YVR Airport's new restaurant is bringing international flavours to the domestic terminal
It’s no secret that YVR is one of the top airports for food — heck, it’s been named among the top 10 around the world. So naturally, when we got invited to check out Lucky Lily Asian Brasserie — the newest restaurant to grace the domestic terminal — we got a little excited.
The new concept is brought to us by Top Chef Canada: All-Stars winner Chef Nicole Gomes and is operating as both a dine-in and grab-and-go destination.
Gomes actually has numerous accolades to her name. In addition to winning season one of Top Chef Canada: All-Stars, she has also been a finalist on Iron Chef Gauntlet and received the coveted “Flay Slayer” title on Beat Bobby Flay. The chef also co-founded the popular Calgary fried chicken spot Cluck N Cleaver and Calgary Airport’s Wander Kitchen & Bar. That’s all to say, she knows her way around the kitchen.
Given the nature of it being in the domestic terminal, it’s important to note that you won’t be able to visit this restaurant unless you’ve got a ticket.
View this post on Instagram
Our meal started with an assortment of appies to dig into, including a Chicken Sesame Slaw, which was our favourite out of the bunch (and also available as a grab-and-go option).
Citrus-forward Crispy Thai Wings and house-made Vietnamese Meatballs made with pork and jicama served in an Asian tomato sauce were also brought to the table, quickly followed by a plate of Spicy Wontons with plenty of tasty chili oil piled on top.
Chicken Sesame Slaw (Marco Ovies/Dished)
When it came to mains, the Karaage Burger is hard to beat. Given the nature of a media event, we were served this in the form of sliders, but were assured this typically comes as a full burger with fries. This handheld was topped with lettuce, Havarti, and an addictive togarashi mayo.
The Bangkok Bowl was a homey, comforting meal consisting of a lemongrass red coconut curry with chicken, all sorts of veggies, and jasmine rice, while the Cold Sesame Noodles were a light and refreshing bite made with noodles from the 40-year-old factory Double Happiness located in Chinatown.
Bangkok Bowl (Marco Ovies/Dished)
Dessert is also an easy yes here, with the team serving us some Salted Lava Buns. We also got a glimpse at the breakfast menu with a serving of Hong Kong French Toast stuffed with peanut butter and topped with banana, almonds, and condensed milk custard.
Hong Kong French Toast (Marco Ovies/Dished)
Overall, we think Lucky Lily is a wonderful addition to the airport, both for folks looking for somewhere to dine in and relax and for those looking to grab a quick bite before the plane. Next time we fly out of YVR, we’ll definitely be making a stop here.
Lucky Lily Asian Brasserie
Address: Inside YVR Airport Domestic terminal by gate C46 — 3211 Grant McConachie Way, Richmond
Still hungry? Discover Dished Vancouver on TikTok