First, Richmond B.C., then Vancouver, then Richmond again! I'm not sure where I fit all the food I ate in two days, but I sure found room. My family and I decided to go up to Vancouver B.C. for a night to shop, see it "post-Olympics," and of course eat.
Now your probably thinking there's great food in Seattle, why drive 3 hours out to eat? Yes, Seattle is privileged to have some of the best flavors and cooks, but not necessarily for the Chinese community. Chinese food here lacks the knowing flavor of home, that extra ingredient that leaves you satisfied, the taste that brings you to the comfort of childhood. I did not necessarily go up there for a fancy feast, just some simple eats that made my trip worthwhile. So, my main objective was really to eat, as you can see how this blog is going. Follow me as I gently graze through B.C.
Japadog! All the years of visiting B.C. I've run into a lot of hotdog street vendors but never the Japadog. How could I have missed it? I saw Japadog featured on a rerun of Anthony Bourdain: No Reservations a week before my trip to B.C. I found out that this stand is known world wide and features Japanese style hotdogs! People in Japan come to B.C. to try the Japadog. I knew I had to make a stop. I was definitely not disappointed. There are options of quality meat: Kobe beef, Kurobuta (Black hog) a highly prized hog of all Japan. I personally tried Okonomiyaki-Flavor with Kurobuta. Yum, yum. The meat didn't taste mystery, what a concept. Japadog was a fun and tasty visit.
Dim Sum (to touch your heart) A Chinese "tapas" eaten for brunch. We had this at the Chinatown of B.C.
Hainanese chicken rice. This is what I have been craving. I eat this twice, yikes. This dish origin is of Chinese but is mostly prepared in southeast Asia such as Singapore and Malaysia. This is one of those comfort foods of childhood I was was referring to earlier. This is my equivalent to mac and cheese. The rice is so yummy with its aromatic flavor and scents, boiled chicken, and special ginger and chili sauce. It looks so bland, but the flavors explode in your mouth.
Singapore Laksa. This is a dish merged with Chinese and Malay influence. It is a noodle soup with a coconut soup curry base. There is nothing in any other culture that comes close to this soup, and I can't make it right to save my life. Another comfort food worth the drive.
The last two pics were found in the local food court of Richmond B.C., known as little Hong Kong. Why can't we have a food court like that? In B.C. Chinese chefs cook their food with the flavors, and style of it's origin. Here in Seattle they change the presentation and even alter the flavor (I'm not sure if it's on purpose.) I think it is such a disservice to everyone and gives a bad name to Chinese food........okay I had to rant a little bit. When you have to go to a different country to have great Chinese food it becomes a little tiresome. Someone please open up a great Hong Kong style or S.E. Asian restaurant!
