The best Chinese food courts in Metro Vancouver ranked

As a kid, I always loved a quick trip to the food court. A&W, New York Fries, Orange Julius, it had everything a kid could want. But as you get older and expand your food palette, you quickly realize most Westernized food courts are, to put it lightly, a representation of everything Western food does poorly.

That childhood joy doesn’t need to disappear. Food courts in Metro Vancouver, specifically Chinese ones, will fill you with the same excitement you had as a child. 

In the last year, I’ve had the pleasure of visiting many of these food courts, mostly in Richmond and almost all Chinese. For anyone who doesn’t speak English, or is maybe a little too used to Western malls, the whole experience can be a little confusing. Which stall should you try? What do you order? How do you tell what’s good and bad?

There are very few resources online. Which is a shame. These food courts represent the vibrancy of Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene, a collection of Chinese and other food establishments, unparalleled in North America, all concentrated in a small area, at an affordable price that’s hard to imagine in this era of spiralling food costs. 

I am not an expert when it comes to pure authenticity. But I do know good food and creativity when I see (or in this case, eat) it.  So I’ve put together a helpful guide for which Metro Vancouver food courts you should visit. 

This is not comprehensive and represents only the spots I’ve visited. Everything I recommend I’ve personally tried and can vouch for. I will keep adding to it as I check out new food courts. 

1. Parker Place

Location: 4380 No. 3 Rd., Richmond

Parker Place was a real pleasant surprise. And by pleasant, I mean delicious.

There’s a level of craftsmanship and variety that is a step above what other malls offer. The variety, from Taiwanese dishes to traditional but exceptionally executed dumplings, to Baobing dessert, Parker Place has a few standout items that were amongst the best I’ve had in the city. And don’t even get me started on the Taiwanese pork bun, dripping with peanuts and soft pork belly…

Parker Place simply is an authentic expression of what the best food courts are doing, in an approachable manner at a price point that almost anyone can afford.

2. Crystal Mall

Location: 4500 Kingsway #2137, Burnaby

Crystal Mall isn’t a hidden gem. In fact, it’s widely known for anyone remotely interested in Chinese food in the region. 

Before I was even considering writing about food, I made many pilgrimages to Crystal Mall. I won’t use this space to review any of them, since I didn’t take notes and it was over two years ago. But with numerous diverse stalls, as well as more approachable English menus, Crystal Mall it a great starting point as you explore Chinese food courts in Metro Vancouver.

3. Richmond Public Market

Location: 8260 Westminster Hwy., Richmond

This was the first Chinese food court I reviewed. You might say it started my obsession. 

My pounding headache and stomach seizing up reminded me how hungry I was as I climbed the stairs. Yet, I knew patience was needed. I could’ve ordered at the closest stall, but finding memorable spots takes reconnaissance, research and an eye on what people are ordering.

Richmond Public Market, though less diverse than Parker Place, still ranks highly for me. Maybe it’s nostalgia. But it had one of the best Taiwanese noodle soups I’ve ever tasted. It was that good.

4. Presidents Plaza

Location: 8181 Cambie Rd, Richmond

What happens when you combine rich and custardy scrambled eggs with sweet, fall-apart beef, for only $9? You get a breakfast egg sandwich that will have you wondering why you paid $20 for brunch downtown.

Presidents Plaza is close to Aberdeen Station, making it easily accessible. It’s smaller than other places and much more busy. It feels like a place where regulars always come for lunch.

It ranks lower on the list due to fewer options than the other places above it. But the bakery inside is worth a trip on its own, a spot crafting unique French and Japanese/Chinese inspired baked goods. 

5. Pacific Plaza

Location: 8888 Odlin Cres, Richmond

Last but not least, Pacific Plaza has certainly seen better days. It had the fewest number of stalls compared to other food courts, many which were closed while I was there.

What it lacks in volume, it makes up for with a few quality spots, including a memorable Taiwanese beef noodle soup and high-quality (and highly affordable) frozen take-home dumplings.