A new Taiwanese food stand has opened on July 9th, 2020 during the COVID-19 pandemic. Despite the harsh time, and reduced foot traffic in the once busy Crystal mall, DaWanGong has opened with large portion and affordable price bento box that is just under $10.
Strength: Flavourful food and fully packed bento boxes.
Weakness: Newly opened food stand that is still adjusting their food taste.
Other Taiwanese Food Stand
- Monga Fried Chicken (4.5 Stars)
- Potelicious (4 Stars)
- Chef Liu Kitchen (3 Stars)
DaWanGong at Crystal Mall
When the new DaWanGong opened, it stirred the online Taiwanese community for many reasons. This is not because the owner is friend of the oldest Taiwanese restaurant in Vancouver, but because DaWanGong provide a breath of fresh air in this ever-increasing food price. Of course, it is also because the flavour of the food reminds many Taiwanese of their childhood back home.
Tickets with call number
Instead of giving out a number token like many other Asian food court businesses, DaWanGong prints it on the receipt. I chat with the friendly owner when she was not as busy to find out they are currently re-adjusting the intensity of their flavour based on customer feedback. She also told me the two of their best dishes are Oden, and the Vermicelli soup. She also mentioned that all deep-fried dishes are made to order, so it is best enjoyed at the food court.
Fried Pork Chop Bento $9.75
If I were to get a pork chop bento at Myst, it’ll cost me about $17. DaWanGong charge close to half of that, and it is an action-packed bento box. Granted that the box is a little smaller normal, it still comes with 3 sides and a layer of braised pork underneath the pork chop.
The flavour of the pork chop is very close to an old fashioned Taiwanese one. It seems like the pork chop has been over-marinated so the flavour fully penetrated the meat. I personally find the flavour a little too intense. This is something the restaurant owner is still working on.
Fried Chicken Steak Bento $9.75
My fried chicken steak bento also has a layer of braised pork underneath. It also has some pickled daikon that is savory. The chicken steak also has a lot of flavour, but not as over-saturated as the pork chop. The first thing I have noticed is that there’s definitely note of cooking alcohol, then the flavour of Chinese medicinal herbs become very apparent.
604 Food Critic Assessment
Even understanding that many restaurant enhance their flavour to cater to customers who eat-out regularly, the flavour of DaWanGong is a little too strong for me. However, the value they provide is undeniable. A bento box packed with goodies that cost less than $10 seems like something of the last decade. Most importantly, we can taste the authenticity of Taiwanese flavour in their food. The intensity of flavour becomes a personal preference. If you like either a cheap eat, or authentic Taiwanese cuisine, DaWanGong is 2020’s newest food stand you cannot miss.
Menu
How to get in touch
- Address: #2116-4500 Kingsway, Burnaby
- Hours: 9:00 AM to 9:00 PM Every Day
