Richmond’s dining scene is about to get even more exciting — a brand-new Vietnamese restaurant, Pho Capital, is getting ready to open its doors soon at 5508 Hollybridge Way #130.
If the name sounds promising, so does its location. Pho Capital is moving into the former spot of Wonder Kids Café, a kid-friendly restaurant and play spot that closed down recently. The new tenant is already drawing attention — a large banner now stretches across the storefront announcing the upcoming opening.
A Prime Location Beside Sushi Mura
Pho Capital is situated right beside Sushi Mura, one of the busiest spots in the area. It’s a great move — this stretch of Richmond is already a local dining hotspot, and adding a pho restaurant adds a whole new flavour to the mix. Having more variety in the area is always a win for locals and office workers nearby.
A Sneak Peek Inside Pho Capital
The restaurant is currently under renovation, but you can already spot some of the design choices taking shape. Pho Capital seems to be going for a classic-yet-modern Vietnamese aesthetic — think dark wooden tables, large open space, and massive hanging light fixtures that add a stylish, cozy touch.
It’s shaping up to be a beautiful dining space, and we can’t wait to see how it all comes together once they open.
Parking Might Be the Only Drawback for Pho Capital
If you’re a Richmond local, you already know the struggle — free parking is hard to come by in this part of the city. Expect to pay around $3–4 per hour depending on whether you park street-side or in the underground lot. It’s a small price to pay for convenience, but definitely something to keep in mind before slurping down that first bowl of noodles.
Looking Forward to Opening Day
As a Richmond native, I’m always excited to see new local restaurants pop up — especially ones serving comfort food like pho. Whether you’re a pho purist or just looking for a warm bowl to get through a rainy day, Pho Capital looks like it’ll be a welcome addition to Richmond’s growing food scene.
Stay tuned for updates — we’ll be back to review them once they open! For now, follow our instagram for restaurant reel reviews, news & more!
Tucked away inside a quiet commercial street on Cambie and Sexsmith, Night Owl Cafe is the kind of spot you only find by chance — but once you do, you’ll keep going back. Despite being just across the street from the bustling Continental Shopping Centre, most people have never heard of this small Hong Kong café. But ask anyone who has visited, and they’ll tell you: this is one of Richmond’s most underrated gems for authentic, home-style HK comfort food.
We came for their famous baked pork chop on rice and classic hot Hong Kong milk tea, but left discovering so much more about this charming little café and the couple behind it.
A Family-Run Hidden Gem
Night Owl Cafe has been quietly serving Richmond locals for over eight years. Run by a husband-and-wife team, this cozy café has roughly 40 seats and embodies everything people love about old-school mom-and-pop eateries — simple, comforting food made with care.
When we asked the owners why they named their restaurant Night Owl Cafe, especially since they close before sunset, the owner laughed. “We just like owls,” she said. That small exchange says everything about the place — humble, lighthearted, and welcoming.
The chef, who’s also the owner, runs a one-man kitchen, ensuring every dish meets his standards. He’s particular about ingredients, personally choosing everything that comes into his kitchen. And you can taste the difference — every dish feels intentional, fresh, and thoughtfully prepared.
The Menu at Night Owl Cafe
Signature Drinks and Seasonal Specials
If there’s one thing Night Owl Cafe is known for, it’s their hot Hong Kong milk tea. Unlike many HK cafés that leave their teapots boiling all day, Night Owl only brews milk tea to order, ensuring it’s never over-steeped or burnt. The result? A rich, smooth tea that perfectly balances the creaminess of the milk with the robustness of the tea leaves.
Right now, they’re also featuring a seasonal special — the Honey Frozen Milk Tea. Instead of diluting the drink with ice cubes, the drink is encapsulated in a hollow ice shell that keeps it cold without watering it down. Crack the ice open and you’ll find a small fortune slip tucked inside — a playful, creative twist that’s been a hit among customers. It’s a limited-time item, so be sure to try it before it’s gone for the winter.
What to Eat at Night Owl Cafe
It’s no exaggeration to say that Night Owl’s baked pork chop on rice might be the best in Richmond. The tomato sauce strikes a rare balance — not overly sweet, not too tangy, and perfectly coats the crispy, tender pork chop beneath. It’s comforting in the most nostalgic way, a dish that truly takes back to iconic restaurants in Hong Kong.
