The most unforgettable dishes we ate in Vancouver this year | Daily Hive

Jambo Grill (Daniel Chai/Dished)

We’ve gotten up to some serious snacking, feasting, and overall culinary exploration this year at Dished.

Over the last 365 days, our dining adventures have taken us all over this city (and beyond). From major international chains to local mom-and-pop shops, we’ve tasted a lot of good bites.

Some were great, and some experiences had us swooning, prompting us to return for subsequent visits.

Here are some of the best and most memorable bites the Dished Vancouver team sank our teeth into in 2025.

Breakfast, brunch and comfort food at Northern Cafe

Daniel Chai/Dished

When it comes to literally hidden gems in Vancouver’s food scene, Northern Cafe & Grill just may be at the top of the list.

After all, it’s not that often one finds an award-winning, internationally renowned restaurant above a hardware store inside a lumber yard way deep in South Vancouver.

Some of the most popular dishes being served up by the bustling kitchen and serving crew include homemade AAA Sirloin burgers piled high with fresh toppings, fluffy pancakes, and hearty breakfasts like the classic bacon and eggs or salmon and eggs benny.

You’ll definitely want to try the wontons, handcrafted with care and bursting with flavours.

Address: 1640 East Kent Ave., Vancouver

Prawn Toast and Curry Fish Balls from Saan Saan

Marco Ovies/Dished

A repeat offender from last year’s list of the best things we ate, but for good reason. Saan Saan’s collection of gluten-free Hong Kong-inspired goodies is as good as ever, but it’s stepped up its game this year with the addition of some new bites and sips.

Namely, its selection of snacks available from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. is a must-try. Highlights include its House-Made Curry Fish Balls and Prawn Toast.

Plus, the cafe has started serving cocktails, including a must-order Yeen Yeung Martini.

Address: 227 Main St., Vancouver

Safari Platter from Jambo Grill

Daniel Chai/Dished

It is easy to see why Jambo Grill was full of happy diners upon our first visit earlier this year.

We were treated to the Safari Platter, packed with Ribs, Tandoor Kebabs, Tandoori Chicken, and Mughlai Chicken sizzler. There was barely any time to catch our breath before the Thali with Dhaal, Veg Curry, Lamb Curry, and Chicken Curry was brought out.

The meat was juicy and tender, and the curry and dhaal had the perfect level of spice. And portions at the 80-seat Jambo Grill are so large that you’ll need to share them with loved ones.

Address: 3219 Kingsway, Vancouver

Fried Sticky Rice from DD Mau

Marco Ovies/Dished

If we lived closer to Chinatown, you know we’d be regulars at DD Mau in no time, just for the Fried Sticky Rice alone.

But we doubt you’ll have any problems finding something delicious on the menu, even if you were to close your eyes and choose your meal at random. We’re talking Short Rib Beef Dip Banh Mi, Viet Carpaccio, and some of the best wings we’ve ever had in the city.

Address: 145 E. Pender St., Vancouver

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Whatever is being served at Gary’s

Marco Ovies/Dished

In our eyes, the 2024 and 2025 Michelin Bib Gourmand-designated restaurant, Gary’s, can do no wrong. Put your full faith in the team and order the “Menu for the Table” and be prepared to be wowed by the selection of tasty bites presented to you (pro tip: visiting with a group of four is the best way to experience Gary’s, as you get to try plenty of dishes).

Highlights from our multiple visits throughout the year include its Beef Tallow Fries, Lamb Bourguignon, and the decadent Chamomile Honey Cruller topped with strawberries, fruit compote, and sweet cream.

Address: 1485 W 12th Ave., Vancouver

Kimchi Avocado Toast from Feast and Fallow

Amir Ali/Dished

Feast & Fallow is known for its delicious coffee, dessert pastries and treats. Their cinnamon buns are to die for. But you really don’t want to miss out on some of its savoury offerings. Case in point, the Avocado Kimchi Toast. Feast and Fallow uses incredible bread baked in-house and the freshest ingredients. If you like avocado toast and kimchi, you need to try the avocado and kimchi toast.

Address: 305 W 41st Ave., Vancouver

Iced tea lattes from Paragon Tea Room

Marco Ovies/Dished

Yes, we’ve fallen for the matcha latte craze like the many Vancouver influencers this year, but there’s one spot that has been fueling our love for the drink this year: Paragon Tea Room. If you’re looking for that addictive umami flavour to your iced matcha, this is definitely the place to stop.

But don’t stop at just the matcha (though it is difficult for us to stray from our favourite drink). We’ve been working our way down the menu and have never been disappointed, whether we’re drinking the Mango Hojicha Latte, Genmaicha, or Spicy Chai.

Address: 4328 Number 3 Rd. Unit 140, Richmond

Bao and Bubble Tea from Chance Café

Daniel Chai/Dished

Chance Cafe is a cozy restaurant and gathering place in East Vancouver that has something for everyone, no matter what your appetite calls for.

Boba is a popular menu item at Chance Café, with several other diners ordering theirs to enjoy in or to go. The bubble tea we tried was flavourful and not too sweet, and the pearls were very tasty as well.

Many guests were also patiently waiting for the café’s signature Bao buns, packed with curry beef, spicy chicken, and BBQ pork.

We opted for the BBQ pork bao and were rewarded with a soft and mouthwatering steamed bun.

Address: 3424 Commercial St., Vancouver

The Mortadella Supreme from Nemesis

Marco Ovies/Dished

This sandwich has gone viral multiple times, and for good reason. A runny egg topped with Swiss, mortadella, and mustard aioli is perhaps one of the ultimate breakfast sandwiches in our city.

But it doesn’t end there: its rotating seasonal drink features are also as creative as they are delicious. Our recent obsession has been the Matcha Yuzu White Chocolate Latte from its holiday drink menu.

Address: Multiple locations across Metro Vancouver

Kavita

Marco Ovies/Dished

Since it opened in October, we’ve already been to Kavita twice, and both were honestly incredible. The kind of food that chef and owner Tushar Tondvalkar is cooking up here has to be experienced, not just described by words on the screen.

Do yourself a favour and opt for the restaurant’s “amma-kase” experience, where you’ll be sitting front and centre looking into the open kitchen as the team cooks you up one of the most memorable feasts you’ll ever have in the city.

Address: 250 W. 3rd Ave., Vancouver

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