Vancouver is a top destination for travelers who want to taste some of Canada’s local cuisines. Visiting the city will give you an overwhelming selection of Canadian flavors, from the city’s freshest seafood to the sweetest maple syrup treats. The city in British Columbia also offers diverse food choices influenced by different nationals inhabiting the country.
Foreign Influences in Vancouver’s Food Scene
Apart from Canada’s famous candied salmon and poutine (a combination of hot French fries smothered in gravy and squeaky cheese curds), you can also find other favorites, like pizzas with thin, soft, and chewy crusts and sushi with fresh edible flowers in the city’s buzzing food scene.
Vancouver is a multicultural city and known as a “city of neighborhoods” because its localities have a distinct mix of ethnicity. The demographics of the city include:
- European Canadian – 46.2 percent
- Chinese – 27.7 percent
- South Asian – 6 percent
- Filipino – 6 percent
- Southeast Asian – 3 percent
- Japanese – 1.7 percent
This diversity results in the multifaceted and vibrant food scene in the city. It allows Vancouverites and tourists alike to experience the finest flavors in the world.
In an interview, Sonu Purhar from Tourism Vancouver says the city’s culinary scene is one of the “most varied and vibrant” in the world. Foodie travelers will find anything in the city, including multi-course Chinese feasts, premium sushi available outside of Japan, and farm-to-table dining experience.
The City’s Diverse Food Scene
When you visit Vancouver, make a stop at Granville Island. This is a favorite destination for tourists because you can find a wide variety of food choices, including fresh seafood, specialty meat, cheeses, and pastries, among others. It also features different restaurants with diverse menus so you’ll find the something you want.
Here are four things you should include on your must-try list while you’re in the city:
- Japanese cuisine – Vancouver is home to world-class Japanese restaurants that offer high-quality Japanese food and omakase meals. You may also try the famous Tojo Roll, which contains West Coast Dungeness crab, spinach, avocado, egg, and topped with sesame seeds.
- Indian cuisine – the city has numerous restaurants that serve Indian flavors. These restaurants have a wide range of menus, from Indian fusion to traditional tandoori and butter chicken. They also offer dishes suitable for any dietary restriction, such as vegan, vegetarian, and gluten-free.
- Pies – you’ll find different types of pies in the city, whether you prefer sweet or savory. You can find restaurants offering American-inspired apple pies or British-style steak and kidney pies.
- Street food – global food selections are not only available in local restaurants. Vancouver’s streets are also a food haven for travelers, offering hundreds of food varieties, including Japanese and Chinese. They will satisfy your taste buds without compromising your budget.
Despite the diversity in Vancouver’s culinary scene, local restaurants use locally-produced ingredients. This allows you to enjoy the city’s fresh, high-quality produce even if you are eating dishes originated and inspired by foreign countries.
As a gastronomic traveler, make Vancouver your next destination. The diversity in the city allows you to experience a different take on famous cuisines around the world and enjoy the overwhelming food options the city has to offer. Plan your trip carefully to make the most of your visit to the city.
