If you’re craving authentic comfort food in Richmond, Tsim Chai Noodles is a must-visit. This Chinese restaurant is a unique mix of dai pai dong (open-air food stall commonly found in Hong Kong often serving stir-fries and fresh seafood), congee house, and Hong Kong–style café. Whether you’re in the mood for wonton noodles, congee, or classic stir-fried dishes, Tsim Chai has something to satisfy every craving.
Most people know Tsim Chai Noodles for their famous wonton noodles, but on our visit, we went a different route and tried one of their new dinner deals: order three mains, and you get a free large plain congee.
They call it the late night menu, but we visited at 6:30pm and we were able to order off this menu. That said, 6:30pm might already be considered late for Richmond.
What We Ordered at Tsim Chai Noodles Richmond
Here’s everything we tried during our visit:
Egg Tofu with Chilli Minced Pork – $18
Ranch Special Chicken (half) – $20.50
Stir-Fried Beef with Preserved Vegetables – $19
BBQ Pork & Shrimp Fried Rice – $19.50
Large Bowl of Congee – Free (with dinner deal)
To go with the meal, we also added their Iced Lemon Tea (+$2.50), and it honestly blew us away. Despite not being a full Hong Kong café, Tsim Chai makes one of the clearest, most refreshing iced lemon teas we’ve had in Richmond—just the right balance of tea flavour, ice, and sweetness.
Congee & Dinner Deal Value
The congee here deserves a special mention. Even though ours was the free plain version included in the dinner set, it was rich, smooth, and comforting—hands down one of the best in Richmond. A little hack? Add some minced pork or other toppings from your mains for an extra boost of flavour.
In terms of value, the ranch poached half chicken stood out the most—great flavour, generous portion, and well worth the $20 price tag. The other dishes were also satisfying, with portions that lean slightly smaller but still enough to comfortably feed four people for just over $80 total.
Atmosphere & Menu Variety
Part of what makes Tsim Chai Noodles special is its versatility. The menu covers a wide range—from congee and rice dishes to stir-fries and noodle soups. It gives you the comfort of a congee house, the variety of a Chinese restaurant, and even the fun café vibes with drinks like iced lemon tea.
This makes it a great spot whether you’re going solo for a quick bowl of noodles or dining with family and friends over multiple shared dishes.
Final Verdict of Tsim Chai Noodles Richmond
👉 Tsim Chai Noodles in Richmond is a solid choice for affordable, authentic Chinese eats. The dinner deals are a great value, the iced lemon tea is surprisingly excellent, and the congee stands out as some of the best in the city.
We’ll definitely be back soon—next time, to try their famous wonton noodles that everyone raves about.
📍 Tsim Chai Noodles 8251 Westminster Hwy, Richmond, BC
If you’re an ARMY (or just a fan of collecting toys with your meals), McDonald’s has just dropped one of its most exciting Happy Meal promotions yet — TinyTAN BTS figurines. This special collaboration features 14 collectible figures in total, split across two different sets.
Right now, McDonald’s has launched the Throwback Edition, which includes 7 TinyTAN figurines inspired by the group’s earlier looks. Later this year, fans can look forward to the Encore Edition, another set of 7 figures with McDonald’s-branded outfits.
Each figurine is surprisingly well-crafted, detailed, and high quality — a huge step up from the typical Happy Meal toy. Whether you’re a collector or just want a fun keepsake, these figures are sure to be popular (and probably hard to find as the promotion goes on).
👉 Read till the end to see which 2 figurines I pulled — rumour has it they’re the most sought-after characters! 👉 Or, you can watch the full unboxing reel on our Instagram.
What’s Inside the McDonald’s BTS TinyTAN Happy Meal?
For this visit, I stuck with my usual go-to Happy Meal order: Hotcakes. Here’s what it came with:
🥞 3 Hotcakes (fluffy and golden, always a classic)
🥤 A drink of your choice
🥣 Yogurt
🍟 Either fries or hashbrowns (depending on whether you order during breakfast or later in the day)
🎁 TinyTAN BTS figurine
All this came out to just $4.89 (at my location). Prices may vary slightly depending on your McDonald’s. Considering it’s 2025, that’s still an awesome deal for a full meal and a collectible toy.
Spoiler — Which TinyTAN We Pulled 🎉
Drumroll… we pulled Jung Kook and V from the TinyTAN Throwback Edition! Both toys look impressively detailed in person — great paintwork and solid sculpting for a Happy Meal collectible. We were pleasantly surprised by the quality, and judging by how quickly they’re selling out, these figures won’t stick around long.