Another must-try is their duck breast tossed noodles — chewy Ichiban-style noodles mixed in a house-made soy-based sweet sauce. It’s one of those dishes that feels deceptively simple but has so much depth in flavour.
For those who prefer something lighter, the café also serves all-day breakfast. From eggs and toast to omelettes and soup noodles, breakfast lovers can enjoy their morning favourites any time of day.
Every dish reflects the chef’s personal touch and the couple’s commitment to serving real, hearty Hong Kong-style comfort food — without cutting corners.
Baked Pork Chop on RiceDuck Breast Tossed NoodleAll Day Breakfast
If you’re craving something with a little heat, the curry chicken on rice is a standout. Their Hong Kong–style curry is slightly spicy but never overpowering, with crispy potatoes that somehow stay firm even while drenched in sauce. The chicken is tender and smooth, soaking up every bit of flavour from the curry.
You also can’t go wrong with their satay beef stone bowl rice — a dish that comes out sizzling. The stone bowl creates crispy, golden bits of rice at the bottom while the satay sauce adds a bold, nutty flavour. Combined with tender slices of beef, it’s rich, hearty, and incredibly satisfying.
Curry ChickenSatay Beef Stone Bowl Rice
Final Thoughts
If you grew up loving Hong Kong cafés, or you’re just looking for a hidden gem that feels authentic and homey, Night Owl Cafe Richmond deserves a spot on your list. It’s small, family-run, and easy to miss — but that’s what makes it special.
Whether you stop by for a hot milk tea, a plate of baked pork chop rice, or their creative seasonal drinks, you’ll walk away with a full stomach and a warm feeling that’s hard to find elsewhere.
Quick Info
📍 Address: 8580 Cambie Rd #104, Richmond, BC 🕒 Hours: Monday–Saturday, 8AM–3PM 💸 Price Range: $13–$20 🚗 Parking: Free parking available in front of the restaurant and in the stalls marked “104” inside the covered lot. ⭐ Must Try: Hot Milk Tea, Baked Pork Chop on Rice, Duck Breast Tossed Noodles 🌐 Website:nightowlcafe.ca — 10% off all takeout orders.
If you’ve been around Richmond’s food scene for a while, you’ve probably heard of Deer Garden, an OG Hong Kong noodle spot. Well, the same team is now behind an exciting new project — Deer One Hotpot — a DIY self-serve hotpot concept that lets you build your own bowl from scratch.
How Self-Serve Hotpot Works
If you’ve never tried DIY self-serve hotpot before, here’s how it goes: Grab a bowl and a pair of tongs from the front station, then make your way down the long ingredients bar. You’ll find everything from classic seafood and sliced meats to noodles and fresh greens. Once you’ve got everything you want, place your bowl on the scale at the counter — pricing at Deer One is $4.30 per 100g — choose your broth or dry mix, and you’re set!
After paying, the kitchen cooks your selections to perfection. You’ll get a small numbered sign for your table so the servers can deliver your hotpot once it’s ready. It’s an interactive experience that’s both fun and easy to customize.
🍄 12 Broths and Dry Mixes to Choose From
One of the biggest highlights at Deer One Hotpot is their wide selection of 12 soup bases and dry mixes. Whether you like mild, spicy, or tangy, there’s something for everyone:
Tomato Soup
Thai Tom Yum Soup
Mixed Mushroom Soup (Vegan)
Signature Soup Base
Satay Soup
Malay Laksa Soup
Peppery Pickled Cabbage
Pork Bone Soup
Spicy Tomato Soup
Tan Tan Soup
Sichuan Spicy Dry Mix
Spicy Tomato Dry Mix
On our visit, I went with the Tomato Soup Base — rich, tangy, and perfectly balanced. Definitely one of my go-tos when I want something flavourful.
🥬 Massive Ingredients Bar at Deer One Hotpot
The ingredients bar at Deer One is seriously impressive — it spans an entire wall of the restaurant. There’s plenty of space between the bar and the seating area, so you never feel cramped while walking around and choosing your items.
