Don't Watch If You Are Hungry!!! (Five Best Special Chow Mein To Eat) Best Chinese Restaurants

Chinatown Food Tour from Chinatown/ Downtown Eastside to East Vancouver. The status of a Chinese restaurant can often be determined by what they offer on their Special Chow Mein. Often it is called the "House Special Chow Mein." Today we're trying out the Special Chow Mein in 5 Chinese Restaurants. Every Chinese restaurant will use different ingredients and topping in their version of Special Chow Mein. Toppings include prawns, squid, Chinese mushrooms, chicken, fish. Usually the Special Chow Mein includes Chinese vegetables, such as bok choy, Shanghai bok choy, gai lan or other vegetables, such as broccoli, snow peas or zucchini.
People in Vancouver have been staying away from Chinatown and the Downtown Eastside. This is partly true because of the drug addiction, homelessness, poverty and crime in this area.
Two of the restaurants in this review are in Chinatown. They are the Jade Dynasty Restaurant and the Boss Bakery and Restaurant. The other restaurants in this review are located in East Vancouver, a short drive away. The 3 restaurants reviewed are: Cindy's Palace Restaurant, Golden Swan Seafood Restaurant and the Golden Seafood Chinese Restaurant.
Are these the top 5 best Special Chow Mein served in Vancouver? Certainly each of these Chinese restaurants serve their delicious versions of Special Chow Mein. Each prepare their dish in their own in their own special way. Where do you go to eat Special Chow Mein? What are your favorite toppings when you eat Special Chow Mein.
For those of you who prefer to eat at home, be sure to try some of my Special Chow Mein Recipes. This way way, you will get more toppings, more noodles and save some money at the same time. Enjoy!

[@roykemp6502]

The highlite of your video for me was watching your Mother and yourself enjoy eating Special Chow Mein. The both of you are looking good and may the best of luck be with you both. Thank you Dan for your hard work presenting another quality video for our enjoyment!

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Glad you enjoyed it. We certainly tasted some pretty good Special Chow Mein. Thanks for checking out our video. I hope everything is well with you. Take care.

[@kurikoweiber5926]

nice to see support for the Chinese community. these days the old school stuff is slowly dying off and its sad. would love to see the top picks for best wonton lo mein soup

[@JohnMcILwraith]

Me too.

[@Jim-nt7xy]

I remember that 30 years ago, I heard Vancouver served the best Chinese food because the best Hong Kong chefs left HK to emigrate to Vancouver before the handover. Love Wok Hay! Also love how you connect food with culture. Nice to hear Cantonese and Toisan in the background.

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

It was a big change for Chinese food at that time. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@Jane-qq6ow]

Great tour! I can’t wait to check out some of these restaurants.

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Please do! Some pretty good chow mein for you to enjoy. thanks for viewing my video.

[@jadehom8067]

My pleasure 🤗

[@lesliesorenson6305]

I am adding this to my bucket list go to Vancouver for chow main. I felt like I was right there with you guys thanks for the videos.

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Please try some of the other dishes too. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@PHLYLM]

Excellent!

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Glad you liked it! Thanks for viewing my video on Special Chow Mein. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and Fantastic New Year.

[@studious_viewer]

I love your channel so much :)

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Thank you so much! Much appreciated. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year.

[@AAKelly-uq4pj]

Your Mother looks beautiful and glad to see her so well. You take good care of her. Her purple coat is gorgeous!

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Thank you so much! I'll be sure to tell her you like her purple coat. Thanks for checking out my video on Special Chow Mein. Wishing you a Merry Christmas and all the best in the New Year.

[@StarlightGazer-pv3qx]

Very good video I completely agree I used to go to china town loved to shop and the culture very nice place and very good restaurants ❤️

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

It used to be better in the past. But still some some good places to shop and eat. Thanks for viewing my video.

[@jadehom8067]

Hard to choose, all the chow mein looked absolutely delicious 😋...glad you and mom enjoyed yourselves 😉🤗

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Never tired of eating Special Chow Mein. By and large, most of the restaurants in Vancouver are pretty good. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@78deathface]

Another great video, Dan! I’m extremely hungry now

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Much appreciated. I hope you get something good to eat. Thanks for checking out my video on Special Chow Mein.

[@lesliesorenson6305]

Lolol😂

[@djackson8319]

Just subscribed my Friend keep up the food reviews I'm from EastVan you should try Rosegarden on kingsway near Joyce

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Thanks for subscribing. I went there once many years ago. Thanks for the recommendation on Rosegarden. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@jamaicasky]

Very nice

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Much appreciated. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@kevinhowes]

A great video and appreciate the context of the Vancouver Chinatown challenges/reality... I am now VERY hungry, but in Toronto, so...