Final Thoughts
The new McDonald’s x BTS Happy Meal promotion is a win for both kids and collectors. With 14 figures to hunt down, it’s the kind of release that’ll keep people coming back for more. If you’re planning on collecting the full set, I’d recommend starting early — because once word spreads, these will sell out fast.
📍 Available now at participating McDonald’s locations in Canada and beyond.
Check out our blog for more foodie news & reviews.
Richmond foodies, there’s big news on No. 3 Road. Nearly two years after a Tesla crashed into the popular Chung Chun Rice Hot Dog location, the space is finally getting a new tenant: Shawarma2Go.
From Tesla Crash to New Beginnings
For those who may not remember, on October 27, 2023, a Tesla drove into the Chung Chun storefront at the corner of Westminster Hwy and No. 3 Road. A 46-year-old woman suffered critical injuries, while the 20-year-old N driver walked away unscathed. The accident made headlines across Richmond and Metro Vancouver, and the store has remained closed ever since.
Now, after extensive renovations, signs have appeared on the storefront announcing that Shawarma2Go will soon open its second location here. The original Chung Chun decor can still be seen inside, but new branding suggests a fresh start for the high-traffic corner.
Shawarma2Go Expands in Richmond
Shawarma2Go is already known in Richmond for serving hearty Middle Eastern eats, including shawarma wraps, platters, and sides. With their expansion to 6020 No. 3 Road, they’ll be adding a second location — both within the same city.
On their official website, Shawarma2Go confirmed the news with a new post showcasing their upcoming location and listing the address. While no official opening date has been announced, signage and renovations suggest the opening is coming very soon.
What’s Next?
This high-profile spot has seen a lot of attention, and many Richmond locals are eager to see Shawarma2Go breathe new life into it. We’ll be keeping an eye on their updates and will share the official opening date once it’s announced.
👉 Follow us on Instagram for the latest Richmond restaurant news and updates
Not everyone knows this, but hidden inside 88 Supermarket is a full kitchen called 88Kitchen. More than just a grocery stop, this takeaway-style spot serves a wide range of Chinese, Vietnamese, and Japanese food — all at prices that are hard to beat in today’s economy. Whether you’re craving BBQ pork, banh mi, or sushi, 88Kitchen has something for everyone.
Chinese Food: Self-Select Combos & BBQ Favourites
One of the main draws at 88Kitchen is their Chinese rice combos. You can choose from 25+ different dishes, including favourites like sweet & sour pork, beef & broccoli, and string beans with eggplant. Pricing is refreshingly affordable:
1 side + rice: $9.48
2 sides + rice: $11.48
3 sides + rice: $12.98
You can even upgrade your rice to fried rice or noodles for just 50¢ more. For comparison, similar combo-style restaurants like Dragon Bowl at Yaohan Centre charge closer to $15 for two items with fried rice, making 88Kitchen around 20% cheaper.
In addition to hot table combos, 88Kitchen also serves Chinese BBQ:
BBQ Pork: $11.98/lb
Roasted Pork: $14.98/lb
Whole Roasted Pig: $298
Perfect for everything from a quick lunch box to catering a family party.
Vietnamese Favourites: Banh Mi & Salad Rolls at 88Kitchen
If you’re craving something lighter, 88Kitchen also makes Vietnamese banh mi sandwiches starting at $8.48 and salad rolls for $7.98. It’s a great grab-and-go option when you’re shopping at the supermarket and want something fresh without breaking the bank.
Sushi & Japanese Options at 88Kitchen
Surprisingly, 88Kitchen also offers sushi — including rolls, combos, donburi bowls, and even full party trays. A standout deal is their Salmon Don for only $12.98.
They also stock prepackaged sushi near their sushi bar. If you swing by later in the evening, you might spot a 25% off sticker on certain packs. Plus, their weekly flyers often feature sushi roll specials at discounted prices — though these tend to sell out quickly thanks to the value.
Clean, Affordable & Convenient
One of the best parts about 88Kitchen is how clean and well-organized their kitchen is. With such affordable pricing, it’s refreshing to see quality maintained at a high level. And in today’s economy, their menu feels like a welcome relief compared to rising prices across the city.
88Kitchen currently has three locations across the Lower Mainland, with the Richmond branch inside 88 Supermarket being the one we visited.
