Culinary Delights: 15 Must Try Dishes for an Amazing Food Experience in Vancouver

Vancouver is the destination for anyone looking to enjoy the finest mouthwatering foods while on vacation.

In relation to selecting the renowned food centres of the United States of America and Canada, Vancouver’s cuisine has propelled the city to the top of the list. Every flavour and preference is catered to in Vancouver’s cuisine, which ranges from hot and sour to sweet and savoury, making guests want continually further. The food provided at restaurants in this multicultural city is so delicious that nobody can ever have one bite.

Vancouver, which is frequently referred to as a foodie’s paradise, is a location that provides delectable cuisines from contemporary to Vietnamese, produced by a few of the country’s top chefs. Check out this list of foods that you should eat while travelling to Canada!

Vancouver is the paradise on earth you have been waiting for, individuals who seek out cuisine not simply to satisfy the stomach but rather to savour the flavours, fragrances, textures, and mouthfeel. Check out a few of the well-known Vancouver, Canada, cuisine that locals should undoubtedly enjoy.

1. Lamb Popsicles

The lamb popsicles served at Vikram Vij’s restaurant are unquestionably the best Indian food in Vancouver. Lamb popsicles, one of the chef’s numerous specialties, are unlike anything you’ve ever tasted. The white wine, mustard, and Indian spices used to marinade the pink racks of lamb are not just for oral consumption.

The dish’s beauty and aroma allow customers to enjoy it not only with their eyes but also with their noses. Even those not hungry can become drooling over this dish due to its scent!

2. Seafood 

The tastes of Canadians were greatly influenced by Asian culture, and because Vancouver is a seaside province, seafood is a significant part of daily life there.

2.1. JapaDog

The hot dog JapaDog has a fantastic twist inspired by Japan, another global cuisine mecca. Japadog, started by a handful of immigrants a few decades ago, is well-liked by locals and visitors.

JapaDog is a highly addictive street snack in Vancouver, Canada, that combines sweet, sour, and the flavours of spice and salt by way of teriyaki sauce, wasabi, kimchi, miso, and seaweed flakes that are sprinkled over a hot dog consisting of turkey, beef, pig, pig, or vegetables.

2.2. Sushi

This greeting, which roughly translates to “come on in,” may be heard upon entering pretty much any sushi restaurant in Vancouver. Perhaps a better welcome would be “Irrashimase – come on into our city and try the sushi!” to be given at Vancouver International Airport instead.

Vancouver is regarded as North America’s sushi capital. Sushi in Vancouver comes in a variety of varieties named after other places, such as the B.C. Roll, which is British Columbia’s distinctive sushi.

2.3. Salmon and Salmon Candy

2.3.1. Salmon

Salmon is one of Vancouver’s most well-known foods, aside from sushi. King Salmon is a type of salmon that can be caught in the rivers and areas around Vancouver.

In Vancouver, you can get roasted salmon, salmon sandwiches, smoked salmon, or salmon stakes. Don’t forget to sample the sweets made with salmon. Smoked salmon marinated in maple syrup is known as salmon candy.

2.3.2. Salmon Candy

One serving that once tried by a tourist or a local makes it tough to quit eating is salmon candy. Salmon candy, produced by smoking salmon and coating it with maple syrup, has bursts of salty, sweet, and smoky flavours are all present at once, making it challenging not to become addicted. How maple syrup is made counteracts the saline nature of the smoked salmon can convert someone who doesn’t like fish into a fan!

2.4. West Coast Oysters

In the Deep Bay region of Vancouver Island, which is only on the other side of the Strait of Georgia from the city, West Coast oysters are famously produced. As a result, restaurants in Downtown Vancouver have access to some of the most desirable and fresh shellfish. It, therefore, comes as no surprise that they are a well-known must-try.

Vancouver seafood connoisseurs gush endlessly about the better quality of the West Coast catch. According to rumours, these Pacific oysters are sweeter and juicier than their Atlantic relatives. They are meant to be consumed with just a squeeze of lemon in one bite. If you want to get in the spirit, serve some champagne on the side.

2.5. Fish and Chips

Fish and chips are increasingly well-liked in Vancouver thanks to the influence of the British population.

2.6. Dungeness Crab

Dungeness crab, another of Vancouver’s most popular seafood dishes, is a delicious yet nutritious dish. The best dish to eat for lunch is Dungeness crab, Vancouver’s favourite shellfish.

If a visitor wants to sample the greatest seafood this city has to offer, they should start with the Dungeness crab, which can be found in many places all across the city. The final meal, made by roasting the crab in butter, white wine, parsley, and other fragrant spices, looks very delicious.

3. Pizza 

Without a doubt, pizza is well-known throughout the world. One of the most consumed dishes in Vancouver is this cuisine. Each person can select their preferred pizza kind based on taste, dietary needs, and preferences.

3.1. Butter Chicken Pizza

Aside from all the fantastic Neapolitan pizzerias, Indian pizza is an intriguing trend in Vancouver.