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Greetings to you in Toronto. Hopefully you have some great Chinese restaurants in your area. Thanks for checking out my video on Special Chow Mein. Happy eating.

[@kevinhowes]

Thanks@@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV​... There are many here, and many good ones, even around the block from where I am, but I miss those special places in Vancouver, where I lived for over half of my life...

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

@@kevinhowes I understand now. For sure, if you're from Vancouver, you must really miss the restaurants in Vancouver.

[@kevinhowes]

I certainly do... I am thinking of Mui Gardens right now!@@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV

[@GG-lv3xd]

the first one looks the best to me but I like that glaze sauce they put on the chinese food very delicious

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

I agree!! If it's a tie, the sizzling hot plate is the tie breaker. Thanks for checking out my video on Special Chow Mein.

[@azncs11]

This video hit close to home

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Great to hear. Thanks for checking out my video on Special Chow Mein.

[@jackiegutmann]

I live around Kingsway, Cindy’s Palace, I have yet to have tried. If it’s as good as you say it is, I may order.

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Reasonaby priced and pretty good food. They have been around for a long time. Thanks for checking outmy video.

[@DS-xl1ro]

Sad situation with the homeless camps. So many businesses are affected. Hopefully local government can relocate them so the businesses can reopen. Food looks delicious. Keep up the good work!

[@cosmoray9750]

That's the way it is. The city/government always put the halfway house or some sort of drug recovery center in ethnic communities. This is a form of institutional racism behind it. Put these bums in a white neighborhood, I guarantee you that there will be something done about it.

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

It's a sad situation all around for everyone. We had snow a few days ago and a lot of the tents are still there. Thanks for checking out my video on Special Chow Mein. Much appreciated.

[@JohnMcILwraith]

Hong Kong / Canton style BBQ and Kitchen is awesome. Sad to see them leaving us. Been visiting them and getting BBQ duck from the store front windows since 1991.

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Sad to see a lot of them are shutting down. Much more expensive nowadays compared to the 1990s. Thanks for viewing my video.

[@F_U23]

I remember as a young child going to SETO'S restaurant on Victoria Drive. It was our neighbourhood Chinese restaurant.

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

It was owned by one of my relatives. What was your favorite food there?

[@F_U23]

@@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV Hamburger and fries......I was a kid (around 5-6 yrs old). I wasn't very adventurous with food at that young age 😂. I remember my parents got the smorgasbord, lots of variety. Fond memories, none the less.

[@susieangelo6410]

Hi, Dan you're very fortunate to have access to an array of delicious Chow Mein in Vancouver. I live in the Bay Area in California and nothing comes close to the ones you have shown. Seriously, I feel all the good cooks left Hong Kong and China and established their new life in Canada! LOL! 🤣 Salutations to your Mom. 💜

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

One thing I really miss is the beef and tomato chow mein in Sam Wo's Restaurant in San Francisco's Chinatown. Yes, I feel I'm pretty lucky to have access to a lot of good Chinese restaurants in Vancouver. My mom and I thank you foer checking out our video.

[@mrsoft6884]

We really enjoy James On Hastings .

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Thanks for the recommendation. Do you know how long James Restaurant has been around? Not sure if I've been there under previous ownership, but I'll be sure to check it out. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@mrsoft6884]

@@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV I believe James has been here for at least 10 years or longer. We enjoy your journalism on local issues. Cheers!

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

@@mrsoft6884 There's a restaurant located near the P.N.E. that I used to go to over 15 years ago. Not sure if it's in the same location where James is now. Regardless, I'll be sure to check out James. Thanks for your kind words. Much appreciated.

[@Heartadia]

Definitely old school Hong Kong style cooking. Better value than Richmond and Crystal Mall. Probably the only couple places that can be comparable to your choices in terms of cookery and pricing are some places on Victoria Drive and Richmond Public Market.

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Thanks for the suggestion for Richmond Public Market. I definitely will try the food there. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@Heartadia]

@@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV Love your videos, keep up the good work!

[@bryanadams256]

I did a search of "General Tso Chicken" on both your channels. I didn't find anything. Can you do a video on this?

[@bradwolf1]

In Canada.. speciological is replaceively in used over culturally. ~ Eugene Kwok

[@carmelachannel....7280]

Nice asian food

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Thank you 😋 Thanks for checking out my video.

