Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 24 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 18 – 28, 2024. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $20. Check out all of the menus here.

Next to be profiled: we spoke with Chip Tang of Hong Kong Bakery, 10649 97 Street.

Tell us a bit about your business.

Hong Kong Bakery was the first Chinese bakery to open in Alberta. My parents immigrated from Hong Kong to Alberta in 1977, and opened a bakery in Calgary in 1978. In 1986, they relocated to Edmonton and opened the current Chinatown bakery that same year.

How long has the business been open?

37 years in Chinatown. We have also had a south side location for more than 10 years.

$10 Chinatown Dining Week box

What is the type of food served at the business?

We serve authentic Chinese and Hong Kong-style pastries and buns. We also offer European-style pastries, which reflects how Hong Kong offers international food. We’ve continued to build on the variety we sell, and are proud to feature our house-made macarons!

What makes your business special?

We make everything from scratch from simple ingredients and no mixes, including the fillings. For example, we are the only bakery who makes our own red bean paste!

Many people also know Hong Kong Bakery because of the green onion cakes we serve at the Taste of Edmonton. We sell these frozen at the bakery [for people to make at home].

6″ Fruit Cocktail Cake

Why do you think people should shop in Chinatown?

Chinatown has unique, ethnic businesses that are mostly family-run. There is a personality in Chinatown that is different from box stores.

Hong Kong Bakery will be offering the following specials during Chinatown Dining Week. It is valid for take-out only:

• $20 Special: 6″ Fruit Cocktail Cake
• $10 Special: Box containing BBQ Pork Bun, Coconut Cocktail Bun, Cream Bun, Swiss Roll, Salted Caramel Macaron, 2 Almond Cookies
  
  Orders can be made via phone or in-person
  (780) 429-3838
  10649 – 97 Street
  Open daily 9am-5:30pm

Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 24 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 18 – 28, 2024. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $20. Check out all of the menus here.

Next, we sat down with Lao Jian, the owner of China Marble Restaurant.

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!

Gui Lin Rice Noodles with Shrimp

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. 

Salmon Fry Rice Combo with Soup of the Day

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!

China Marble will be offering the following specials during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for dine-in and take-out:

• $20 Special: Salmon Fry Rice Combo (includes pan-seared salmon, egg fry rice, and veggies) with Soup of the Day
• $10 Special: Pan Fried Chow Mein in Soya Sauce and a Plain Congee or Guilin Rice Noodles with Shrimp
  
  Orders can be made via phone or in-person
  (780) 760-2808 and (780) 760-2809
  10566 97 Street
  Wednesday-Monday 10am-10pm, closed Tuesday

Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 24 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 18 – 28, 2024. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $20. Check out all of the menus here.

We sat down with Noi Syhatheb  of Noi Thai, 10724 95 Street.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?

I used to have a Thai restaurant in Cochrane, AB a few years ago, but we decided we wanted to move back to Edmonton. I had wanted to open up another Thai restaurant – this time in Edmonton, and the opportunity came up two years ago. My sister’s family owns Viphalay, so we took over this location [which used to be Viphalay] and I changed the name to Noi Thai. My wife does the cooking and I am the one at the front, it’s just the two of us right now.

How long has the restaurant been open?

We have been opened for six years now.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

We specialize in authentic Thai cuisine.

Orange Cashew Chicken

What makes your restaurant special?

It’s a family run business; my wife makes the food and I am in the front with the customers. We know there are a lot of Thai restaurants in Edmonton, and some are very popular. We are pretty new here, so want people to know about our restaurant and what it has to offer – delicious and authentic Thai food, with friendly service. We also have free parking in front of our restaurant too!

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

Chinatown has a lot of different places that offers so many diverse cuisines. I think that some people might be hesitant to go to Chinatown, but events like Chinatown Dining Week would help showcase what this community has to offer.

Green Curry with Chicken

Do you have any hopes for the future of Edmonton’s Chinatown?

I would like to see more people come out to see Chinatown. Right now, we see a lot of regular customers but it would be really nice to see new diners come in and try our restaurant.

