Canada is home to some of the world's most exceptional culinary experiences, and one of its true gems awaits you in Richmond, British Columbia. This vibrant city offers not only stunning sights but also rich offerings of flavours that will ignite your senses. Trust us, your taste buds are in for a treat.
This winter, spring, summer or fall, immerse yourself in Richmond’s culinary scene with an unforgettable journey along the newly revitalised Dumpling Trail.
This freshly steamed self-guided adventure brings you to restaurants serving a variety of delectable dumplings, from classic dim sum to innovative global takes.
Ready to dive in? Here’s everything you need to know about the restaurants along the trail, getting around and what makes each one special.
What is the Dumpling Trail: 17 Stops, Countless Flavours
Picture the Dumpling Trail as your personal VIP itinerary to Richmond’s best dumpling spots. Slurp and savour your way across Richmond as you try a different variation of the dish at 17 different stops. This self-guided excursion is perfect for day trips, overnight escapes or even your next vacation.
While each stop has its own take on a dumpling, you can expect loads of different cuisines served up alongside them so you’re never bored (trust us, we tried all the dumplings and we still dream of them). Whether you’re in the mood for Cantonese dim sum, spicy Szechuan flavours, or international twists, this trail offers a little something for every palate.
Navigating the Trail
Exploring Richmond’s Dumpling Trail is easy and fun, thanks to the city’s excellent public transit and walkable layout. Many of the dumpling stops are close together, so you can hop from one delicious bite to the next without missing a beat. Whether you prefer walking or a quick transit ride, getting around couldn’t be more convenient.
The Canada Line SkyTrain makes it a breeze to zip between Richmond and key locations like Vancouver International Airport (YVR) or downtown Vancouver, with most Dumpling Trail restaurants just a short walk or bus ride from its stations.
Need a break between bites? TransLink buses offer frequent service across the city, running from early morning to late at night. Plus, with one-zone fares covering most Richmond routes, you can explore without breaking the bank. Grab a Compass Card or DayPass for unlimited travel and stress-free dumpling hopping.
For the more adventurous, Richmond’s flat streets make biking a great option to tour the trail. Check out Village Bikes to rent one while you’re there! And if you’ve eaten one too many dumplings and need a nap, don’t worry—there’s always a taxi or ride-share nearby to whisk you back to your hotel for that well-deserved post-dumpling nap!
Why Richmond?
Why Richmond? This vibrant city is home to one of the largest Asian communities in North America, making it a culinary hotspot where tradition meets innovation. Richmond’s food scene is a treasure trove of authentic Chinese, Japanese, Taiwanese, and Vietnamese flavours, with dumplings sitting right at the heart of it all.
But dumplings aren’t just local fare—they're a global phenomenon! From China’s famous jiaozi to Italian ravioli, Japanese gyoza, Polish pierogi, and Latin American tamales, nearly every culture has its version of these delightful doughy creations.
The Dumpling Trail in Richmond is your gateway to exploring these global flavours, offering a delicious journey through time and across cultures. Dumplings are universal comfort food, and whether you’re tasting centuries of history or indulging in modern twists, they’re a reminder that great ideas are meant to be shared—and eaten!
Hungry? So are we but before heading out, it’s good to brush up on a few customs.
Dumpling Etiquette + Hot Tips: Traditions You Should Know + Other Important Details
- Tea Service: Pour tea for others before yourself, and when your teapot is empty, flip the lid upside down to signal the server for a refill.
- Chopsticks: Use a separate pair for communal dishes, and never leave your chopsticks standing upright in your food—it’s considered bad manners.
- Bring cash: Some of these spots are cash-only. We suggest carrying a bit with you. We’d hate for you to miss out!
Richmond, BC has made exploring the Dumpling Trail delightfully simple with curated categories like “Dim Sum,” “Around the World,” “Hidden Gems,” and “Authentic Chinese Dumplings.” While you can follow these guides, the real fun is leaving it up to your cravings on the day—letting your appetite lead the way! No matter where you land, one thing’s for sure: your taste buds will thank you at every stop.
Grab Your chopsticks and let's dive in!
Richmond’s Dumpling Trail offers a delicious journey through the city’s best dumpling spots, and with so many great options, the perfect way to explore is by organizing your adventure based on the time of day. Whether you're craving a morning dim sum feast, a hearty lunch, or a late-night snack, there’s something for every appetite.
