. Go to Surrey or Northeast Calgary(Alberta) for North Indian.

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

We spent a whole day in Richmond actually! Didn’t really highlight it much in the video but was pretty crazy seeing everything there

[@martincristobal2019]

@@HiDidYouEatYet ahh I see. Well great video, its easy to watch and I like the fact that you weren’t hyper like some others I have watched.. I can only take those kind of vloggers in small doses.

[@Jo-bt3xr]

The bay is San francisco bay?

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Yup, I'm from the SF Bay Area.

[@tubulartuber]

Victor love your content, would be great to turn the music down a bit (10%?) to hear your narration better

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Will double check the audio in the next one!

[@limegpt]

How was it compared to Chinese food in the bay?

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Vancouvers Chinatown itself isn’t that big, but if you venture over to Richmond or places like Crystal Mall in Burnaby, you’re gonna find a lot more in a very dense area and the stuff I tried was all pretty good, especially the one I highlighted in the video. Overall, there’s a lot more and easier to find, don’t think there’s anything like these Chinese food courts in the Bay with that much options

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

There’s small random Chinese food courts scattered around the Bay but not to this extent

[@MsPinkFrosted]

One of my favorite things about being born and raised here is our multiculturism. It weaves such a beautiful life. We have so many different cultures to celebrate and enjoy here. There are equal opportunities for every ethnicity!

[@MeowjinBoo]

im sad motonobu got a star. the system really screws over locals in the area who eat at this joints as i can't even get a seat there or phnom penh anymore.

[@charlottesvlogs43]

Go to Richmond

[@milk14528]

Come to toronto

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Haven’t been back in Toronto in almost a decade, def need a trip back there

[@sharonthegreat5264]

I’m so homesick. Vancouver is the best town on earth.

[@luccac6247]

More to the Vancouver food scene than Asian food. Every KZbinr goes directly to this cuisine first and foremost and I shake my head all the time. Now before I get the racist card , privilege card, racist remarks and every other derogatory 💩thrown my way I’ll inform you that I’ve been thoroughly educated in the culinary world. Hold certifications in numerous parts of the hospitality world and spent 20 plus years of life in this field. I’ve been to other parts of the world and been shown, cooked, eaten various ethnic cuisines. More to the world than meets the eye. I encourage you to visit other parts of the lower mainland and explore the restaurant scenes next time you come here .

[@grapograc]

As a foodie Vancouverite I think he hit a great variety and nailed the highlights. How would you recommend designing his trip instead? He hit up AnnaLena and Ask For Luigi which are great choices, especially AnnaLena which is undeniable. Of course we have great Indian food as well, that could be the area he missed out on. But as a traveller, he would be crazy not to experience our Asian food scene (he hit Chinese, Camobian/Viet, Japanese). I know for us, we're spoiled with it lol. I dunno about you, but usually when I travel, I'm very hesitant ordering Asian, just because of the standard I'm used to here in Vancouver. And if we are fair and unbiased, then I think we can say Vancouver is actually pretty lacking in many other cuisines. It's a huge annoyance of mine, outside of a few key cuisines, restaurants tend to "Vancouverize" everything. For example, I would never recommend some from Cali even give as much as a glimpse at our Mexican food. Our Italian is "okay" outside of a few spots. But I'd be curious to hear your opinion as someone who "spent 20 years of life in this field".

[@Crazymango2]

Great video

[@HiDidYouEatYet]

Thanks for watching!