Noi Thai will be offering the following specials during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for dine-in or take-out:

• $20 Special: Choice of –
  • Green Curry (blend of spices and aromatics with broccoli, zucchini, green peppers and sugar peas) with small Steamed/Coconut Rice and a small Coconut/Tom Yum Soup
  • Orange Cashew Chicken (strips of chicken sautéed with fresh oranges, cashew nuts, peppers and onions) with small Steamed/Coconut Rice and a small Coconut/Tom Yum Soup
    
    Orders can be made by phone or in-person
    (780) 423-3213
    10724 95 Street
    Tuesday-Friday 11am-2pm and 4-9pm, Saturday-Sunday 4-9pm, closed Monday

Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 24 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 18 – 28, 2024. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $20. Check out all of the menus here.

Next to be profiled: we sat down with Andy Chung of Tea Bar Cafe, 10640 98 Street.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?

When I first opened the restaurant, there was no bubble tea place in Edmonton. People had to go to Vancouver if they wanted to have bubble tea. Most people didn’t even know what bubble tea was. I chose to name the place Tea Bar Café because I wanted it to be easily recognizable. People know for sure that they can get tea here and I added “bar” because we also have a liquor license; at night it is a lounge where people can come for drinks, order snacks and even sing karaoke.

How long has the restaurant been open?

23 years.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

I serve mainly bubble tea, and snack bar food. It is casual dining.

Classic Bubble Tea and Bubble Waffle

What makes your restaurant special?

Tea bar Café is the OG bubble tea place in Edmonton. I have been open since 2000 thus, it is the first and longest running bubble tea place in Edmonton. We offer a diverse drink menu accompanied with over 30 food items.

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

Chinatown offers something that is different to other areas of the city, which makes it unique. There is a lot to try and explore in Edmonton’s Chinatown.

Tea Bar Cafe will be offering the following special during Chinatown Dining Week. It is valid for dine-in or take-out:

• $10 Special: 1 Classic Bubble Waffle and 1 Classic Bubble Tea
  
  Orders can be made via phone or in-person
  (780) 424-0696
  10640 98 Street
  Monday-Sunday 11:00am-11:30pm

Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 24 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 18 – 28, 2024. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $20. Check out all of the menus here.

We interviewed Luan Cao, one of the managers at Co Chin Saigon.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?

We are always proud of how delicious Vietnamese food is, as well as the variety of traditional food across the country. Also, it has been a long time since Vietnamese food was introduced to Canadians with lots of adjustments to meet local people’s tastes. This is not really necessary anymore nowadays. Thus, it is an opportunity for our team to start up a restaurant that can bring back the experience of authentic Vietnamese food.

How long has the restaurant been open?

We will be three years old this coming March 7.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

We provide a 100 percent Vietnamese food menu, and a unique full service for dining customers that can’t be found elsewhere.

Green Onion Cake, Pho, and Vietnamese Coffee

What makes your restaurant special?

At Co Chin Saigon, customers will receive not only the best dishes and/or soups but also a unique daily special menu that introduces more traditional foods to try out every day.

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

Chinatown should be considered as the most convenient and interesting place for people to visit and stop by, as there are many local markets providing special imported products, and restaurants offering a variety of traditional  food menus from many other countries to explore. Also, it is very close to the city’s downtown where many other indoor and outdoor events are held due to its location, and it is not too far to visit from surrounding areas.

Co Chin Saigon will be offering the following specials during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for dine-in or take-out:

• $20 Special: Pho and Vietnamese Coffee Combo
• $10 Special: 2 Green Onion Cakes and 1 Pop
  
  Orders can be made via phone or in-person
  (780) 761-6311
  10632 100 Street
  Sunday 11am-6pm, Monday 11am-8pm, Tuesday-Wednesday 11am-6pm, Thursday-Saturday 11am-8pm

Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 24 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 18 – 28, 2024. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $20. Check out all of the menus here.

Next to be featured is returning restaurant Namaste India. We sat down with Rajendra Singh of Namaste India:

Tell us a bit more about the restaurant.

Not many people know that we serve Indian meals in Chinatown. We also cater to halal and vegetarian customers.

How long has the restaurant been open?

We opened the first Namaste India in the west end in 2015. This location opened in October 2017. Namaste also has locations on Whyte Ave and in Castle Downs.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

We serve Indian favourites. Our most popular dish is butter chicken, but [I would also recommend] chicken lababdar, cooked in an onion and bell pepper-based sauce.

Non-Veg Combo with Butter Chicken, Chana Masala, Basmati Rice, and Naan.

What makes your restaurant special?

Our buffet [when in-person dining is permissible] is very popular – we offer nine hot dishes plus salad and dessert. We usually have a different fish and vegetarian special, too. Most of our buffet items are gluten-free, and we have vegan items as well.

We are one of just a few Indian restaurants that serve chicken malai tikka, a mild, creamy dish cooked in the tandoor oven. Our mango prawns sauteed in a mango sauce are also special.

Fish Pakora

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

I think people should know more about Chinatown – the area has a bad reputation.

Namaste India will be offering the following specials for Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for take-out only:

• $20 Special: Choice of –
  • Veggie Combo #1: Paneer Makhani, Chana Masala and Basmati Steamed Rice served with choice of Butter Naan or Garlic Naan
  • Veggie Combo #2: Potato Spinach, Chana Masala and Basmati Steamed Rice served with choice of Butter Naan or Garlic Naan
  • Non-Veg Combo: Butter Chicken, Chana Masala and Basmati Steamed Rice served with choice of Butter Naan or Garlic Naan
  • Mussels Masala Combo: Mussels served with Chana Masala and Basmati Steamed Rice served with choice of Butter Naan or Garlic Naan
• $10 Special: Choice of –
  • Mussels Butter Masala (mussels cooked with chopped onion and tomato sauce) served on Basmati Steamed Rice
  • Butter Chicken served on Basmati Steamed Rice
  • Chana Masala (chickpeas) served on Basmati Steamed Rice
  • Fish Pakora (seasoned fish piece dipped in chickpea batter and deep fried to golden)
    
    Orders can be made via phone, in-person or on the website
    (780) 540-0100
    10023 107 Avenue
    Sunday Noon-10pm, Monday and Wednesday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday 11am-10:30pm, Saturday Noon-11pm, closed Tuesdays

Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 24 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 18 – 28, 2024. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $20. Check out all of the menus here.

Next, we interviewed Phong Luu, the owner of Kim Fat Market.

Tell us about your business.

When you walk into our market, you will not only find butchers offering you fresh custom cuts of meat (beef, pork, chicken, and lamb), but we also provide a great selection of live seafood, a well-stocked Asian market and fresh vegetables. We also offer a variety of delicious Chinese and Vietnamese food to-go. Some popular items being our hotpot kits, garlic fried chicken wings, lobster with noodles and cream sauce, and so much more. We can provide ready to go, tasty meals for you, your family, and friends.

How long have you been open?

This is our thirty-fifth year! We have been serving the Edmonton area since 1989.

Fried chicken skin

What makes your market special?

What makes our market special is that our team takes the time to understand what our customers want. Our staff can teach customers about the different cuts of meat to help better your meals.

Why should people shop in Chinatown?

Chinatown has always been known for its culturally rich markets, Asian bakeries, delicious dining spots and sweet shops. Our customers also enjoy the family dynamic as they become a member of our family the moment they walk through the front door.

Kim Fat will be offering the following special during Chinatown Dining Week. It is valid for take-out only:

• $10 Special: Fried Chicken Skin, flavour options: Regular Crispy, Salt ‘n’ Pepper, special valid Tuesdays to Sundays from 11:30am-5pm, 4:30pm deadline for same-day orders
  
  Orders can be made via text or phone
  Text or phone (780) 982-8222
  9905 107 Avenue
  Tuesday-Sunday 11:30am-5pm, closed Monday

Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 24 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 18 – 28, 2024. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $20. Check out all of the menus here.

Next to be profiled: we sat down with Tony Young, owner of Gui Lin Noodle House, who is returning to Chinatown Dining Week.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?

After running a restaurant in Toronto for 4 years, my wife and I decided to move to Edmonton with the aim of providing something unique in the Edmonton food scene. The name “Gui Lin” is the style of the food we serve and is also a city in Guangxi, China.

How long has the restaurant been open?

8 years.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

Guilin-style food originating from Southern China. It is a combination of spicy and sour flavors.

What makes your restaurant special?

We are the only restaurant that offers Guilin-style food in Edmonton; [we think] it is unique, different, and something special.

Minced pork vemicelli in soup Gui Lin style

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

Chinatown offers unique food and scenery with new things for people of all ages to discover. There are BBQ houses, noodle houses, bubble tea, and bakeries just to name a few things, means there is something for everyone.

As your restaurant participated in Chinatown Dining Week in the past, can you tell us about that experience?

There were a lot of new [non-Chinese] customers that came to visit the restaurant, which is not our usual clientele. Hopefully more people coming to [the area] will make Chinatown feel more vibrant and welcoming.

Do you have any hopes for the future of Edmonton’s Chinatown?

Through Chinatown Dining Week, I hope that people’s perception of Chinatown becomes more positive and it generates curiosity for what Edmonton’s Chinatown is offering. I hope that development in the downtown core brings hope for a brighter and busier Chinatown.

Cua Hui Gui Lin Noodle House will be offering the following special during Chinatown Dining Week. It is valid for dine-in only:

• $10 Special: Minced pork vermicelli in soup Gui Lin style
  
  (780) 497-8280
  10626 97 Street
  Tuesday-Sunday 11am-7pm, closed Monday

Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 24 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 18 – 28, 2024. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $20. Check out all of the menus here.

We interviewed David Yu, Manager of Spirit Bistro, a returning Chinatown Dining Week participant.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant? 

Our family owned and operated a restaurant on the north end of the city for over a decade and we sold it back in 2016. My parents deeply missed the industry and the feeling of being their own boss and owning a restaurant, which ultimately led us into deciding to open up Spirit Bistro.

How long has the restaurant been open?

We have been open for 3 years.

Big Rice Noodle with Beef, Spring Roll, and Hot & Sour Soup

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

Chinese take-out.

What makes your restaurant special?

Although not exclusive to just our business, our whole entire family supports and contributes to the restaurant whether that is through monetary means or through direct work, which has allowed us to provide better food and service to the community.

Lao Gan Ma Fried Rice

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown? 

I believe Chinatown serves as an important location for community building in the city. It allows people from other backgrounds to gain a better understanding of Chinese and Vietnamese food & culture especially through the lenses of earlier immigrants that arrived in Edmonton many years ago. Simultaneously, Chinatown provides newer immigrants and Edmontonians a spot to communicate and to bond with one another (e.g., Dim Sum gatherings, Hotpot).

Spirit Bistro will be offering the following specials during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for take-out only:

• $20 Special: Choice of –
  • Big Rice Noodle with Beef, plus 2 Spring Rolls and choice of Wonton Soup or Hot & Sour Soup
  • Lao Gan Ma Fried Rice (fried rice stir fried with shrimp, BBQ pork, Chinese hot chili oil, hot sauce, eggs, and pea pods), plus 2 Spring Rolls and choice of Wonton Soup or Hot & Sour Soup
• $10 Special: Choice of –
  • Big Rice Noodle with Beef
  • Lao Gan Ma Fried Rice (fried rice stir fried with shrimp, BBQ pork, Chinese hot chili oil, hot sauce, eggs, and pea pods)
    
    Orders can be made via phone or in-person
    (780) 425-0183
    10824 97 Street, Unit #3
    Monday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm, Friday-Saturday Noon-12am, Sunday 1pm-10pm

Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 24 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 18 – 28, 2024. All businesses are offering special deals during this period for $10 and/or $20. Check out all of the menus here.

Next up is Van Loc, another business that is new to Chinatown Dining Week. We interviewed William Chen, one of the owners.

 Why did you decide to open the restaurant? 

We took over Van Loc because we wanted to help revitalize Chinatown. The previous owners, who are family friends, had wanted to retire for some time but never found the right people to take over their shop and actually were about ready to shut down the business.

By acquiring the business, they could retire, we got a space to call our own, and the shop continues to be an anchor in the community.

How long has the restaurant been open?

Van Loc has been open since 1997!

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

Vietnamese submarine sandwiches.

Vietnamese sub and coffee

What makes your restaurant special? 

We hold numerous events at our shop to try to get people to visit Chinatown. We’ve done car shows, markets, coffee classes, grant writing workshops, board game nights, and so much more.

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown? 

We’re so close to downtown. The food here is so well priced and incredibly delicious! 

Do you have any hopes for the future of Edmonton’s Chinatown? 

We have very high hopes for Chinatown. The hopes are so high in fact, that we’re going to launch something really cool in the coming months!

Van Loc will be offering the following special during Chinatown Dining Week. It is valid for take-out only:

• $10 Special: choice of 8 regular Vietnamese subs (assorted, beef sausage, pork sausage, headcheese, shredded chicken, shredded pork, BBQ meatball, vegetarian) plus Vietnamese Coffee
  
  Orders can be made via phone or in-person
  (780) 413-8887
  10648 98 Street
  Thursday-Monday 10am-6pm, Wednesday 11am-2pm