If you’re looking for a Taiwanese spot in Richmond where you can grab all your favourite snacks and bubble tea at affordable prices, look no further than Typhoon Bubble Tea Cafe. Tucked away on Cambie Road, this hidden gem offers everything from crispy chicken nuggets to hearty soup noodles — all without breaking the bank.
Taiwanese Favourites & Must-Try Snacks
Typhoon specializes in Taiwanese comfort food, and the menu is full of classics. On our latest visit, we dug into:
🍗 Salty Peppery Chicken Nuggets – Crispy, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, these are a must-order.
🥟 Cabbage & Pork Dumplings – A nice balance of flavours and a good sharing dish.
🥣 Hot & Sour Soup – Warming, tangy, and savoury.
🥚 Pan-Fried Egg Roll with Meat Floss – A unique item that was both fluffy and satisfying.
➕ Add-ons: Egg Fried Rice + Soup Noodles (⚠️ Note: their soup noodles may contain traces of peanuts, so if you have allergies, be cautious).
🥤 Drinks: Mango Slush + Brown Sugar Pearls with Milk – refreshing, sweet, and cheaper than most bubble tea shops nearby.
While everything hit the spot, one dish we couldn’t get this time was the Pineapple Shrimp Balls — my usual go-to. Unfortunately, they were sold out during our visit, which tells you just how popular they are. That said, it’s one of my top recommendations whenever you visit Typhoon.
Typhoon Bubble Tea Cafe: Make a Meal Out of It
Pictured: Soup Noodle Add-On for $4.95
One of the best things about Typhoon is how flexible the menu is. Most snacks hover around $10, but you can turn them into a full meal with add-ons like:
🍚 Rice (+$2.95)
🍱 Rice & Side Dishes (+$3.95)
🍳 Egg Fried Rice (+$5.45)
🍜 Soup Noodles (+$4.95)
🍟 Fries (+$3.95)
My personal favourite combo? Pineapple Shrimp Balls with Egg Fried Rice. But honestly, with so many pairing options, you’ll never get bored.
Drinks That Won’t Break the Bank
Of course, no Taiwanese spot is complete without bubble tea. Typhoon’s drinks are surprisingly affordable, with slushes, milk teas, and green teas starting at just around $5. The Mango Slush was light and refreshing, while the Brown Sugar Pearl Milk was rich without being overly sweet.
Why Visit Typhoon Bubble Tea Cafe?
✅ Wide variety of Taiwanese snacks & comfort food ✅ Affordable add-ons to turn snacks into full meals ✅ Bubble tea drinks cheaper than most competitors ✅ Cozy spot for casual dining or takeout
Whether you’re here for a quick bite, a filling meal, or just a drink to-go, Typhoon Bubble Tea Cafe offers great value and flavour in every visit.
Richmond is full of unique food finds, but here’s one you might not know about: Micha in Richmond has a flaming cream brûlée shaved ice that’s as much of a show as it is a dessert.
This over-the-top treat comes loaded with toppings like pearls, jasmine tea jelly, and syrup. When it arrives at your table, the lights are dimmed and the server torches the whipped cream right in front of you, creating that classic brûlée crackle. To finish, they drizzle caramel and brown sugar syrup while you watch. It’s a dessert and performance rolled into one — perfect for sharing with friends.
Micha doesn’t stop there. If you’re more of a bubble tea fan, they also serve a brown sugar bubble tea shaved ice that’s just as indulgent. Both options are a great way to cool off after a hearty Taiwanese meal.
And the best part? It’s surprisingly affordable. At just $13.99 (at the time of writing), this dessert delivers both value and experience. Pricing and availability may vary, so be sure to check when you visit.
📍 Location: Micha 120-4751 Garden City Rd, Richmond, BC
Richmond’s dining scene continues to grow, and the latest addition is Drama Hot Pot, a brand-new restaurant opening soon at Garden City Plaza. The space was formerly home to Mama’s Diner, which closed earlier this year, and will now transform into a vibrant spot for hot pot lovers.
📍 Location: Central at Garden City Plaza, beside Royal Beef and Pepper Lunch
What to Expect at Drama Hot Pot Richmond
While full details haven’t been released yet, the restaurant signage gives us a hint: bowls filled with noodles, veggies, and meats in broth-based, spice-coated formats. That signifies that Drama Hot Pot may be leaning into the increasingly popular customizable bowls with bold flavours and plenty of heat.
Another detail worth noting? The exterior décor and signage also showcase beer bottles, suggesting that Drama Hot Pot will likely serve alcohol alongside their meals. A cold drink paired with a spicy hot pot broth would definitely hit the spot.
