Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 18 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 13-23, 2022. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $18. Check out all of the menus here.

Last but not least, we sat down with Lao Jian, the owner of China Marble Restaurant. It is the restaurant’s first year participating in Chinatown Dining Week.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?

Our family had a wonton restaurant in Hong Kong, and our dishes were very popular in our neighbourhood. We thought it would be a good idea to try it here in Edmonton and see if Edmonton locals would like it as well.

How long has the restaurant been open?

We had 2 restaurants in the south of Edmonton, and the first location was open in 2004. Both locations were closed in 2017, but our friends and previous customers kept telling us how much they missed the food. We were really grateful for the support from them and decided to start looking for a new location. In 2020, this location (previously Pagolac Restaurant) in Chinatown became available for us. We really liked how there are lots of Chinese businesses in the area, and the location came with some customer parking spots at the back – and here we are!

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

What we have on our menu are mostly Cantonese dishes made with traditional home recipes. Our signature dish would be the Bao Yu Wonton Soup, which is named after my lovely wife. Our Cantonese style stir-fried dishes are also very popular, and we have a Dim Sum menu as well! 

What makes your restaurant special?

We make cooking sauces in house to ensure they taste authentic and great! 

I’d like to also mention that our restaurant location is where one of the very first Chinese banquet restaurants was located. We even have a display in the restaurant that shows you the very original menu from the 1930’s. 

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

There are lots of great options of Chinese food and cuisines from many different ethnic cultures. It definitely brings you an international food experience!

What have you changed about your business as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic?

Of course we have to make sure all the health and safety protocols are strictly followed, such as masks, proper and frequent sanitization, checking vaccination proof and ID, etc. We have our own laundry room in the basement, and all the tablecloths are changed, washed, and dried after each table is finished. 

How has your business been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic?

Business has definitely gone down compared to what we used to have in the southside locations. Much less dine-in customers, and most orders are for take-out.

China Marble Restaurant will be offering the following $19 and $18 specials during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for pick-up or dine-in:

$18 Special: Shanghai Noodles or Beef Chow Fan (flat noodles) with Soup of the Day

$10 Special: Shanghai Noodles or Beef Chow Fan (flat noodles)

Orders can be made via phone or in-person
(780) 760-2808
10566 97 Street
Wednesday-Monday 10am-10pm, closed Tuesday