These are Vancouver's most iconic dishes; according to our readers
Whether it’s Tokyo and sushi, or Naples and its pizza, many cities around the world are renowned for very specific dishes. However, when it comes to Vancouver, the dish we’re most famous for is a bit more unclear.
While there’s no doubt that Vancouver is home to plenty of great eats, to say something is purely Vancouver is a bit more difficult.
That’s why we turned to Instagram to ask our followers what they thought were the dishes Vancouver was most well-known for, and we received plenty of interesting answers.
From the hot dog with a cult-following to the way a specific restaurant pours its drink, these are some of the most iconic dishes in Vancouver, according to our readers (plus some well-deserved additions).
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Japadog
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Japadog got its start as a food cart at the intersection of Burrard Street and Smithe Street in 2005, serving its Japanese take on hot dogs. Since then, it has opened numerous brick-and-mortar locations throughout Metro Vancouver, as well as multiple food carts and has since expanded to the U.S.
Its most popular hot dog is the terimayo, which is a dog served with teriyaki sauce, Japanese mayo, fried onions, and seaweed. However, on its website, it lists over 34 varieties available.
Japadog is also well known for its Shaked Fries, so much so that it made our reader-recommended list of best fries in Vancouver.
Dim Sum
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Unlike Japadog, Vancouver cannot take credit for being the home of dim sum. However, that doesn’t mean we don’t have plenty of great spots to enjoy it.
Whether you’re looking for some grab-and-go options from the likes of Kam Wai Dim Sum, want to sit down at your classic local restaurant like Jade Dynasty, or try the world-renowned Din Tai Fung (which recently opened its first Canadian location right here in the city), there’s a plethora of options.
Mini donuts
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Technically, the comment left recommending mini donuts as the most iconic Vancouver food said, “A stale mini donut dipped in a warm pint of overpriced warm Canadian in the nosebleeds at a Canucks game,” but we still think it’s a great suggestion nonetheless.
No event is complete without one of the many mini donut vendors around the city serving up these warm and sugary rings of joy. Did you even really go to the PNE Fair if you didn’t get an order of these to share (or to devour entirely by yourself)?
Aburi sushi
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Did you know that the pioneers of aburi sushi in Canada are right here in Vancouver? Miku, which is owned by Aburi Restaurants Canada, who operate other businesses like Minami, Wa-Bagel, and Aburi Market, was the first restaurant to bring the flame-seared fan-favourite sushi to the city.
Now, you can find aburi sushi all throughout the sushi. But if you want to visit Miku, the place that started it all, we’d recommend ordering its aburi salmon oshi sushi.
California roll
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It’s hard to picture a sushi menu in Vancouver, let alone Canada, that does not have a California roll on it. Well, did you know that the creation of the California roll is attributed to Vancouver Chef Hidekazu Tojo?
In addition to creating the California roll, Tojo has been a leading figure in Vancouver’s food scene for over 40 years, winning awards and accolades while representing a blend of Japanese heritage and Canadian spirit.
And while he may be best known for his California roll, we’d easily recommend anything he is serving up at his restaurant, Tojo’s.
Earnest Ice Cream
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Since Earnest launched in 2012, it has taken Vancouver by storm. Nearly everyone in the city can say that they’ve enjoyed a scoop of fan-favourite ice cream (or eaten it straight out of its iconic jars).
The brand initially started as an ice cream tricycle operating at Vancouver farmers’ markets. Today, it has four scoop shops, an ice cream truck, and supply retailers all across Metro Vancouver with its ice cream.
Rodney’s pour
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While technically not a specific food per se, this refers to the iconic way that Rodney’s Oyster House pours its drinks right to the brim of the glass. What more could you ask for?
Costco poutine
You may be looking at this addition and thinking, “Don’t they have Costco everywhere?” Well, while that is technically true, there is something iconic about stopping at the Costco food court ahead of a Canuck’s game at Rogers Arena for a hot dog and poutine.
However, as of August 5, a membership is required to access the food court at its Vancouver location.
Tacofino
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While technically getting its start in Tofino, Tacofino has taken Vancouver by storm and feels like our own. Few haven’t enjoyed one of its signature tacos or burritos. Plus, with its multiple locations across Vancouver, you can enjoy this West Coast-inspired fare nearly anywhere in the city.
Lee’s Donuts
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There’s no denying it, a visit to Lee’s Donuts and Vancouver has become synonymous (just ask Seth Rogen).
People have been visiting Granville Island specifically for these jelly-filled delights since 1979. Now, the chain has locations all across Metro Vancouver.
We recommend opting for either its Honey Dipper or Jelly-Filled donuts, but you can’t go wrong with anything on the menu here.
Siegel’s Bagels
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Also known as Vancouver’s oldest bagel shop, Siegel’s has since become one of the most popular bagel shops in the city (and for good reason).
The shop is currently owned by Parise Siegel, daughter of Joel Siegel, who opened the first location at 1883 Cornwall Ave. in 1990. According to the restaurateur, the family’s roots in Montreal inspired him to launch his business.
From bags of ready-made bagels to breakfast sandwiches and Montreal smoked meat sandwiches, this iconic bagel shop always has something yummy to offer.
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