Hui Flavor New in Burnaby: A Deep Dive into the Opening of Hui Flavor (2025)
The culinary landscape of Burnaby’s Metrotown area continues to evolve, and late September 2025 marked the arrival of a distinct new player: Hui Flavor. Taking over the space formerly occupied by Terracotta Boyz in the Old Orchard Shopping Centre, this new eatery aims to bring the robust, aromatic tastes of China’s Xinjiang region to the local community.
If you are a fan of hand-pulled noodles and exploring halal Chinese cuisine, this opening might be on your radar. Below is a comprehensive look at what Hui Flavor offers, along with some honest, on-the-ground feedback to help manage your expectations.
A Taste of Xinjiang in the Heart of Burnaby
Hui Flavor positions itself as a cozy, authentic destination for “Lanzhou” style noodles and halal comfort food. The restaurant’s interior is small and intimate, featuring an open kitchen concept. This design choice allows diners to witness the chefs in action, stretching and pulling dough into fresh strands of noodles—a visual hallmark of traditional hand-pulled noodle houses.
The Menu:
The menu at Hui Flavor is centered heavily around wheat-based creations and savory meats, typical of Northern and Western Chinese cuisine. However, the restaurant offers dishes from both the Lanzhou and Xinjiang regions. Since these two regions have distinct culinary styles, one of the cuisines may not be fully authentic.
- Signature Hand-Pulled Lanzhou Beef Noodle Soup: This is undoubtedly the headliner. The dish traditionally features a clear but flavorful beef broth, slices of tender beef, and noodles that are stretched to order.
- Xinjiang Classics: Beyond noodles, the restaurant serves Lamb Pilaf, a rice dish rich with carrots and tender lamb that is a staple of the region.
- Noodle Variations: Options include Pickled Cabbage Beef Noodles for a sour kick, Braised Beef Noodles for a heartier soy-based flavor, and Dry-Fried Noodles for those who prefer a sauce-heavy, soup-less experience.
- Cold Dishes: To round out the meal, diners can order sides like Chinese Tea Eggs, Jiaoma Chicken (pepper chicken), and Braised Five-Spice Beef Shank.
Balanced Perspectives: The Diner Experience
While the promise of fresh, hand-pulled noodles is exciting, early feedback from the soft opening phase suggests a mixed experience. It is important to look beyond the menu descriptions to understand the current reality of dining here.
The Highlights
- Atmosphere: The “open kitchen” vibe adds a layer of authenticity and entertainment, making the small space feel lively.
- Service & Cleanliness: Early patrons have noted that the service is friendly and the restaurant maintains a clean environment, which is always a promising start for a new establishment.
Critical Feedback to Consider
Despite the appealing concept, some diners have reported inconsistencies that are worth noting before you visit:
- Texture & Taste: One specific report mentioned that the noodles felt “a little starchy” and lacked the desired “crunchy” or elastic bite, potentially signaling undercooking. Additionally, the soup was described by some as salty yet the noodles themselves felt bland, creating an uneven flavor profile.
- Meat Quality: In dishes like the braised beef noodles, feedback has pointed to the protein being either too lean or containing unappealing chunks of fat, rather than a balanced cut.
- Thirst & Ingredients: A common observation from some visits was an intense thirst after the meal, leading to suspicions of heavy MSG usage in the broth.
Practical Information for Your Visit
If you plan to check out Hui Flavor, keep these logistical details in mind to avoid any surprises.
- Payment Methods: This is a crucial detail. The restaurant have a cash-heavy policy. It accepts Cash or Debit (and potentially e-transfer), but credit cards may not be accepted. Be sure to come prepared.
- Location: You can find the restaurant in the Old Orchard Shopping Centre, specifically in the unit previously held by Terracotta Boyz.
Verdict
Hui Flavor brings a welcome diversity to Burnaby’s food scene with its focus on Halal Xinjiang cuisine and hand-pulled traditions. However, as with many restaurants in their “soft opening” phase (late 2025), there appear to be growing pains regarding food consistency. If you prioritize friendly service and an open-kitchen atmosphere, it may be worth a visit—just be ready for a cash-only or debit-only transaction and perhaps a salty broth.
How to get in touch
- Address: 12-4429 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC V5H 2A1