This itinerary lets you experience the culinary delights of Richmond at your own pace, savouring flavours from traditional Chinese dumplings to international twists, all while easily navigating the city. So, follow your cravings, explore the vibrant neighbourhoods, and let Richmond’s diverse dumpling scene lead the way from breakfast to dinner and beyond! We’ve highlighted some of our fav dishes at each so you know what to order!
Morning: Dim Sum Delights
Kickstart your day with a dumpling breakfast at some of Richmond’s best dim sum spots. These morning favourites offer classic dumplings, from delicate har gow to innovative seafood creations, perfect for pairing with hot tea.
- Empire Seafood Restaurant - One of Richmond’s oldest, This stylish Cantonese spot serves up classic dim sum, plus dinner-only delights like pork knuckle and geoduck for when you're feeling a bit fancy.
- Parkhill Seafood Restaurant - Empire’s smaller, high-end sister restaurant. At dim sum, try the signature Seafood Dumpling Trio – a colourful set of open-faced shrimp dumplings topped with scallop, crab and lobster.
- The Jade Seafood Restaurant - This award-winning spot is known for their delicious Steamed Wasabi Fish Maw (emphasis on award-winning) and Seafood Dumplings. Seriously, it’s the greatest way to start the day.
Midday: Lunchtime Favorites
As lunchtime rolls around, dive into a world of flavorful dumplings and other tasty treats that will fuel your day’s adventures.
- 4 Stones Vegetarian Cuisine – Calling all plant-forward folks, the meat-free Taiwanese dumplings are out of this world.
- Bánh Mì Très Bon – Vietnamese Bánh Khot makes for a perfect gluten-free snack.
- R & H Chinese Food (Cash Only) – Famous for their expertly crafted Xiao Long Bao, you’ll find this spot at a local food court stall.
- Leisure Tea-Coffee (Cash Only) – For a quick tea break or snack stop here and refuel.
Afternoon: Hidden Gems for a Snack Break
Feeling peckish after a morning of exploring? These spots offer international flavours and dumpling snacks to keep you energized.
- Szechuan House – For the spice lover, try their numbing and spicy mala dumplings.
- Xi'An Cuisine - This food court stall serves authentic regional food from Xi’an, China, including hand-pulled noodles and Chinese hamburgers alongside their dumplings and it’s absolutely worth writing home about.
Chinese Baozi Masters (Cash Only) – This spot offers traditional Chinese buns with a variety of fillings.
Evening: Dumpling Feast
As evening falls, indulge in a full dumpling dinner! These hearty options are perfect for satisfying your dumpling cravings after a day of adventure.
- Yuu Japanese Tapas – Famous for its Beer Ramen and crispy Japanese gyoza, it makes for a hearty dinner with a fusion twist great for date night.
- Suhang Restaurant – A must-visit for traditional Shanghai dumplings like Xiao Long Bao and Sheng Jian Bao.
- Silkway Halal Cuisine – Try their unique lamb dumplings with a Halal twist, offering flavors from northern China.
- Dinesty Dumpling House – Savour some of Richmond’s best Xiao Long Bao; and don’t forget to collect stamps toward your free basket of dumplings!
When is the Best Time to Enjoy the Dumpling Trail?
Dumplings are a year-round delight, making any time the perfect time to visit Richmond’s Dumpling Trail. Whether you’re warming up with wonton soup in winter or enjoying delicate dumplings in the summer, there’s never a wrong time to indulge in this culinary journey.
More to Do in Richmond
Looking for a few other things to do beyond The Dumpling the Trail? Good on ya! Richmond is bustling with culture, beautiful views and other great eats. Here are a few of our suggestions:
- Richmond Night Market (Cash Only Entrance Fee) – A bustling night spot filled with all kinds of unique eats including several dumpling stands. Make a night of it and enjoy live performances, games and more. Runs April to mid-October.
Embark on Richmond’s Dumpling Adventure
The Dumpling Trail isn’t just about eating—it’s a cultural experience that brings you closer to Richmond’s diverse food scene. Whether you stick to classic dim sum or explore international variations, the trail offers a delicious and enriching journey through one of North America’s most exciting food cities. Ready for a bite?
Explore the full trail details here.
