Chinatown Dining Week Feature: Kim Fat Market

Chinatown Dining Week, ,

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be featuring each of the 10 businesses who are participating in Chinatown Dining Week, running January 14-24, 2021. All businesses are offering special takeaway deals during this period for $10 and/or $18. Check out all of the menus here.

Next, we interviewed Phong Luu, the owner of Kim Fat Market, 9905 107 Avenue.

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 32nd year! We have been serving the Edmonton area since 1989.

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.

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

Since March 2020, we have focused on increasing our presence on social media. It has helped us tremendously in advertising what we offer. We are so grateful for our friends and family who have helped us spread the word as COVID-19 has guided us in a different direction. Our clientele base has diversified and has led our business in a positive direction. We love all the orders we receive and are always grateful for all the kind words and shout-outs.  We also continue to shop locally, to support small businesses and we try to be fluid in meeting community needs by offering delivery to our customers and keeping our pricing fair despite increasing rates on our end.

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

Chinatown has always been known for its culturally rich markets, Asian bakeries, delicious dining spots and sweet shops, but truthfully, we’ve all taken a hit. A large part of our sales relied on wholesale meats and groceries to restaurants that are struggling due to being closed or operating at reduced capacities. We’ve had to redefine our target market and be more creative to help our business maintain sales during these unique circumstances. We have also increased our already stringent sanitation standards to further ensure cleanliness during this time, so our customers continue to feel comfortable purchasing from us. 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 Market will be offering the following $10 and $18 specials during Chinatown Dining Week:

$10 special: Small Tray of Deep-Fried Drumsticks or Dry Ribs. Flavour options: All-Dressed, Honey Garlic, Regular Crispy, or Cajun

$18 special: Medium Tray of Deep-Fried Drumsticks or Dry Ribs. Flavour options: All-Dressed, Honey Garlic, Regular Crispy, or Cajun

Check out other special menus, here.

Chinatown Dining Week Feature: Tea Bar Cafe

Chinatown Dining Week, ,

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be featuring each of the 10 businesses who are participating in Chinatown Dining Week, running January 14-24, 2021. All businesses are offering special takeaway deals during this period for $10 and/or $18. 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 licence; 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?

21 years.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

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

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 $10 special during Chinatown Dining Week:

Special: 1 Original Egg Waffle and 1 Fresh Fruit Bubble Tea

Check out other special menus, here.

Chinatown Dining Week Feature: Liuyishou Hot Pot

Chinatown Dining Week, ,

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be featuring each of the 10 businesses who are participating in Chinatown Dining Week, running January 14-24, 2021. All businesses are offering special takeaway deals during this period for $10 and/or $18. Check out all of the menus here.

Next up we spoke with Tina from Liuyishou Hot Pot, #168, 9700 105 Avenue (Pacific Rim Mall).

Why did you decide to open the restaurant? 

The initial motivation was actually quite simple. I lived in Edmonton for 3 years before opening this restaurant, and I struggled almost everyday because I had such a hard time choosing which restaurant to go to. There were not too many Chinese restaurants out there back then, not to mention an authentic franchise Szechwan hotpot restaurant which was already very popular and wide spread in China. Then the idea of opening such an authentic Szechwan hotpot restaurant came into my mind. I not only want to give all Chinese who are living in Edmonton the feeling of being back home when eating at Liuyishou Hotpot, but also wish that the locals can come out and enjoy delicious and traditional Chinese hotpot. Ultimately, I wish to present and spread the time-honoured Chinese food culture. 

How long has the restaurant been open? 

The restaurant has been open for three years.  

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant? 

We are a very traditional Chinese Szechwan hotpot restaurant; it is one of the best ways to share food with friends and family. “Hotpot “consists of a metal pot of broth sits on top of a burner at the centre of the table, while plates of raw meats, seafood, vegetables, and starches are presented all around the pot. Diners can choose different flavours of broth from the menu as well as their favourite food to cook in the broth. Hotpot is a perfect way to bring people together for quality time while enjoying a hearty meal.  

What makes your restaurant special? 

Founded in 2000, the Liuyishou Hotpot restaurant has grown from a single location on a small street in Chongqing, China to currently having over 1,200 locations around the world. 

Chinese hotpot has become immensely popular around the world given its interactive nature during the meal. Carefully selected ingredients such as premium marbled beef, wild mushrooms, seasonal greens, and other specialty foods, are cooked at your own table in broth to the perfect temperature. What separates Liuyishou from other hotpot restaurants is its healthy image with outstanding quality, and a blast of true Chinese traditional hotpot flavour. 

