With the third edition of the Vancouver Michelin Guide coming out, I thought I would have some fun and stir the pot a bit by giving my list of the best Chinese restaurants in Richmond and Vancouver.
Although Michelin does not rate restaurants in Richmond, I believe some Richmond restaurants would at least make the Michelin recommended list, if not merit a star.
The two biggest issues with most Chinese restaurants are that many do not have a sizeable wine list (since many Chinese customers often bring their own wine to restaurants) and the service standard can sometimes be spotty, particularly to new customers (Chinese restaurants generally treat their repeat customers better since these customers may eat dim sim or dinner at the restaurant on a weekly if not daily basis).
Any “best” list is subjective but the aim of this list is, whether you agree with me or not, to go out and try these restaurants yourself and form your own opinions:
Mott 32 (1161 West Georgia St., Vancouver)
In my opinion, this is the best upscale Chinese restaurant in the Lower Mainland. Its combination of food quality, ambiance and service standards is unrivalled by any other Chinese restaurant.
I do not know why Michelin doesn’t even recommend this restaurant as I think it is clearly at a one-star Michelin level. It is pricey but the quality and artistry of the dishes are unquestionable.
At lunch, try its soft quail egg, Iberico pork and black truffle siu mai or its hot and sour Iberico pork Shanghainese soup dumplings.
At night, try their Iberico char siu or their apple wood 42-day roasted peking duck.
Chef Tony (#101-4600 No.3 Rd., Richmond)
In my opinion, this is the best Chinese restaurant in Richmond and if Michelin were rating Richmond restaurants, this would definitely be Michelin recommended, bordering on a star.
The mall where the restaurant is located gets really busy, especially during lunchtime. But if you can brave the crowds, you are going to experience top-level Chinese dishes.
Almost every dish is tasty but their marinated chicken trimmed with black truffle flakes and their steamed bun filled with salty egg yolk lava are delicious. They also have extensive vegetarian offerings.
The Dolar Shop Hot Pot Richmond (Lansdowne Mall, 5300 No.3 Rd., Richmond)
I wasn’t a fan of this restaurant when it first opened over two years ago but to their credit, they have continued to improve their service standard to the point where they are now the premium hot pot restaurant in town and re-defines the hot pot experience.
They have a sauce, appetizer and dessert bar and the restaurant has comfortable seating with a great variety of food at different price points.
I love the vegetable basket that accompanies every meal, which also includes quail eggs and luncheon meat. Each person gets their own hot pot so you can individualize the broth you choose.
Sun Sui Wah (3888 Main St., Vancouver)
If you are looking for a more traditional Chinese restaurant, Sun Sui Wah provides great food at excellent prices.
Its service standard is high and you will see all your favourite dishes prepared in a traditional manner. This is another Chinese restaurant that, in my opinion, Michelin overlooked as it has a long history of excellence and probably should merit a Michelin-recommended rating.
There are so many great Chinese restaurants in Vancouver and Richmond but I have limited space in this column.
Other great restaurants that you should give a try are Jade Restaurant (#280-2811 No.3 Rd., Richmond), Shanghai River (7831 Westminster Hwy., Richmond), Chang An Restaurant (1161 Granville St., Vancouver) and Red Star Seafood Restaurant 8298 Granville St., Vancouver)
Try one or more of these yourself! Until next time, happy eating!
Tony Kwan is a Richmond News columnist. Lawyer by day, and a food and wine lover by night. Kwan is an epicurean who writes about wine, food and enjoying all that life has to offer.
