Food Vancouver - Food Vancouver Select Guide: 10 Things to Taste in Richmond, British Columbia

On the journey to Vancouver or Victoria, all roads literally go through the diverse community of Richmond, BC. What most people don’t realize is that, once off the beaten path, Richmond is a full food adventure. The following article guides you to discover 10 things to taste on your adventures in Richmond, BC.

Within Richmond lies the Historic Fishing Village of Steveston, which combines access to limitless fresh ingredients with distinct West Coast, style. And it has the culinary creative chops to offer a diverse army of experimental chefs and culinary visionaries ready to please. Beyond Steveston, Richmond features two award-winning wineries to tour by day and the exciting Summer Night Market to explore on weekends when the sun goes down.

Since when do farmers’ markets have resident chefs? Well, the Steveston Farmer’s & Artisan’s Market does. In fact, there’s a new chef with each run. Operating on bi-weekly Sunday’s until October 11, the market features fresh, local ingredients and lively events for the whole family. Taste the local favourites, including Hunky Bill’s Perogies, the roasted corn on the cob of JJ’s Hot Cobs, and Noah’s fresh fish tacos. Stay up to date with the market’s Twitter feed to see what is happening. Catch the next market events August 16 and 30.

Chef Ken Iaci presides over a culinary institution in Richmond. While Papi’s may be regional Italian in origin, the food is clearly homegrown. The hand-chosen fish, meat, poultry and produce are all from the local area. The house salad is a mix of hand-picked lettuces and herbs from London Heritage Farm every day. Talk about fresh! And Papi’s isn’t just about sitting down and eating family style, the location houses a Mondo Burger, a classic burger joint alongside it’s gourmet market to take the tasty treats out for a summer picnic.

Since 1985, Pajo’s (named for founding partners Patricia and Joan) has been widely recognized as the best, fun place to eat. Not bad for a little dockside fish-and-chips joint. You can try cod, wild Pacific Coast salmon, and halibut all gorgeously deep fried golden and served with tasty chips to match. If it tastes like it was just caught, it probably was and that’s why it is so good.

If you love seafood, be sure to take in the second annual Wild BC Seafood Fest on August 29. It’s a great opportunity to try the best local wild salmon, sardines, and sablefish. Local chefs will be creating inspired dishes to sample. Not in town that weekend? Stock up on local seafood right from the dock anytime you are in town.

One of the best places to really sample the West Coast spirit is from the maritime menu and dockside views of Blue Canoe. The menu is inspired from the tides of the Pacific, and wild salmon, fresh shellfish and other mouth-watering ingredients are always featured on the daily chalkboard. Depending on the night you might also be able to sink your teeth into dishes like BBQ cornhusk wild salmon served with roasted red potatoes, cranberry relish and chive yogurt.

Tasting doesn’t always have to be about food, and Steveston is just full of surprises to fit the bill. The 2009 Maritime Festival (August 21-23) is the time to explore heritage, boat restoration, and great food. Take the kids to try knot tying, model boat building, and learn sea shanties. Plus you can stroll the docks and check out the 1930s rumrunner amongst the classic boats on display. When you get hungry, explore the many dockside restaurants, or work up the appetite while checking out attractions such as Gulf of Georgia Cannery NHS and Britannia Shipyard NHS or Concerts in the Park.

Richmond’s first farm-based winery, Sanduz Estate Winery, was originally created from a successful blueberry and cranberry farm. Current owners, Dave and Neeta Sandu, have BC’s largest selection of fruit wines, including elegant and unique varietals made from their farm’s best berries. Nothing beats a summer afternoon sipping a chilled rose wine made from cranberries; its light, tart flavour and spicy aroma is perfect for the hot season.

If you’re touring wineries, your next stop is Lulu Island Winery. John Chang has been wowing locals and visitors from around the globe with his take on winemaking for years. Bringing in Chinese medicine and philosophy, he learned winemaking from his grandmother. His Blossom Winery label creates delicious, world-renowned blueberry, raspberry and ice wines.

If fresh, local ingredients are the basis for Richmond’s bustling foodie scene, then Gudrun is where it all comes together. This social space explores organic ingredients and pairs them with local wines in a tasting environment. It’s about letting the flavours of meats and cheeses from the region speak louder than words. The simplicity of ingredients paired with great-tasting, local and world wines in a social setting is a very West Coast way to eat.

This is your chance to taste Asia in your backyard. Richmond’s Summer Night Market has been wowing crowds in Richmond since it started. It’s recreated the experience of a true Asian night market. Savour the aromas of marinated and grill meats, satays, and seafood. If that isn’t enough to make your tummy rumble, then how about dim sum, curried fish balls, mango shaved ice cream, and the alluring Dragon Beard Candy. Taste your way through over 170 booths of adventures from Asia.

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Food Vancouver Select Guide: 10 Things to Taste in Richmond, British Columbia