Most importantly, we are the only world-wide franchise hotpot restaurant in Edmonton which means that only Liuyishou Hotpot can provide the taste of authentic Chinese Szechwan style hotpot as if you are eating in the Szechwan [region itself]. 

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown? 

Edmonton’s Chinatown was established over 100 years ago. Over that time, Chinatown has become the point of western and Chinese cultural interaction. Food is one of the most important aspects of any culture, and it is one of the best ways to know the basics and trends of a culture. Dining in Chinatown is the perfect way of getting to know Chinese culture while enjoying delicious Chinese food. 

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

We are trying to find ways to meet customers’ needs for take-out and delivery.

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

We have seen our sales decrease significantly; we’re just trying so hard to survive.

Liuyishou Hot Pot will be offering the following $18 special during Chinatown Dining Week:

Special: Hot Pot Combo
Choose one Soup Base (for individual-sized pot): Spicy, Wild Mixed Mushrooms, or Tomato
Included items (provided either raw for diners to cook in hot pot at home, or pre-cooked): Supreme Beef Slices, Beef Omasum, Shrimp Paste Balls, Watercress, Potato, Tofu Skin, and Steamed Rice

Check out other special menus, here.

Chinatown Dining Week Feature: Syphay

Chinatown Dining Week, ,

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be featuring each of the 10 businesses who are participating in Chinatown Dining Week, running January 14-24, 2021. All businesses are offering special takeaway deals during this period for $10 and/or $18. Check out all of the menus here.

We spoke with Katherine Sayaphet of Syphay, 9441 Jasper Avenue.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?  

I am the second generation owner of Syphay – my mom opened the restaurant 15 years ago. She’s always had a passion for cooking and she started this business without any experience and just learned along the way.  

How long has the restaurant been open?  

We opened the Jasper Ave location 7 years ago [which will be the one participating in Chinatown Dining Week].  

We also opened a new south side location last year (a relocation after closing our other location of 15 years).

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?  

We are unique because we are both Thai and Lao style cuisine. My mom was born on the border of Thailand and Laos so the when she developed the menu, the dishes had both Thai and Lao influence. If someone orders a dish and they would like it more Thai flavor or more Lao flavor, we are able to accommodate that. It all depends on the customer’s preference on the flavor and what they like so don’t be afraid to ask staff for recommendations! 

What makes your restaurant special?  

Syphay’s name comes a combination of both of my parents’ names. It is family owned and operated, which I think makes this restaurant feel genuine and unique. The food is authentic and the staff is always friendly. We have lots of new customers who come in to dine and we work hard to have the staff be informative and help explain the menu if needed. Sometimes it can be intimidating for people to try new restaurants so we have friendly and welcoming staff to help alleviate that. 

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?  

Edmonton’s Chinatown has a sense of community and there are so many unique restaurants, bakeries, and little shops. I think everyone in Edmonton should visit Chinatown at least once to experience the different types of cuisines and cultures. 

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

We’ve had to adjust to the ongoing government regulations by moving towards mainly takeout and delivery, offering promotions, and increasing our social media posts to engage our customers more.

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

I’d say the pandemic has greatly affected us emotionally. It has put a great deal of stress on us and our staff. We had to constantly change and adapt but we are grateful for our supportive customers.

Syphay will be offering the following $18 special during Chinatown Dining Week:

Special: choose from Choice #1 or #2
Choice #1: Tohm Yum (Chicken or Vegetable), Phanang Curry (Chicken, Beef, or Tofu), Coconut or Steamed Rice, Meat or Vegetable Spring Rolls (3 pieces)
Choice #2: Tohm Yum (Chicken or Vegetable), Pad Thai (Chicken or Tofu), Meat or Vegetable Spring Rolls (3 pieces)

Check out other special menus, here.

Chinatown Dining Week Feature: Macarons and Goodies

Chinatown Dining Week, ,

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be featuring each of the 10 businesses who are participating in Chinatown Dining Week, running January 14-24, 2021. All businesses are offering special takeaway deals during this period for $10 and/or $18. Check out all of the menus here.

Next, we met with Akham Hasni of Macarons & Goodies, 10548 101 Street.

Tell us a bit about your business.

Macarons and Goodies is a specialty French bakery. I opened the business after working as the first Executive Pastry Chef at Rogers Place.

How long has your business been open?

We have been open for three years. We also opened a second location in St. Albert two years ago.

What type of food is served at your business?

We serve French, Canadian and Mediterranean cuisine, but we specialize in high-end traditional French pastries, cakes, and cookies, including macarons. We make everything in-house.

What makes your business special?

We are the only bakery that specializes in French specialties, and we offer the largest menu and variety in the city. Our macarons are our best-selling product – we offer 32 different flavours, and some of the most popular are salted caramel, pistachio, and dulce de leche.

We also serve high tea, and offer macaron baking classes.

Why do you think people should shop in Chinatown?

Chinatown is full of specialty restaurants that you can’t find anywhere else in Edmonton. The businesses are the attraction.

Macarons and Goodies will be offering the following specials during Chinatown Dining Week:

$10 special: six Macarons or two 5″ Pies
$18 special: Large 10″ Pie

Check out other special menus, here.

Chinatown Dining Week Feature: King Noodle House Pho Hoang

Chinatown Dining Week, ,

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be featuring each of the 10 businesses who are participating in Chinatown Dining Week, running January 14-24, 2021. All businesses are offering special takeaway deals during this period for $10 and/or $18. Check out all of the menus here.

Next to be profiled: we sat down with Linda Hoang, the daughter of the owners of King Noodle House Pho Hoang, 10613 97 Street.

What’s the origin of the restaurant?

This is a family run restaurant, originating with our family in Vietnam. “King Noodle House” was added in the name for an easier Canadian takeaway. Plus Dad / Owner ‘Moustache Man’ likes to think of himself as a King, and also that our pho is the “King” of all phos (lol).

How long has the restaurant been open?

It’s been open for 22 years.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

We specialize in Vietnamese noodle soup (pho) but offer some vermicelli dishes as well. But the speciality is our pho. With pho, it’s all about the broth, and our broth recipe stands out from most pho broths you’ll try.

What makes your restaurant special?

King Noodle House is one of the oldest running Vietnamese restaurants in Edmonton! We are known for serving the best pho in town (and beyond—we have people who say they need to stop for our pho when they come in from out of town, and people who tell us pho they’ve tried in Vietnam doesn’t compare to ours!). We are so grateful for our customers and this recognition, and are proud of the pho we serve. Our pho broth recipe has been passed down 3 generations. Customers also like to be served by the “Moustache Man” (his grumpiness is charming for most).

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

Chinatown is a great hub for delicious and affordable food. There are a lot of great restaurants where you can experience authentic, quality Southeast Asian cuisine. A majority of the restaurants in the neighbourhood are family owned and operated, which is always worth supporting. It’s so close to downtown and yet often can be overlooked by Edmontonians thinking of where or what they should eat. It’s truly a gem for local shops and tasty cuisine.

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

Previously we had been cash only but with the pandemic, as we started to promote more take-out services, we also added an email and text order and online e-transfer payment option to try and accommodate more customers. We also changed out our front door entryway to feature a take-out/pick-up entry window. As with other restaurants following government restrictions, our dine-in capacity (when dine in was reopened) had also been lowered and we removed utensils and sauces from the table so there would be less touch points for customers. We also started doing temperature checks at the front door before allowing anyone in, and installing hand sanitizer by the door as well.

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

2020 has been the most challenging year in our 22+ year history. We had already seen business on the decline in Chinatown over the last few years but have been hardest hit since the pandemic. Pho is best enjoyed hot and freshly made from our kitchen to the table in seconds, so the dine-in experience is so vital. We appreciate everyone who continues to support us with take-out orders but it is hard to operate a restaurant on take-out only (especially if we’re not built for take-out only). Seeing far less foot traffic in the area combined with safety concerns of eating out, and our own internal challenges of being able to efficiently shift our operations online has been difficult. We thank everyone for continuing to support us during this time.

King Noodle House Pho Hoang will be offering the following $18 special during Chinatown Dining Week:

Special: choose from Combo A or B
Combo A – Large Bowl of Pho (your choice) + Spring Rolls / Grilled Pork Balls Combo Platter
Combo B – Large Bowl of Pho (your choice) + Vietnamese Iced Coffee and Spring Rolls 

Check out other special menus, here.

Chinatown Dining Week Feature: Hong Kong Bakery

Chinatown Dining Week, ,

Over the next two weeks, we’ll be featuring each of the 10 businesses who are participating in Chinatown Dining Week, running January 14-24, 2021. All businesses are offering special takeaway deals during this period for $10 and/or $18. Check out all of the menus here.

First 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?

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

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].

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.

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

We have installed barriers and hand sanitizer stations throughout our bakery.

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

Larger orders were significantly reduced as the size of parties and gatherings were restricted.

Hong Kong Bakery will be offering the following $10 takeaway special during Chinatown Dining Week:

Special: 2 Barbecue Pork Buns, 2 Coconut Buns, and 4 Macarons (Strawberry Cheesecake, Mango, Chocolate, Rose Strawberry) 

Check out other special menus, here.

Save the Date: Chinatown Dining Week Returns, January 14-24, 2021

Uncategorized,

Mark your calendars, Chinatown Dining Week is returning for a fourth year!

What: Chinatown Dining Week

When: January 14-24, 2021

Where: 10 businesses in Edmonton’s Chinatown

It’s been a rough year for hospitality businesses in Chinatown. The economic downturn had already settled in early on in 2020, impacting discretionary dollars spent dining out, but then in March, the COVID-19 pandemic hit. First, establishments in the neighbourhood were stigmatized because of misinformation about where and how the virus was spreading, and a perceived connection to where the virus originated. Secondly, with the lockdown in the spring, restaurants and cafes were limited to take-out only, which severely impacted their bottom line.

With the current restrictions coming at a time that would have been a busy season for restaurants, it’s more important than ever that we raise awareness of some of the culinary gems in an area that is often overlooked in Edmonton.

10 businesses will be participating in the fourth annual Chinatown Dining Week. We’re thrilled to welcome one new partner to our roster: Kim Fat Market. Kim Fat has been a strong community advocate, and we’re happy to showcase some of their menu items in our upcoming event!

Participating restaurants have put together special menus for $10 or $18 that will be offered from January 14 – 24, 2021. Because of current public health guidelines, all menus will be offered for pick-up only. Participating businesses include (*denotes new participant):

Menus will be released next week at edmontonchinatown.ca/menu – check back then for more details!

Chinatown Dining Week: Shan Shan Bakery

Chinatown Dining Week

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be featuring each of the 16 businesses who are participating in Chinatown Dining Week, running January 9-19, 2020.

Last, we sat with Shanshan Wang of Shan Shan Bakery, 10552 97 Street.

Why did you decide to open the bakery? 

My husband had been operating both Chinese and Western bakeries for over 30 years, with experience in Vancouver. About 7 years ago, we decided to open our own store here in Edmonton.

How long has the bakery been open? 

7 years.  

What is the style of food served at the bakery? 

We make mainly Chinese bakery products and some western items. The items that we have picked for the Chinatown Dining Week are more popular ones in our store, and they are a mix of both Chinese and Western pastries.  

What makes your bakery special? 

With over 30 years of professional baking experience, we produce over 100 types of pastry items from our kitchen here. We also make custom cake for parties and events.  

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown? 

There are lots of dining options in Chinatown and they usually have a really good price – more bang for the buck! Chinatown is also a very convenient location in the city as it’s near downtown.  

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

I hope that more people would come to experience and learn about the Chinatown’s culture, business and community. I also hope that issues like homelessness and safety would be improved in the near future. 

Shan Shan Bakery will be offering the following $10 take-away deal during Chinatown Dining Week:

Special: 2 Egg Tarts, 2 Cream Horns, 2 Mini Red Bean Moon Cakes, and 2 Almond Cookies

Check out other special menus, here.

Chinatown Dining Week Feature: Noi Thai

Chinatown Dining Week

Over the next few weeks, we’ll be featuring each of the 16 businesses who are participating in Chinatown Dining Week, running January 9-19, 2020.

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 [a past participant in Chinatown Dining Week], so we took over this location 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 two years now.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

We specialize in authentic Thai cuisine.

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.

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.

[Editor’s note: Noi Thai’s menu will have a different daily special throughout Chinatown Dining Week; above are some of the examples that are offered each day, but Noi will be more than happy to notify diners of what the special will be that day (you can also call ahead to make sure). There will also be photos of the specials at the restaurant on the day of as well and vegetarian options available as well.] 

Noi Thai will be offering the following 2-course dinner menu for $18 during Chinatown Dining Week:

Noi Thai
Appetizer: Spring Rolls and Soup
Main: Curry or Stir-Fry of the Day and Rice

Check out other special menus, here.