Hot Pot Competition in Richmond
Drama Hot Pot isn’t the first to bring this style of dining to Richmond. Spots like Big Way, Piping Hot and most recently Deer One Hotpot (check out our full review) have already made a name for themselves with DIY hot pot experiences. Still, with a fresh name and prime location in Garden City Plaza, Drama Hot Pot will likely draw attention from foodies eager to see how it sets itself apart.
Coming Soon: Life is Drama, Pot is Hot
On August 24th, Drama Hot Pot shared a teaser on Instagram, hinting that the opening is just around the corner:
“LIFE IS DRAMA, POT IS HOT 🐉 Coming Soon 🐎 Richmond, BC”
With signage already up and an official announcement made, Richmond foodies can expect doors to open very soon.
The arrival of Drama Hot Pot adds yet another option to Garden City Plaza, which is already home to popular eateries like Happy Day Cafe and Good Bowl. With hot pot joining the mix, this Richmond plaza is becoming an even more diverse food destination.
👉 Stay tuned for updates on when Drama Hot Pot will officially open. We’ll be sure to cover the launch on our blog once more details are available.
When it comes to sushi in Richmond, Gami Sushi never disappoints. Whether you’re stopping by for a casual dinner, grabbing takeout for a cozy night at home, or catching up with friends, Gami Sushi consistently delivers fresh, flavorful dishes in generous portions.
The restaurant’s warm lighting and friendly staff immediately set the mood for a relaxed dining experience. The layout offers both intimate booths for a cozier feel and open tables for a livelier vibe, making it perfect for both solo diners and groups.
Chicken Teriyaki Hot Plate 🍗 — tender, flavourful chicken served sizzling, perfect for comfort food cravings.
Beef Teriyaki Donburi 🥢 — served in a stone bowl, the seared beef was full of umami, and the presentation made it feel extra special.
Each dish was thoughtfully plated, flavorful, and filling. The sushi was fresh and vibrant, and the donburi bowls offered satisfying warmth and depth in every bite.
Why We Love Gami Sushi Richmond
Specialty rolls & donburi — They balance creativity with classic comfort flavors.
Fresh ingredients — Each bite feels carefully prepared, whether it’s sashimi or a hearty bowl.
Generous portions — You won’t leave hungry.
Ambience & seating options — Cozy booths for intimate dining and open tables for a lively atmosphere.
While enjoying our rolls, we couldn’t help but reflect on the differences between sushi here in Vancouver and traditional sushi in Japan. If you’re curious about how Japanese sushi compares to North American rolls, check out our full breakdown here.
Tips for Visiting Gami Sushi Richmond
Location: 10111 Number 3 Rd #126, Richmond BC
Takeout: Perfect for home gatherings — everything travels well, especially their creative sushi rolls.
Must-try: If you’re a fan of bold flavours, don’t miss the Black Moon Roll and the sizzling Beef Teriyaki Donburi.
Extras: Plentiful parking right out front, and FreshCo is conveniently located next door — perfect for a post-meal stroll or picking up essentials.
Final Verdict
Whether you’re a sushi aficionado or just looking for a cozy spot for dinner in Richmond, Gami Sushi delivers quality, fresh dishes at approachable prices. From specialty rolls to sizzling donburi, every bite showcases care and attention to detail.
👉 Check out the reel to see our full experience at Gami Sushi Richmond in action!
The Cherry’s Richmond rebrand is almost here — at least, according to insider sources. Word is that Cherry’s Food House will be reopening in just the next few days.
Previously known for its Korean–Chinese fusion classics like seafood pancake and tofu soup, Cherry’s Food House looks to be making a major shift. A sign reading 川菜館 (Sichuan Restaurant) has been spotted peeking out from underneath the old Cherry’s sign, strongly suggesting that the new concept will focus on Sichuan-style cuisine.
Insider sources also say that the refreshed Cherry’s Food House will prioritize affordable eats at around $10, served in paper takeout plates with disposable utensils. The setup will be fast-casual with no tipping required — a clear response to the growing popularity of Richmond’s food court dining scene, where low prices and quick service are attracting big crowds.
If true, this pivot would place Cherry’s Food House in line with a wider trend of restaurants rethinking their approach as they compete with the surge in food court popularity.
The Cherry’s Richmond rebrand isn’t official yet, but if these insider reports prove accurate, Richmond locals may soon have a new go-to spot for budget-friendly Sichuan eats.