[@carmelachannel....7280]

I have a friend there in vancouver

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

That's great. Do you get a chance to visit Vancouver? Thanks for checking out my video.

[@frauwolftherehorse]

❤

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Much appreciated. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@bradwolf1]

As a sign of wealth is to tip to the point of the chef joint the table. ~ Eugene Kwok

[@banzaiburger9589]

There really is a lot in common between SF and Vancouver, including how homeless folks from the other regions settle here because it's warmer, also much more services and funds for the homeless. Okay, I ignored your advice and watched while hungry. Oh my goodness...

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Yes, there are a lot of similarities between San Francisco and Vancouver. I think we are just a fe years behind San Francisco. People were telling me what was happening in your area and I couldn't believe it. I haven't been to San Francisco in over 10 years. Then it started happening here. I ignored my own advice. But I'm going to eat now. Thanks for checking out my video on 5 Best Special Chow Mein.

[@bradwolf1]

Lek 子.. DAN. ~ Eugene Kwok

[@jamaicasky]

4:31 ohhh you can cheat with a spoon!!! Lol good to know!!

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Ha, ha. You're talking about my mom. I used to do the same thing, but I used a big serving spoon when I eat. Thanks for checking my video. Happy eating!

[@BarryWaterlow]

*Welcome to HopelessHomelesstown, BC*

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

That sums it up. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@Briguy1027]

Heh, the seafood is probably locally sourced, which is nice.

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

A lot of it is. Thanks for viewing my video.

[@TheObSeRvErTheObSeRv]

As Bruce Lee would say EMOTIONAL CONTEXTS.!

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Wise man, that Bruce Lee. Thanks for viewing my video.

[@tonycarpaccio9550]

The last one looked the best to me, all looked good though!!! Which was your favorite??

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Yes, they were all pretty good Special Chow Mein dishes. In a tie, I would go for #1 because the sizzling hot plate gives it a nice touch. #2 brings back nostalgic memories because it's the style I l was introduced to when I was young and has the good wok hei seared flavor. #3 had good wok hei, fair size portion and reasonable price. #4 for the consistency because this restaurant has been around forever while other restaurants open and close all the time. I like #5 because it's the largest in size in toppings and noodles, great taste and reasonable price. I like my mom's recipe because for the same price, we get 3 times the toppings, 4 times the noodles and great flavor with the bonus Chinese oyster sauce. Thanks for checking out my video. Happy eating!

[@Dollar123Bills]

The new generations of Chinese in Vancouver don't need to connect back to their roots from Chinatown as they have assimilated into Canadian culture and community. You can see this through the loss of the Chinese language. This happens because it's no longer needed to the same extent. Furthermore, the Chinese community has moved into better neighbourhoods because of the increase wealth they have attained through generations (i.e. Richmond, in fact everything you can find in Chinatown you can probably find in Richmond). I can understand that losing Chinatown through a lack of support is tragic because of the rich history it carries but things like these do happen when the Chinese communities don't have to segregate itself anymore from the rest of Canadians.

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Yes, it is a tragic situation. This has been going on for decades. Once the new hospital nearby is finished, I can see Chinatown revitalized and gentrified.... but with few Chinese around. This was my point when I made a speech at Vancouver City Hall a few years ago. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@jamaicasky]

Everything is infused with the flavor of the sauce... I need the recipe for THE SAUCE

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Here is one of my recipes for Special Chow Mein, which includes making the sauce. Sometimes I add 1 to 2 tablespoons of Chinese oyster sauce for added flavor: kzbin.info/www/bejne/q3_SgpqPZ9Cpg9E Thanks for checking out my video. Happy cooking!

[@Ultradude604]

Doesn't look like there's a lot of "Mein" in this dish. It's the cheapest ingredient, the noodles. Might as well be generous with it, and the sauce. They should've done that. (First Restaurant)

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Yes, nowadays, restaurants are cutting back on the noodles. Also on rice dishes as well. Thanks for viewing my video.

[@Briguy1027]

Dang, Mom wanted soy sauce? Better watch her blood pressure.

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

Thanks for your concern. She has her blood pressure monitored all the time. Thanks for checking out my video.

[@konggg]

I thought only San Francisco has the homeless issue……

[@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV]

We've always had some homeless people but the last mayor let them stay right on the business district. Has the situation improved lately in San Fran? Thanks for checking out my video.

[@konggg]

@@DanSetoChineseCanadianRootsTV it seemed to have gotten worse. People are leaving the area due to safety concerns.