The proportion of Indo-Canadians is highest in British Columbia, and Vancouver has the second-largest South Asian population of any Canadian city (after Toronto). So it comes as no surprise that Vancouver boasts excellent Indian cuisine! For instance, Vij’s is one of Canada’s most well-known eateries.

Large Indian populations may be found in Surrey, Burnaby, Richmond, Abbotsford, Delta, and the Fraser Valley. Many Indian-owned pizzerias provide dishes including paneer, tandoori chicken, and butter chicken.

Since there are a lot of Indians in British Columbia, their influence on the cuisine of Vancouver is obvious. This variety of pizza is among the best dishes in Vancouver. The flavour of butter chicken is slightly sweet. The gravy that gives butter chicken sauce its savoury flavour is the secret to a successful batch.

3.2. Hawaiian Pizza

Canada is where Hawaiian pizza first originated. Crispy bacon, cheese, marinara sauce, and pineapples are the ingredients in this dish.

4. Spot Prawns (you Can Enjoy Them in Various Ways) and Fried Chicken

The finest places to find the fried chicken in and around Vancouver are listed below. Don’t forget to try the delectable fried chicken in Vancouver at places like Juke Fried Chicken, DownLow Chicken Shack, The Frying Pan, L.A. Chicken, Popina Canteen, Zabu Chicken, etc.

5. Desserts 

A wide range of desserts is consumed in Vancouver.

5.1. Donuts

A donut is one of the simplest ways to make any day better, regardless of whether the sun is shining or it is pouring rain outside. After all, there are so many mouthwatering options in this metropolis!

Every year, Canada consumes more than 1 billion donuts. Donuts and Timbits, available in North Vancouver and of very high quality, are among the most popular treats.

5.2. Nanaimo Bars

Nanaimo Bars, among the most well-liked treats among the locals, is sure to satisfy the cravings of all those with a sweet tooth. With a delicious mug of coffee, this Vancouver cuisine is best enjoyed.

The base of this incredibly delicious bar is made of chocolate graham cracker coconut; a creamy custard layer is in the middle, and the peak is a thick layer of delectable chocolate ganache. Nanaimo Bars are unquestionably a must-try since they provide the perfect balance of crispy and gentle bite!

5.3. Butter tarts

Simple yet delicious, butter tarts are a must-try. They are produced by stuffing butter, sugar, and egg mixture into flaky pastry shells.

You’ll long for this food after leaving Canada because it embodies Canadian cuisine at its finest.

5.4. BeaverTails

If you were a trapper in the past, a beaver tail would have you licking your lips. Due to the long, difficult winters and the quantity of lean wild game meals, a trapper’s diet was low in fat. One of the more sought-after sources of excellent backcountry fat was beaver tail. The Beaver Tail, a type of fried dough treat, comes in a variety of tastes.

Consider a thick slice of delicious dough that has been deep-fried and then covered in a variety of toppings, like Nutella, Reese’s Pieces, peanut butter, and others. Beavertails aren’t a typical Canadian meal, but they are crispy and taste like pure perfection. A trip to Canada wouldn’t be complete without one!

Whipped cream, banana slices, oreo cookie crumbs, cinnamon sugar, and chocolate hazelnut are among the sweet toppings that come with the majority of BeaverTails tastes.

6. Poutine

Although poutine has Quebecian roots, there are still a ton of excellent locations in Vancouver to try it, though. For instance, head to La Belle Patate on Davie Street for Francophone comfort food till the wee hours of the morning.

It is unquestionably one of Canada’s best fast snacks, particularly in Vancouver. Fries and cheese curds are served with gravy in this dish. It is regarded as either a major dish or a side dish.

The dinner of your dreams includes rich gravy, squeaky cheese curds, and crispy fries. The classic version is delicious on its own, but toppings like pulled pork, bacon, and smoked meat elevate it.

7. B.C. Roll

B.C. Roll, another Japanese-inspired dish from Vancouver, contains sushi which is a light regional flavour. B.C. Roll might appear on many people’s lists of their top five preferences if the locals were polled. This dish’s fame is due to its grace and simplicity.

This meal is crispy and juicy at the same time, tickling the taste buds of the diners. It is prepared by grilling cucumber, smoked salmon, and a sweet sauce with the peel on. The Roll is still one of the city’s most popular delicacies today, having been created in 1974 by chef Hidekazu Tojo.

8. Pies

8 This meal is created in sweet and salty flavours, providing tourists with the chance to experience the best of both worlds while eating organic food in Vancouver in the shape of a pie. Apple pie, the incredibly popular steak, and kidney pie are the city’s most well-known pies. Travellers to Vancouver are spoiled with the variety of pies they can eat while there.

9. Cream Puffs

French desserts like cream puffs and profiteroles require some getting used to. This Vancouver dish is so soft and crispy at the same time that it practically melts in your mouth, and it is famous among more than fifty percent of the inhabitants. These puffs are so light and airy and filled with a variety of flavorful icings and creams that they make foodies all over the world salivate. Matcha, salted caramel, lychee-rose, raspberry, and many other flavours are available in such abundance in Vancouver that it is difficult to resist trying these sweets.

10. Dim Sum

A typical accompaniment to dim sum is tea. Dim sum is a traditional Chinese dinner consisting of small plates of dumplings and other snack items. The meals are shared among family and friends, much like how the Spanish eat tapas. Typically, brunch hours—late morning through lunch—are when the dim sum is eaten.

Various seafood, meat, and vegetable dishes are served as part of dim sum, and they can be steamed, fried, or baked. It is a signature dish of Vancouver and a must-try when in Vancouver.

11. Tourtière

Tourtière is the name of a typical minced meat pie from Quebec. Typically, the filling is made from pig, beef, veal, or game. Herbs and spices have a key role in this. Seasonal spices like allspice, clove, and cinnamon help give the bake its unforgettable aroma.

The French Canadian-inspired holiday dish is served with tomato sauce and pickled beets. Every grandma has a secret recipe, and there is nothing like homemade tourtière. But you can also purchase a premade version throughout the entire year at any big supermarket store.

For a flavorful meat pie, look no further than the French Canadian tourtière. It is a well-liked meal in Vancouver.

12. Maple Syrup 

80% of the world’s maple syrup output is produced in Canada, making it the biggest producer in the world. It’s not surprising that Canada is best known for its maple syrup. Wherever there are millions of maple trees in this country, the maple syrup industry is booming.

Fortunately, it is a versatile ingredient that can be used in practically any type of dish, including roasts, cakes, and salads.

Locals use this to top pancakes, waffles, and French toast as well as to sweeten nearly anything. It is one of the most well-liked dishes in Vancouver.

13. Tacofino

Tacofino began as a little roadside food stand in Tofino, the epicentre of surfing on the wind- and wave-lashed beaches of western Vancouver Island. These days, the brand is available in a wide variety of locations, from food trucks that frequently appear in Rocky Point Park to walk-in pubs in Gastown.

The main focus of the menu is fusing Mexican cuisine with local BC ingredients. Enjoy shredded chicken tacos with avocado and radish salad from a local farm. Prepare yourself for fish tacos filled with cod from the Pacific Ocean and chipotle mayo.

14. Picklebacks and Vancouver Ice Cream Sandwiches

14.1. Picklebacks

When you visit the bars in Gastown and downtown Vancouver, keep an eye out for picklebacks. They are said to have originated in Eastern Europe and have travelled through Scotland and Ireland to reach Canada’s bar scene.

It is a drink followed by a sip of strong whisky, a swig of salty pickle brine, or even a nibble of a pickle. The herby liquid used to preserve the tiny cucumbers, according to some people, helps to buffer the alcohol’s burn.

14.2. Vancouver Ice Cream Sandwiches

The smooth chocolate cookie shell and cool, creamy interior of the store-bought ice cream sandwiches that many of us ate as kids have a lot to recommend them. However, ice cream sandwiches aren’t just for kids; in Vancouver, the selection of outstanding ice cream sandwiches is rather impressive.

15. Delicious Food At Granville Island Public Market 

The First Nation people once lived on Granville Island and fished there. The island was given the name Granville Leveson-Gower after a British nobleman after the arrival of white inhabitants.

The island was just an island until the 1950s. Granville Island is now technically a peninsula as a result of the city “filling in” the creek following increased development.

Granville Island used to be an industrial area that was not very welcoming to tourists before the market was established there. It is now a popular tourist destination! Along with the market, there is a marina, hotel, dining establishments, and theatres for the performing arts.

The waterfront is where the Granville Island Public Market is situated. There is a lot of culture and art in this urban area. Visiting it while taking in all that Vancouver has to offer is worthwhile. The food court at the Granville Island public market is also a great option if you’re nearby during a meal or if you’re hungry and craving a treat.

There isn’t a McDonald’s nearby. Alternatively, you can order Chinese, Thai, Mexican, and Japanese salads, pizza, bubble teas, fresh juices, or fish and chips for takeout.

Without a doubt, one of the most enjoyable activities in life is eating delicious cuisine. After reading this post, you now have all the information you require about the best meals in Vancouver.

Vancouver, a city quietly but firmly establishing itself as Canada’s cuisine capital, has something to offer to every type of palate. Every traveller can find something to suit their tastes on the list of some of the most well-known Vancouver cuisines, which range from spicy Asian and sweet French dishes to fusion Japanese and aromatic Indian cuisine.

There are so many food alternatives in Vancouver that tourists bite their fingers and lick their lips. Numerous choices characterize the cuisine culture of this city, ranging from street food to gourmet dining establishments.

If you’re in north Vancouver, don’t forget to try some of the most well-known and well-liked dishes because Vancouver, British Columbia, has the best restaurants and foods. Plan your trip to Vancouver right away to satisfy your soul’s hunger like never before. Enjoy!

Last Updated on January 11, 2024 by Suchi