Best Places to Eat in Vancouver

Best Street Food in Vancouver: A Taste Adventure

Vancouver’s vibrant and diverse food scene extends beyond its acclaimed restaurants. The city boasts a thriving street food culture, with delicious and affordable options for every taste. Here are some of the best places to grab a bite on the go, categorized by cuisine type for your convenience:

Asian:

  • Tacofino: This Vancouver institution started as a humble taco stand and now has multiple locations around the city. They’re known for their fresh, flavorful tacos, burritos, and bowls, with a focus on local ingredients and creative flavor combinations.
  • Okonomiyaki Yokocho: Get a taste of Japan with this popular food cart serving up authentic okonomiyaki, savory pancakes cooked to order.

Gourmet:

  • Bao Bei Chinese Brasserie: This Chinatown staple offers modern, innovative takes on classic Chinese dishes, perfect for when you want something a little more refined than your average street food. Think delicious bao buns, flavorful noodles, and unique flavor profiles.
  • The Flying Pig: A Vancouver favorite known for its gourmet grilled cheese sandwiches made with artisan bread and local cheeses.

International:

  • Tacofino: This Vancouver institution is a must-try for anyone looking for something beyond the typical street fare.
  • Medina Cafe: While not strictly a street food vendor, Medina Cafe’s “street food” menu of Middle Eastern and Mediterranean dishes is a popular choice for those seeking a taste of something different on the streets of Vancouver.

Something Sweet:

  • Earnest Ice Cream: This local ice cream shop has a dedicated following for its unique and delicious flavors.
  • Rainforest Cafe (Pacific Centre location): Enjoy a fun and themed dining experience, with options ranging from classic desserts to decadent chocolate creations.

Where to Find Them:

Vancouver’s street food scene is spread out across the city, but you’ll find some of the best concentration in these areas:

  • Granville Island Market: A classic Vancouver destination for fresh produce and a variety of street food stalls.
  • Gastown Farmers Market: A great place to sample fresh, local food and support small businesses.
  • Vancouver’s Food Carts: These are scattered throughout the city and offer some of the best and most affordable meals.

Popular Vancouver Food Cart Locations:

  • Gastown: Look for them along Water Street, especially near the waterfront.
  • Food Truck Festivals: Vancouver hosts many food truck festivals throughout the year, offering a chance to try diverse culinary delights in one place. Check local listings for events and their locations.

Note: This is just a small sample of the delicious and diverse options available in Vancouver’s food scene. The best way to find out what’s popular at any given time is to check online reviews, local food blogs, or even social media for recommendations.

Beyond the Basics:

  • Food Truck Pods: Vancouver has

developed a vibrant “food truck pod” culture where you can find multiple trucks clustered together in different locations. This is a great way to experience a variety of flavors and cuisines.

  • Tacofino (again!): They often have unique and delicious food truck options featuring their signature dishes like the “Fish Taco” or “Tacofino Taco,” which are popular choices among locals.

What Makes Vancouver’s Food Truck Scene Great:

  • Diversity: From tacos to ramen, to dumplings and beyond, Vancouver’s food trucks offer a wide range of cuisines and flavors.
  • Quality: Many Vancouver food trucks focus on fresh, locally-sourced ingredients and unique flavor combinations.
  • Accessibility: Food trucks are often found in accessible locations, making it easy to find a tasty meal close at hand.

Popular Food Truck Dishes:

  • Gourmet Grilled Cheese Sandwiches: Try innovative takes on this classic comfort food with gourmet cheeses, artisan bread, and unexpected ingredients like fig jam or brie with caramelized onions.
  • Gourmet Tacos: Vancouver’s food truck scene is known for its creative taco fillings – from Korean bulgogi to grilled salmon with a spicy mango salsa.

Other Considerations:

  • Price: Prices at food trucks vary depending on the type of cuisine, but they generally offer affordable and delicious options.
  • Variety: Food trucks are a great way to try new things and explore different culinary traditions.
  • Atmosphere: Food truck gatherings often have a lively and communal atmosphere, making it a fun experience for everyone involved.

Finding Vancouver Food Trucks:

Follow these tips to find the best food truck experiences in Vancouver:

  • Check Online Resources: Many websites and apps provide updated schedules of Vancouver’s food trucks.
  • Look for Themes: Keep an eye out for food truck festivals, which are popular events in Vancouver.

Remember:

Vancouver’s food truck scene is constantly evolving, so be sure to check online listings for the latest information on where to find them.