Some standouts for me were the pea shoots, which you rarely see at pay-by-weight hotpot places since they’re usually expensive. You can also choose between peeled or non-peeled shrimp — obviously I went with peeled, because who wants to do extra work at the table?
Another thing I noticed — some ingredients are wrapped in plastic for sanitation, which is something I’ve never seen before at a hotpot restaurant. Huge props to Deer One for keeping things clean and thoughtful.
🍗 Drinks and Snacks
While waiting for your pot to cook, you can grab something from their drinks and snacks menu. We tried the Lychee Cucumber Green Tea (refreshing and surprisingly good — the cucumber worked way better than I expected) and the Coco Mango Shake, which was creamy and tropical.
Snack-wise, they offer Deep Fried Chicken Wings ($6.50) and Meat Skewers ($7 for 2) — both great appetizers. The wings were crispy and well-seasoned, definitely something I’d order again.
🍨 Don’t Skip Dessert
After your meal, you’ll be treated to a free dessert. It changes from time to time, but on our visit, we had the choice between a vanilla cone and black sesame pudding — both light, sweet, and a perfect way to end the meal.
🌶️ Final Thoughts on Deer One Hotpot
Deer One Hotpot brings something new and fresh to Richmond’s dining scene. It’s spacious, clean, and modern, with that same comforting Deer Garden vibe we all know. The price point is a little higher than some other DIY spots at $4.30 per 100g, but the quality, selection, and overall experience more than make up for it.
If you’re a fan of hotpot or already love Deer Garden, Deer One is definitely worth checking out.
Interested in another DIY hotpot option in Richmond? Check out Drama Hotpot.
If you’ve ever wondered how to eat Peking duck the right way, you’re not alone. We visited Continental Seafood Restaurant in Richmond to try their famous two-course Peking duck set and learn firsthand what makes this dish such a beloved classic in Chinese cuisine.
We recently stopped by Continental Seafood Restaurant in Richmond to enjoy their Peking Duck 2-Course Set, along with a few classic Chinese comfort dishes. Here’s everything we tried and how to properly enjoy this legendary dish if it’s your first time.
🥢 What is Peking Duck?
Peking Duck is a traditional Beijing dish that dates back hundreds of years. The duck is roasted until the skin turns golden and crispy, then carved into thin slices — each piece offering that perfect balance of fat, skin, and meat.
At most restaurants, you can choose between one-course or two-course options when ordering.
One Course: focuses on the sliced duck + wraps combo — this is the classic Peking Duck experience.
Two Course (recommended): includes everything from the first course plus a second dish made from the leftover duck meat, usually stir-fried and served with lettuce wraps.
How to Eat Peking Duck (Step-by-Step)
If you’ve seen our Instagram Reel (coming soon 👀), you may have caught me doing the viral “duck shove” trend — holding the wrap in front of my mouth and pushing the duck straight through.
Fun? Yes. Traditional? Not quite.
If you’re new to the dish and want to know how to eat Peking duck properly, here’s a quick step-by-step guide so you can do it the traditional way instead of just following the TikTok trend.
Here’s how to properly enjoy it the authentic way:
Take one thin wrap (they’re delicate, so be gentle).
Add your duck slices — I usually go for one piece with just crispy skin and another with more meat.
Add your sides: usually thinly sliced cucumber and green onions.
Add the sweet sauce (hoisin) — don’t overdo it!
Wrap everything up like a mini burrito, and enjoy that perfect balance of textures and flavours.
For the second course, they’ll bring out diced duck stir-fried with vegetables and served with whole lettuce leaves. Spoon some of that filling in, add a bit of hoisin, wrap it up, and enjoy your duck lettuce taco.
Peking Duck Course 1Peking Duck Course 2
🍚 What Else We Ordered
Besides the duck, we ordered:
Sweet & Sour Pork
Minced Pork Patty
Seafood Tofu Pot
Deep Fried Squid with Salt & Chilli
Stir Fried Bok Choy with Tofu Skin
Sweet & Sour PorkMinced Pork PattyTofu Seafood PotDeep Fried Squid with Salt & ChilliStir Fried Bok Choy with Tofu Skin
Apart from the Peking Duck, the portion sizes were massive — easily enough for leftovers. The quality was decent overall, though the duck wraps were a little on the dry side, and we found the amount of sliced duck to be lighter than what you’d get at spots like Kam Tou Seafood Restaurant.
No Chinese banquet-style dinner is complete without dessert. We tried three different options — the Coconut & Black Sesame Pudding, Wolfberry & Osmanthus Pudding, and the their daily hot dessert, which during our visit was Coconut Taro Sago.
The Coconut & Black Sesame Pudding was smooth, lightly sweet, and had a nice nutty aroma from the sesame. The Wolfberry & Osmanthus Pudding was floral and refreshing — something you don’t see too often anymore.
Their daily hot dessert is actually free and usually served one per person. It changes regularly, but the Coconut Taro Sago we had was warm, creamy, and comforting — the perfect way to end a big meal.
Coconut & Black Sesame PuddingWolfberry & Osmanthus PuddingCoconut Taro Sago
🎤 Ambience & Experience
Here’s something you won’t find everywhere — Continental Seafood occasionally hosts karaoke-style dinner nights. Diners can go up to the stage, sing, and dance while others enjoy their meal.
That said, it can get very loud. The sound system isn’t the best, and if you’re not into karaoke, it might be more chaos than charm. But clearly, people love it — the restaurant was packed during our visit.
🥠 Final Thoughts
Continental might just be one of the last Chinese restaurants in Metro Vancouver to still give out fortune cookies at the end of your meal — something that used to be a nostalgic staple.
They’re also one of the few restaurants that still serve dim sum using the old-school cart system, where servers push steaming baskets right to your table. So if you’re after a throwback dining experience, this place definitely delivers.
📍 Location: 11700 Cambie Rd., Richmond, BC
Want another good spot for Chinese food? Check out Tsim Chai Noodles.
Drama Hotpot is Richmond’s newest DIY self-serve hotpot restaurant, and it’s already drawing attention for its fun concept and huge ingredient selection. Located at 1623-4791 McClelland Rd, this spot lets you completely customize your hotpot experience — from choosing your own broth and ingredients to picking your spice level and even pairing your meal with deep-fried sides.
We were invited to try it out during their grand opening, and it was such a unique and enjoyable experience that we had to share all the details.
13 Broth, Dry Mix, and Dry Pot Flavours
Drama Hotpot offers 13 different base flavours, including both soups and dry mixes, all priced by weight at $3.99 per 100g.
We went with their HK Collagen Creamy Broth, which is slow-simmered for over 6 hours using high-quality ingredients to develop a silky, rich texture and savoury flavour. The broth was incredibly creamy — it coated every bite perfectly and made the ingredients shine.
As recommended by our server, we also tried one of their dry mix flavours — the Tomato Spicy Szechuan Dry Mix. We went with mild since we don’t like things too spicy, but honestly, it wasn’t spicy at all and could easily be enjoyed by kids or people with low spice tolerance. This was my first time trying a dry mix at a hotpot restaurant, and it felt like a creative twist on the traditional hotpot experience — kind of like an Italian-style tomato spaghetti with a savoury kick. I loved it.
HK Collagen Creamy BrothTomato Spicy Szechuan Dry Mix
Drama Hotpot’s Massive Ingredient Bar
Their ingredient bar is easily one of the most impressive parts of Drama Hotpot. There’s an entire wall of fresh ingredients for you to choose from — seafood, meat, noodles, vegetables, and more, comparable to the variety available over at Deer One Hotpot.
A few standouts for us were:
Crayfish – surprisingly easy to crack into once cooked
Abalone – tender and flavourful
Duck breast – rich and juicy when simmered
Aesthetic noodle choices – like green spinach noodles and purple yam noodles
You pay by weight, so it’s super flexible depending on how hungry you are or how adventurous you’re feeling.
Deep-Fried Section
Tornado Potato
One thing that makes Drama Hotpot stand out is their deep-fried section, also priced at $3.99 per 100g. You’ll want to grab a separate bowl for this section before picking your items.
We were recommended to try their Tornado Potato and Deep-Fried Scallops, which were both excellent. The scallops were crisp on the outside and juicy inside, and the tornado potato had that satisfying crunch that pairs perfectly with a hotpot meal. They also had deep-fried chicken and spicy sausages that was really flavourful.
It’s a fun addition that most hotpot spots don’t have, and it makes the dining experience even more interactive.
Don’t Miss the Snack Bar
While you’re waiting for your food to cook, check out the free snack bar. You can munch on some spicy cucumbers or kimchi, which are perfect little bites to enjoy while your pot simmers.
The snack bar also doubles as a sauce bar, so be sure to create your own customized dipping sauce while you’re here.
Drinks & Dessert
Drama Hotpot is also running a Grand Opening promo where you get a free drink with any meal purchase, and there were three drink flavours available when we visited.
That said, we opted to try their Queen of Mango Smoothie instead — one of their top 5 recommended drinks — and it did not disappoint. It had the perfect amount of sweetness, and the jelly added a nice bounce to every sip. At $5.99, it’s a must-try for mango lovers.
We also got the Brown Sugar Boba Fresh Milk, which was creamy and rich, though the mango smoothie definitely stole the show.
And to top it all off? Free vanilla ice cream after your meal — the perfect cool-down after a spicy hotpot session.
Free Grand Opening Drinks!Free Ice Cream at the end of your meal!
Grand Opening Promos at Drama Hotpot
If you’re planning to visit soon, make sure to take advantage of their Grand Opening offers:
1️⃣ Sign up for a free membership (just an email) and unlock:
10% off your first visit (drinks excluded)
A free coconut latte (no dine-in required)
A $15 voucher for your next visit
2️⃣ Free drink with any meal purchase (limited-time offer).
3️⃣ Free vanilla ice cream after your meal.
4️⃣ BOGO drink promo – Buy one, get one free on Honey Lemon Specials (excluding Signature Lemonade), Classic Teas, and Sparkling Refreshers. Both drinks must be the same.
5️⃣ Students get 10% off their entire table with valid student ID.
Final Thoughts on Drama Hotpot
Drama Hotpot brings something new and exciting to Richmond’s food scene. The DIY hotpot format, the huge selection of broths and ingredients, and their creative deep-fried section make this a must-try for hotpot lovers.
The staff were friendly, the ingredients fresh, and the variety impressive. Whether you’re going for the fun self-serve concept, the tomato-based dry mix, or just the Queen of Mango Smoothie, you’ll definitely leave full and satisfied.
📍 Drama Hotpot 1623-4791 McClelland Rd, Richmond, BC
Check out our full video coverage!
Interested in another DIY hotpot spot in Richmond? Check out Deer One Hotpot.
Halloween is almost here, and McDonald’s Canada has released this year’s (2025-2026) Halloween Coupon Booklet at participating locations across BC. These fun little booklets are an easy way to enjoy some classic McDonald’s favourites without breaking the bank.
Each booklet costs $6 + tax and comes loaded with coupons that can save you up to $20 on food and drinks. It’s perfect for grabbing a snack for yourself or sharing with friends and family.
Here are all the coupon’s you get from the booklet.
Free medium fries (2x)
Free small premium roast coffee (2x)
Free vanilla cone or apple pie (2x)
Free cheeseburger (2x)
Even better, every purchase helps support Ronald McDonald House BC & Yukon, which provides meals, accommodation, and support for families with children receiving medical care.
The booklets also feature some fun Halloween-themed artwork created by kids, adding an extra festive touch to the savings.
Things to keep in mind:
Coupons are valid in-store only at participating locations in BC.
They cannot be used for kiosk, delivery, or mobile orders.
The coupons are valid until January 31, 2026, giving you plenty of time to redeem them after Halloween.
If you’re planning to swing by McDonald’s this fall, these booklets are a simple way to enjoy some treats, save a little money, and support a great cause — a win-win for everyone.
🎃 How to Get a McDonald’s Halloween Coupon Booklet (2026)
To pick one of these up, just head to the front counter at your local McDonald’s and ask a staff member about the Halloween Coupon Booklet. They’re priced at $6 + tax, and availability can vary by location — so it’s best to ask early.
Note: I actually had to visit two different McDonald’s before finding one in stock — the first location was already sold out. So don’t be discouraged if you don’t spot them right away!
💡 Bonus Tip for BTS Fans: While you’re visiting, be sure to grab a McDonald’s Happy Meal — they currently come with BTS TinyTAN collectibles, and they’ve been a major hit among fans.
Check out our full reel coverage about this Halloween booklet on instagram coming soon!
It was my girlfriend’s birthday recently, and this year I decided to grab her cake from Saint Germain, and was reminded why this bakery has become one of our favourites. One of the standout features when ordering online is their sweetness level indicator on their cakes. We’re not huge fans of overly sweet desserts, so being able to check how sweet each cake was made my selection process a lot easier.
I went with the Mocha Coffee Cake: Coffee Sponge Cake + Espresso Chocolate Cream + 64% Chocolate Shaving + Dark Chocolate + Crispy Pearls. With a sweetness rating of 2, the cake was perfectly balanced—rich in flavour without being overpowering. The fresh cream used in Asian-style cakes is a major difference from Western cakes, which often rely on sugary frosting. This lighter approach is ideal for anyone who prefers subtle, not-too-sweet desserts.
We also scored a discount when ordering online—our cake came to $33.86 instead of the usual $38.48. Saint Germain allows you to add custom messages on white chocolate cards, perfect for birthdays or special occasions. If you don’t want a full cake, you can also purchase individual slices, which is a fun way to sample multiple varieties.
Classic Hong Kong Bakery Pastries
Saint Germain isn’t just a cake shop—it’s a full-fledged Hong Kong-style bakery, offering a wide variety of traditional Chinese pastries, buns, and cookies. Hong Kong bakeries are known for their unique combination of Eastern and Western techniques, using fresh cream, soft breads, and lightly sweetened pastries, which makes them distinct from standard Western bakeries.
Some classics you can’t go wrong with:
Marriage Pie – $2.49
Pineapple Bun – $2.25
Coconut Cocktail Bun – $2.75
Coconut Tart – $2.60
Portuguese Egg Tart – Half dozen for $17.49
These treats are perfect for an afternoon snack or pairing with a cup of tea. The bakery also makes a variety of breads and cookies, giving you plenty of options to explore beyond cakes.
Saint Germain Bakery VIP Discount Card
If you’re a regular at Saint Germain, here’s a tip you’ll definitely want to know. A user on TikTok mentioned that you can ask the staff about a VIP discount card. After doing some digging, it turns out this is legit — you can receive a free VIP card with any purchase of $30 or more.
Once you have the card, you’ll get 10% off most items and 25% off all cake slices. If you visit Saint Germain often for cakes or pastries, this discount easily adds up and makes it worth asking about on your next visit. Definitely something to take advantage of if you’re a regular customer or plan to stock up on birthday treats.
Why Saint Germain is Worth Visiting
Whether you’re looking for a birthday cake with a customizable sweetness level, classic Hong Kong pastries, or indulgent Portuguese egg tarts, Saint Germain Bakery delivers consistent quality and flavour. Their focus on fresh ingredients, attention to sweetness, and variety makes them a must-visit in Vancouver.
Located at 115-3800 Chatham St, Richmond BC, Chew Chew Canada was unlike anything else in Vancouver’s food scene. Billed as Vancouver’s first hotpot and poke restaurant for pets, this creative concept allowed dogs to experience their own version of a DIY dining adventure.
Just like a self-serve hotpot spot for humans, dogs could wander around an ingredient bar, sniff through a variety of meats, vegetables, and toppings, and “choose” what they wanted. Their selections were then weighed and cooked by staff, creating a warm, freshly prepared meal tailored just for them.
It was a whimsical and heartfelt idea — one that reflected the creativity of its co-founders, Fairchild TV host Suiki Zhang and Exit Canada owner Justin Tan.
A Heartfelt Farewell from the Founders of Chew Chew Canada
Credits: Snowball Bunny
After just 2 months of operation, Chew Chew Canada announced through Instagram that their final day of service will be October 26. The announcement was filled with warmth and gratitude:
“After an incredible chapter filled with wagging tails, laughter, and love, we’ve made the difficult decision to close Chew Chew. Every day, we’ve seen more new followers, posts, and shares — people who truly loved the idea of a full-sensory dining experience for pets.”
They went on to thank their supporters, sharing stories of customers who drove hours or even crossed borders just to experience this one-of-a-kind spot. The message ended with a bittersweet farewell:
“This project has been a labor of love — one built on heart, risk, and belief… While it hasn’t been easy to sustain, we’ll always be proud that Chew Chew sparked conversations, inspired creativity, and proved that dreams built from love (and dogs!) are worth chasing.”
In the comments, fans and pet lovers expressed both sadness and admiration. One user summed it up perfectly:
“Most people don’t follow their passions or have the courage to start something innovative. You should be proud of yourselves — we’re sure you learned a lot. Good luck in your next chapter!”
It’s clear that Chew Chew Canada left a lasting mark on Vancouver’s creative dining scene, even if its life was short-lived.
The Challenges of Running a Concept Like Chew Chew
Despite the enthusiasm around the concept, reviews on Google often mentioned the high cost as a recurring issue. The restaurant’s team even addressed this directly in a public response:
“As the first pet exclusive restaurant in the world, we’ve been operating at a loss every day, and it’s become clear that not every pet owner is looking for or willing to invest in a fresh, customized meal for their pet.”
It’s a reminder of how difficult it can be to sustain passion-driven, novelty-based ventures — especially in today’s economy. For many, Chew Chew Canada was a fun, one-time experience to enjoy with friends and their pets. But turning such a niche idea into a profitable, repeatable business model proved challenging.
A Creative Idea Worth Celebrating
Even though Chew Chew Canada is closing, it deserves recognition for its courage and originality. In a city known for its thriving food culture, few concepts have managed to blend creativity, community, and pet love quite like this one.
If you’ve been curious to check it out, October 26 will be your last chance before this heartwarming chapter officially comes to an end.
🐾 Big fan of unique dining experiences? Check out our other restaurant reviews on BiteBuddy Blog.
If you’re looking for a quieter sushi restaurant in Richmond that deserves way more attention, Sushi Han Richmond is for you. Tucked away in a small plaza on No. 2 Road, Sushi Han isn’t one of those crowded, overhyped sushi joints—but that’s exactly what makes it special. It’s a cozy spot with fresh ingredients, thoughtful presentation, and incredible value for the price.
Here’s what we had: Mango Cali Roll Aburi Seafood Roll Cheese Hill Roll Chopped Scallop Roll Salmon Sashimi + Wild Salmon Sashimi + Tuna Sashimi Chicken Karaage Gyoza Assorted Tempura Grilled Salmon Kama
The Mango Cali Roll is hands-down my go-to at Sushi Han. Something about the combination of mango and imitation crab just works. The mango is always perfectly ripe, and the drizzle of mango sauce adds a light sweetness without being overpowering. At just $8, it’s an incredible deal—especially since other spots tend to charge much more for anything with mango. Honestly, I usually order two rolls because I can easily finish one by myself.
🔥 Aburi Seafood Roll
This one’s packed with variety—six different types of sashimi inside plus prawn tempura. It’s a solid choice if you want to try a little bit of everything in one roll. The light drizzle of sauce adds flavour without overdoing it, and at $16.50, it’s worth every bite for the quality and balance.
Mango Cali RollAburi Seafood Roll
🧀 Cheese Hill Roll
This roll perfectly shows how North America has redefined sushi. Served hot, it’s baked with cheese, crispy potato curls, and salmon on top of a California roll base. It’s not something you’d find in Japan, but it’s definitely unique. Personally, I’m not big on baked rolls, but my dad loves this one.
🐠 Grilled Salmon Kama
A must-try. The Grilled Salmon Kama (salmon collar) has that perfect seared, smoky char that makes the flavour pop. The meat stays tender and juicy—never overcooked. Definitely one of my favourites on the menu.
Cheese Hill RollGrilled Salmon Kama
Why We Keep Coming Back
Sushi Han is known for great value and even better service. Every time we visit, William greets us with a smile and always makes great recommendations. The restaurant has a cozy, casual vibe—perfect for both quick lunches and relaxed dinners.
If you’re looking for high-quality sushi in Richmond without breaking the bank, Sushi Han delivers every single time.
📍 Location: 8180 No 2 Rd #182, Richmond, BC
Big fan of sushi rolls and sashimi? Check out our review of Gami Sushi, known for their creative specialty rolls and stone bowl donburis —another Richmond favourite worth visiting.
Want the live experience? Check out the reel review on our instagram.
