Chinese

Gotcha (高茶), Soft European Bread

October 6, 2020

Soft European buns is derived from European buns such as sourdough or French baguette. It uses levain as natural yeast for the rise, but altered to be softer to fit Asian palate. Although its name has the word “European” in it, this type of bread is actually not European. It was invented by Japanese, adopted by Taiwanese, and recently glorified by Chinese. Gotcha has picked niche market and a good target audience base. I think the bread has good texture, but not as moist as the bread I am used to. Their continual sold-out merchandise seem to suggest that there’s definitely a market for soft European bread.

Old Xian’s Food (老西安厨娘子) in Crystal Mall

September 24, 2020

I have not tried other Old Xian’s Food location, but Old Xian’s Food’s Crystal Mall branch really should not be operating. Their food quality received a 1-star review because we don’t have the option to give 0 star. The noodle has poor texture, mediocre taste, and they skimp out on the meat. On the other hand, the rougamo is just so bad that it should not even exist. You can really see the minimal care they put into their food. We have nothing against this restaurant chain, but the poor quality of the food served at their Crystal mall location is simply unbelievable. We do not recommend Old Xian’s Food.

Minus Cake Boutique

September 6, 2020

Minus Cake Boutique makes really good cakes and drinks. Having a cake on top of the drink is a new concept we have not seen before. The combo makes cakes and drink cheaper by $0.50, but it is still very expensive. We would really recommend Minus Cake Boutique, but it is more of a place for special occasion rather than our default go-to cake shop.

Where to find the best Bubble Tea in town

August 11, 2020

In case you can’t decide which bubble tea places to try since so many bubble tea places has recently opened. We have compiled a list of our top 5 places to get Bubble Tea within Greater Vancouver.

Beijing Hotpot in Richmond Limited table space

Where to find the Best Hot Pot Restaurants in Richmond

August 7, 2020

It is getting cold so we have comprised a list of top 5 hot pot restaurant in Richmond.

iDen & Quan Ju De Beijing Duck House (全聚德)

July 27, 2020

Judging by the items on the menu and the price point of $60 per person, Quan Ju De placed themselves at the fine dining establishment tier of restaurants. I believe the owner has focused too much on the decor, and missed some of the fundamental elements of a fine-dining restaurant. Peking duck is a classic dish. You can improve the recipe or make it fusion, but you cannot charge a premium while skipping steps on the process. Some of the food does taste good, but there are ones that are just mediocre. Please make sure that you do not get take out from Quan Ju De. The food quality drops exponentially, and you are paying for part of the $12 million dollar interior decor anyways. We cannot honestly recommend this restaurant. There are better fine dining options in Vancouver, and many have better tasting food, better service, and breathtaking views.

L’OTUS Cake Boutique Burnaby

January 8, 2020

We have not had the chance to try their original location in Richmond, but L’OTUS Cake Boutique in Burnaby is such a pleasant surprise for us. Yes, the price is a little higher, but it’s really worth the visit with all things considered. The atmosphere, service, and food quality are all at a superb level. We highly recommend L’OTUS Cake Boutique for anyone who hasn’t tried it.

Mr Mustache Tea and Dessert in Burnaby

January 7, 2020

It was a little disappointing to see Mr. Mastache is making mistakes on the pearls, which is the most rudimentary part of a bubble tea shop. However, the quality of the cakes still cannot be ignored. The interior space feels very cozy, and the staffs are friendly. Mr. Mastache is not a low-cost spectrum among the bubble tea stores we have in Vancouver. I particularly like the fact that they are not part of any franchise, and they can really be a life-saver when someone needs to get a small-portioned cute little cake.

Hot Pot Master 正宗钢管厂五区小郡肝串串香 beef and lamb platter

Hot Pot Master on Kingsway (正宗钢管厂五区小郡肝串串香) Authentic Skewers Hot Pot in Vancouver

December 12, 2019

Hot Pot Master comes from a long line of tradition from Sichuan. This Kingsway location is the first authentic location in Vancouver. I enjoyed the flavour and quality of food, as well as the easily controlled cost. One can just go to the cooler display to grab the skewers, and there is no minimum number you have to grab. This first location is not in the best neighborhood, but I look forward to seeing them thrive.

Chinese

Gotcha (高茶), Soft European Bread

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Old Xian’s Food (老西安厨娘子) in Crystal Mall

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Minus Cake Boutique

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Where to find the best Bubble Tea in town

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Where to find the Best Hot Pot Restaurants in Richmond

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iDen & Quan Ju De Beijing Duck House (全聚德)

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L’OTUS Cake Boutique Burnaby

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Mr Mustache Tea and Dessert in Burnaby

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Hot Pot Master on Kingsway (正宗钢管厂五区小郡肝串串香) Authentic Skewers Hot Pot in Vancouver

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