Authentic Szechuan flavours in the heart of Vancouver at Ban Bu Xian

Richmond is a special food spot. There likely isn’t a better place in the world to experience the diversity of Chinese food available outside of the country. But most people in Vancouver never venture there, which is a real shame.

Luckily, Ban Bu Xian Szechuan Cuisine, which opened up earlier this year at 1282 Robson St., brings the popular regional cuisine much closer. Their main location is in Richmond at #165 - 8460 Alexandre Rd.

This isn’t an intimate date night location, but a place best visited with a group. Large, long picnic-like tables mean you can fit in as many friends as you need. There’s a world where the design veers too much into kitsch — bamboo-lined walls, rope-adorned ceilings — but somehow, it works. The earthy-orange colour palette feels entirely welcoming.

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