With the recent spike in racially motivated attacks towards Asian-Canadians and Asian-Americans, we put together this page featuring some of our favorite Asian-owned businesses. These are small, family-owned businesses and mom & pop shops that we love supporting year-round and deserve extra love during these times. There are of course, so many more in Vancouver and we encourage you to support your local Asian community.
When visiting and shopping from these businesses, please be respectful and follow all COVID-19 guidelines. As indoor dining closed again, consider picking up take-out or getting it delivered.
To our Asian friends and audiences, we love you and we stand with you.
When craving Baked Goods & Sweets :
New Town
New Town is a family-run bakery that has been serving the very best Chinese and Filipino cuisine since 1980! When craving for the real deal, this is definitely a go-to place to find true, authentic, handmade baked goods.
Image via Baker & Table
Baker & Table
Offering desserts and snacks made from scratch daily with a creative design, a variety of sandwiches and soup made in-house, Baker & Table is a family-owned business taking the baking art to perfection!
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Mei Yee Bakery
Buckets Ice Cream
Milk & Sugar
Dragonball Bubble Tea
Mello
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When craving Japanese Food:
Image via Ajisai
Ajisai
Ajisai is a bit of a hidden gem. You probably wouldn't think to visit Kerrisdale for authentic sushi but once you know about it, you will keep coming back. This little family-owned restaurant offers a large variety of fresh seafood as well as some other Japanese restaurant staples and it's likely the most affordable place to go to when you are craving the Real Deal. They are currently open for take-out only and there's a bit of a wait for the orders, but trust us when we say this- it's worth it!
Kishimoto
Kishimoto on Commercial Dr is THE sushi place in East Van. Definitely, a go-to place if you are craving good quality, fresh seafood in the $/$$ range. Our personal highlights include the Toro Tataki, Hamachili Roll, Saba Shiso Ume Roll, and the Agedashi Mochi (not tofu- MOCHI!). Also worth noting, they have Okonomiyaki on their menu which is fairly rare so definitely add that to your order.
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Izakaya Gons
Hachibei Restaurant
Manpuku Japanese Bento
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When craving Chinese Food & Dim Sum:
Jade Dynasty
Come prepared (and hungry) to Jade Dynasty - you will taste delicious generous traditional Chinese dishes made with fresh ingredients for fair pricing. The dim sum is unforgettable! Vegetarian and vegan options available.
Sun Sui Wah
This award-winning Chinese restaurant will overcome your expectations when it comes to dim sum. Sun Sui Wah offers a wide variety of options, from steam dishes to fried, to sweet dim sum.
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Shanghai Dim Sum House (at Crystal Mall Foodcourt)
Kwong Chow Congee & Noodle House
New Chongqing Restaurant
Peaceful Restaurant(s)
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When craving Korean Food
So Hyung
Voted one of the best Korean restaurants in the city, So Hyang blends tastes of authentic Korean cuisine with a modern chic atmosphere. The menu highlights are Seafood Soon Tofu Jjigae, Topokki, Korean fried chicken (Khan Pung Gi). The Kimchi Pancake is just unforgettable! The restaurant gets pretty busy so reservations are recommended. Ordering takeout via their website is also available.
Jang Mo Jib
One of the best places to gather your group of 6 friends and have a good time! The menu explores all traditional powerful flavours from Korean cuisine in a creative approach - the squid BBQ, seafood pancakes, and Dduk Bok Ge Hot Pot are must-try! You can enjoy all that while having the most fun watching k-pop music videos and once you are done eating, you can hit up the karaoke rooms upstairs.
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Sura Korean Cuisine
Damso
Kimbap Cheonguk
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When Craving Vietnamese Food
Phnom Penh
Noodle soups, chicken wings, rice dishes, and more: this popular Vietnamese and Cambodian spot at Chinatown have everything you need for a perfect Asian dining experience.
DD Mau
Casual and tasteful dining experience: DD Mau offers a variety of Vietnamese dishes, made with fresh ingredients for an easy-going lunch or dinner.
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Green Lemongrass
Anh & Chi
Hoi An Cafe
Truong Thanh Vietnamese Restaurant
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Going Grocery Shopping?
Kims Mart
Kims Mart is a great Korean overall grocery store, affordable and super convenient, from good-quality produce to snacks, meat and house-made tofu, soy milk and ready-to-eat food.
Fujiya
Fujiya is a Japanese supermarket that, besides the Japanese imported products, also makes its own donburis and sushi for an affordable price! It’s a go-to for snacks, condiments and it’d the place to find everything you may need to prepare a Japanese dish with traditional ingredients and flavours.
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88 Supermarket
Tama Supermarket
Konbiniya Japan Center
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Traditional Tea & Herbal Stores:
Ten Ren
Ten Ren Tea & Ginseng is dedicated to the fine art of enjoying Chinese tea - you can find tea blends and herbs for you to improve your health while tasting authentic Oriental hot beverages.
Kyth & Kin
Kyth & Kin preserves Chinese culture by honouring traditional herbal shops but bringing their own personality and modern twist to it. Providing carefully crafted and curated products that are culturally rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, the shop is all about self-care through nature.
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Ca Wah Herbal Medicine
Cheung Sing Herbal & Birds Nest Co
Continental Herbal
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Looking for new home decor?
Bamboo Village
Located in the heart of Chinatown, Bamboo Village is a family-owned and operated store where you can find a large selection of tropical plants, flower pots, bamboo products, housewares, furniture and more.
Itsumo
“Living within tradition” - that’s their motto. Itsumo is a home decor store that brings harmony, joy, quietness and nature throughout every piece. Combining beauty and functionality, every object is at the same time, a tool and a work of art.
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Mala
SORT
Much & Little
Studio Fundamentals (make your own ceramic pieces!)
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Treat yourself! Clothing + Personal Care:
Kamui Vintage
Located in the historical, charming Gastown, Kamui Vintage has an amazing curation of vintage clothing, from shoes to accessories, from jackets to t-shirts. Going to the shop is a magical experience - among stylish clothes, you can even find vintage cameras, kitchen items and more!
Image via Wa Moga 29
WA MOGA 29
WA MOGA 29 is a collective of artists designing and creating Japanese artisanal goods with a modern twist. Sharing a refined aesthetic sense with minimalism, they translate their passion for form and functionality into handmade stylish artistic goods.
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A Bronze Age
Schmear Naturals
Andrea Wong
Chinatown Vintage - 100% of profits go towards to the revitalization of Chinatown
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More businesses to support:
Other pages to check out:
