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Nosh global cuisine simply by travelling to Vancouver

Eat globally in Vancouver

Lineups at Vancouver's passport office continue to be lengthy, but not to worry. You can immerse yourself in adventure and have a global cuisine experience without jetting off to far-flung locales, and instead, enjoy a leisurely getaway to the Coast.

Depending on your mode of transportation, you’ll drive by or fly over many of the farms, vineyards, orchards, and farmers’ markets, where fertile soil and a temperate micro-climate are responsible for the high-quality ingredients in the makings of Metro Vancouver’s internationally rich cuisine.

One of the best things about dining out in Vancouver and the Lower Mainland (beyond great sushi, but they have that too, of course) is the sheer variety of adventurous and international food, prepared by renowned high-calibre chefs.

Fact is, you can eat your way through South and Southeast Asia, East and West Asia, Latin America and Mexico, Italy, and Persian countries, all without leaving the confines of Greater Vancouver.

To help you accomplish just that, Destination Vancouver has stepped in as your maître d' and has rounded up some of the top restaurants in the city with the most diverse and exciting global cuisine.

There’s something for every tastebud, so pack your pants with forgiving waistbands, and check out these international restaurants for a truly worldwide foodie journey. The table is set—we’re expecting you.

Destination: South and Southeast Asia

Chef Angus An’s philosophy behind the authentic Thai dishes served at Kitsilano’s Maenam is a balance of intense fresh flavours with seasonal ingredients and locally-sourced products. The Union features firecracker flavours of Pan-Asian eats, where chef Lisa Henderson serves a Southeast Asian-inspired menu. Spirit-forward cocktails are created with the region’s ingredients sourced from neighbouring Chinatown.

Enjoy a taste of Malaysia at Banana Leaf, for the finest Malaysian flavours, with such stand-outs as crunchy sambal green beans, fluffy roti canai, creamy Rendang beef, spicy satay, and Singapore laksa.

Destination: Latin America and Mexico

The Californian Baja-style focused menu with international influences in Gastown’s Tacofino Taco Bar is the most extensive and Latin-American inspired in their repertoire, an offshoot of their uber-popular beginnings, the OG Tofino food truck. For authentic Mexican fare, La Mezcaleria on The Drive serves approachable and shareable dishes: ceviches, quesos fundido, and meat parrilladas, and inventive homemade ice creams: avocado and orange mezcal. Head to El Camino’s (with lively bar) on Main for Latin American street food; tacos, arepas, sanguches, empanadas, and bocadillos from chef Jeramie Adams; touted best margs in town.

Destination: East Asia

Chinatown’s Torafuku offers simple yet adventurous interpretations of Pan-Asian flavours from chef Steve Kuan. Classics include Korean fried chicken wings and Duck Kick-ass Rice Bowl. Miku delivers gourmet Aburi-style cuisine and a full-service sushi bar at downtown's waterfront. Chef Kazuya Matsuoka sources fresh, regional ingredients and Ocean Wise seafood, showcasing Vancouver’s best offerings. With two locations, Kingsway and Yaletown, plant-based Do Chay serves up modern twists on Vietnamese classics, like cast iron seared coconut rice cakes, black garlic eggplant, and vegan pho.

Destination: West Asia

Cazba Restaurant in Vancouver’s West End serves Persian cuisine (modern-day Iran style of cooking). Most Iranian dishes are prepared with fresh herbs, vegetables and rice, along with meat, lamb, chicken or fish. Since 1974, Afghan Horsemen has been creating the finest Afghan cuisine, noted for their succulent kebabs and vegetarian dishes - winner for Best Middle Eastern Restaurant from The Georgia Straight’s Readers’ Choice Golden Plates Awards, 2008 to 2018.

Destination: Italy

The Drive’s Pepino’s Spaghetti House serves spaghetti and more. A sure-fire go-to is their signature Detroit-style pie: soft and airy deep-dish crispy crust, caramelized cheese edge, quattro formaggi blend and marinara. Savio Volpe is styled after the classic osteria–rustic fare in the Italian tradition of freshness and regionality; pasta is handmade fresh daily, and meat, poultry and fish are kissed by smoke over the wood-fired grill and rotisserie. Ask for Luigi is a casual and intimate Italian-inspired restaurant specializing in fresh handmade pasta, where the service is family-style: all dishes are meant for sharing.

Picturesque excursion

Departing from Kelowna, it's an easy four-hour drive from the Okanagan on the Coquihalla (Highway 5) or a convenient 60-minute flight from Kelowna International Airport (YLW) to Vancouver (YVR).

For more information, visit destinationvancouver.com, email [email protected] or call 604-682-2222.

This article is written by or on behalf of the sponsoring client and does not necessarily reflect the views of Castanet.



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