9 must-try creative takes on poutine to find in Vancouver

Sure, poutine is known the world-over as being the ultimate example of a Canadian dish. Golden fries topped with hearty gravy, and studded with cheese curds is a great thing for a reason, eh? But when you’re looking to veer a little left of the norm, and you don’t happen to be at one of Vancouver’s poutine-specific restaurants, keep an eye out for these creative riffs on Canada’s classic concoction.

Korean Poutine at Miura Restaurant & Bar

Once known for their waffle “sandos,” Miura has reinvented itself as a fusion-fueled restaurant, offering an array of Pan-Asian and globally-inspired eats. Meshing Canada’s bar food staple, poutine, with the spice and sass of Korea, their Korean Poutine is made with shredded chicken, tomatoes, mozzarella, cilantro, green onions, and sour cream, and a healthy helping of spicy sauce.

Editor’s note: Miura closed in December 2016

Reuben Poutine at The Irish Heather

Tuck into the Irish Heather’s Reuben Poutine for something hearty and rib-sticking to go with your scotch or beer. Their rendition features tender corned beef, tangy sauerkraut, a rich and herbal onion gravy, Swiss cheese, and 1,000 Island dressing. Piping hot, withAs an alternative, try the Pulled Pork Poutine, or opt for their veg-friendly fries.

Address: 210 Carrall Street
Phone: 604-688-9779
Twitter: @TheIrishHeather

Kimchi Fries at Bao Down

Head to the original Bao Down in Gastown for an order of their spicy, rich, kimchi fries kimchi fries with crispy pork belly, bean sprouts and garlic mayo. This is a pretty hearty helping of fries and toppings, but if you can manage, save room for at least one of their signature bao (buns) while you’re there.

Address: 12 Powell Street
Phone: 778-379-3611
Twitter: @baodowngastown

Poutine in Yuu’s Style at Yuu Japanese Tapas

This contemporary Japanese tapas and ramen spot has their very own take on poutine, called, fittingly, “Poutine in Yuu’s Style.” It’s $5.95 and can be found on the Appetizer/Tapas menu. A small skillet of fries is topped with cheese, sauce, and nori (seaweed) for a fun Japanese twist on the Canadian dish.

Address: 1111 – 3779 Sexsmith Road, Richmond
Phone: 604-214-7722
Twitter: @yuutapas

Calabash Poutine at Calabash

Shake up your poutine routine with the vibrant flavours of the Caribbean at Calabash, where their house poutine is made of jerk-dusted fries smothered in melted Brie, paired with your choice of jerk chicken, jerk veggie, curry chicken or curry veggie sauce.

Address: 428 Carrall Street
Phone: 604-568-5882
Twitter: @calabashbistro

Thai Poutine at Thai Confusion

Thai Confusion is the new spot from the team behind Bob Likes Thai food. At this casual-chic West Pender restaurant you can tuck into their Thai Poutine, which twists things up the Thai way with a base of taro chips and green curry among the toppings.

Editor’s note: Thai Confusion is now closed

Poutine Breakfast at Linh Cafe

Poutine for breakfast? Why not?! Hit up this popular French-Vietnamese cafe for their indulgent Poutine Breakfast dish. Their hand-cut fries are loaded with peppercorn gravy, black forest ham, Swiss cheese, and a shimmering poached egg. Not enough? Add-on house-made sausage, or go whole hog…err, whole lob…and add a half butter poached lobster.

Address: 2836 W 4th Avenue
Phone: 604-559-4668
Twitter: @linhcafevan

Empire Poutine at Fat Badger

At Fat Badger, one of the regular features on the starters and share-plates side of the menu is the Empire Poutine–a riff on the flavours of India done up English pub-style. Chips are topped with chicken tikka masala, paneer, curds, crispy shallots, and cilantro.

Address: 1616 Alberni Street
Phone: 604-336-5577
Twitter: @the_fat_badger

Butter Chicken Poutine at Roots Café

Two wonderful worlds collide on the plate in Roots Cafe’s celebrated Butter Chicken Poutine. Soak up the spicy, soulful sauce with those golden crisp fries.

Address: 6502 Main Street
Phone: 604-568-8303