Looking for a holiday getaway that’s as festive as it is flavorful? Sip and savour wonton soups, heart-warming dumplings and more when you discover Richmond, British Columbia’s Dumpling Trail! Just outside Vancouver, this vibrant city is known not only for its stunning coastal views but also for its rich culinary scene. With the holidays fast approaching, there’s no better time to explore Richmond’s legendary—and newly revitalised—Dumpling Trail.
Start Your Richmond Adventure with Steamed Delights
Begin your day with some morning dim sum, a Richmond specialty! This is the best way to kick off your first day in Richmond. We recommend walking to one of the following spots and taking in the magic of the season: holiday lights, music in the air and the amazing smells to boot.
Many restaurants along the trail open early, offering freshly steamed dumplings filled with flavours like pork, shrimp, and vegetables. For an authentic dim sum experience, try one of these local favourites:
Jade Seafood Restaurant – Known for their award-winning Steamed Wasabi Fish Maw and Seafood Dumplings, it’s the perfect start to your day. Gather around a table together and kick things off with a little dim sum. It’s the holidays after all!
Empire Seafood Restaurant – Authentic Cantonese cuisine is waiting for you at this delightful restaurant that offers morning dim sum alongside special dishes like pork knuckle and geoduck. It’s a great way to kickstart your holiday getaway.
Parkhill Seafood Restaurant – Get ready to delight your taste buds! Empire’s upscale sister restaurant offers a fusion of Hong Kong cuisine, masterfully blending traditional flavours with creative, modern twists. In addition to their dumplings, Parkhill (and Empire) also serves up Teochew cuisine which is native to the Chaoshan region of eastern Guangdong and offers flavours you may not have tried before. Want it in dumpling form? No problem! Order the Steamed Minced Pork or Peanut Dumpling!
Between Dumplings: Arts and Outdoor Activities
Take a break between bites and get crafty or explore Richmond’s scenic spots! It’s the perfect addition to any holiday trip if you ask us.
Phoenix Art Workshop: Steveston’s creative hotspot offers well-priced classes in everything from watercolour to still life. It’s a perfect spot to create a masterpiece to gift to friends and family. This holiday season they’re offering classes in festive card-making— the perfect replacement for that standard Wish You Were Here postcard if you ask us. Sign up here.
Explore Historic Steveston: This village-style area is perfect to explore on foot or by bike! Check out the restaurants and cafés, stroll down to Fisherman's Wharf and discover the Britannia Shipyards.
Lunchtime Dumplings: Coziest Spots
When it’s time for lunch, Richmond offers some of the best comfort food stops along the Dumpling Trail. You’ve got plenty of options but here’s what we suggest:
Max Noodle House (Cash Only) – This charming and cozy spot invites you to immerse yourself in the local community while savouring a truly traditional dining experience. Famous for its comforting wonton noodle soup and delectable dumplings, it’s a place where you’ll instantly feel right at home.
R & H Chinese Food (Cash Only) – Hidden within the Lansdowne Centre food court, R&H Chinese Food offers a unique dining experience where guests can watch as fresh dumplings are crafted right before their eyes. This ensures every order is freshly made with care.
Must-try dishes include their signature xiao long bao, known for its rich broth and satisfying thick wrapper. Other popular picks include crispy pan-fried pork buns, flavorful spicy dumplings, and golden-brown guo tie. Afterwards, if you have a little last minute holiday shopping to do, you’re in the perfect place for it too!
CHJ Bistro – With just a short trip to Steveston, you can be dining and indulging in authentic Taiwanese food. Dive into wontons and Xiao Long Bao alongside a menu inspired by Taiwan’s bustling street markets. We loved trying their wonton chilli sauce and wonton soup– all things to get you feeling warm and cozy during this winter season.
Afternoon Activities
For a memorable evening, pair your dumplings with a local experience!
Story Café: Just a short walk from the Bridgeport Canada Line Station, this cozy spot offers gourmet bites, cocktails, and live music on Tuesday and Thursday nights. 3:00 PM-4:45 PM is Happy Hour and we recommend you take advantage with some pre-dinner drinks and snacks. Try the honey mussels served in a garlic white wine sauce alongside a festive hot toddy or espresso martini.
Richmond Olympic Oval: From interactive simulators to beautiful exhibits, the Richmond Olympic Oval celebrates Canada's sports and Olympic heritage. Stretch your leg as you stroll through the exhibits and feel a little pride as you discover Canada’s Olympic history.
Top Dinner Spots to Wrap Up Your Day
If you’re craving a sit-down dinner, these favourites offer some of Richmond’s best dumplings:
Little Karp Seafood Restaurant –
Little Karp offers a truly modern approach, serving up the finest and freshest local ingredients. If you’re looking to impress a special someone, or you are celebrating, this is the best spot to go to (in our opinion, of course)!
The seafood here is incredibly delicious and fresh. We also couldn’t get over their smoked duck breast dish with tortellini. Not only did it look beautiful, but offered such complex and delicious flavours, giving a whole new meaning to dumplings.
Dinesty Dumpling House – Enjoy Richmond’s best Xiao Long Bao (those are one of the most popular Chinese dumplings, served up and steamed in a bamboo basket). Located just steps from the Fraser River and the Richmond Olympic Oval, the Gilbert location of Dinesty Dumpling House offers a perfect setting to enjoy authentic Chinese cuisine. You must try their renowned soup dumplings, creative appetizers, and expertly crafted main dishes.
Year-Round Dumpling Delights
Dumplings are a delight in any season, making the Dumpling Trail a perfect holiday or year-round destination. Whether you’re warming up with wonton soup in the winter or savouring delicate dumplings in the summer, there’s never a wrong time to indulge in this culinary journey in Richmond.
