Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 15 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 26 – February 5, 2023. 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-fourth year! We have been serving the Edmonton area since 1989.

Owner Phong Luu holds Kim Fat’s Chinatown Dining Week special

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 Market’s $10 Chinatown Dining Week special

Kim Fat Market will be offering the following $10 special during Chinatown Dining Week. It is valid for pick-up only, Tuesdays to Sundays from 11:30am-5pm:

• $10 Special: Fried Chicken Skin, flavour options: Original (Garlic), Salt ‘n’ Pepper
  
  Text message orders only
  9905 107 Avenue
  Text (780) 982-8222
  Chinatown Dining Week special valid Tuesdays to Sundays from 11:30am-5pm, business open Monday-Sunday 9am-5:30pm

Until the start of Chinatown Dining Week, we’ll be featuring each of the 15 businesses who are participating in this year’s event, running January 26 – February 5, 2023. 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 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?

22 years.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

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

Tea Bar Cafe’s $10 Chinatown Dining Week special

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 Bubble Tea

Orders can be made via phone or in-person
10640 98 Street
(780)424-0696
Monday-Sunday 11:00am-12am

Chinatown Dining Week will be returning for a sixth year!

• What: Chinatown Dining Week
• When: January 26 – February 5, 2023
• Where: Businesses in Edmonton’s Chinatown

There is no question that the last year has been especially challenging for the businesses in Chinatown. Many establishments had barely recovered from the pandemic when the tragic events in May refocused attention on issues of safety and security in the area. As a result, restaurants and other establishments still haven’t seen a return to foot traffic required for a thriving neighbourhood.

The mission of Chinatown Dining Week remains more relevant than ever: highlighting culinary gems in an overlooked part of the city, especially at a time when they could use more support.

This year, 15 businesses spanning both Chinatown North and South have returned. Participants have put together special menus for $10 or $20 that will be offered from January 26 – February 5, 2023 for in-person dining and/or take-out.

• 97 Hot Pot, 10602 97 Street
• All Happy Family, 10013 106 Avenue
• Asian Express Hot Pot, 10586 100 Street
• China Marble Restaurant, 10566 97 Street
• Co Chin Saigon, 10632 100 Street
• Hong Kong Bakery, 10649 97 Street
• Kim Fat Market, 9905 107 Avenue
• King Noodle House Pho Hoang, 10613 97 Street
• Lee House Korean Restaurant, 10704 97 Street
• Liuyishou Hot Pot, #168, 9700 105 Avenue (Pacific Rim Mall)
• Padmanadi, 10740 101 Street
• Shan Shan Bakery, 10552 97 Street
• Spirit Bistro, 10824 97 Street, Unit #3
• Tea Bar Cafe, 10640 98 Street
• The Moth Cafe, 9449 Jasper Avenue

Menus will be released at edmontonchinatown.ca on January 13, 2023 – check back then for more details!

Chinatown Dining Week is now underway, and runs from January 13-23, 2022! Click here for the menus.

We’ve also received some great coverage for the event so far! Check out the stories below to learn more about Chinatown Dining Week:

From Taproot Edmonton: Chinatown Dining Week set to return with more restaurants than ever

From CBC Radioactive: Taste the world this week at Chinatown Dining Week

From The Edmonton Journal: All of the flavours of Asia with Chinatown Dining Week

From Linda Hoang: Lindork’s List #99 – Chinatown Dining Week, Deep Freeze Festival, west end poke and more!

From Global Edmonton: 2022 Edmonton Chinatown Dining Week has some restaurant owners optimistic of boost in business

From Global Edmonton: Edmonton restaurants hoping Chinatown Dining Week will bring in foodies

From Global Edmonton: Chinatown Dining Week showcases more businesses than ever

From Lindork Does Life: Ep. 18 – Edmonton Chinatown Dining Week

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

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.

Next up is a first-time participant in Chinatown Dining Week! We interviewed Khuyen Wales, Director at The Moth Cafe.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?

Our food journey, at the time, led us down a path of exploring and creating plant-based dishes and learning about the benefits of vegetables and herbs. When we were given the opportunity to open a restaurant on the east side of the city we decided to jump on it. Chinatown and Boyle has always held a special place in our memory because this is where we started our lives as immigrants. 

How long has the restaurant been open?

Just over 4 years.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

Plant-based.

What makes your restaurant special?

I really don’t see us being special. We’re a family. We take care in everything we do, and we try to live and treat others the way that feels good to the human spirit. We sleep well at night. 

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

Chinatown is a hot spot for many family owned businesses. The food scene here is diverse and that alone is worth a visit to the area. The community support goes a long way. 

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

We’ve had to pivot just like most restaurants and businesses impacted by Covid-19. We had to straddle between finding ways to stay afloat, keep our staff and customers safe, and provide ways for people to still enjoy our food at home. 

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

It’s been difficult for our staff and family, but we try to adapt the best we know how, stay positive, stay motivated, and that’s all we can really do. 

The Moth Cafe will be offering the following $10 special during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for pick-up or dine-in:

$18 Special: Purple Yam Risotto with 2 pieces of Jackfruit Crab Cake and Chocolate Mousse

Orders can be made via phone, website, or in-person
(780) 244-9702
9449 Jasper Avenue
Monday-Saturday 11am-9pm, Sunday 11am-4pm

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.

We sat down with Kelvin, the Manager of Emperor’s Palace. This is the restaurant’s first year in Chinatown Dining Week.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?

From what I know, the owners wanted to bring a premium Chinese banquet restaurant to the Edmonton food scene back in the 2000’s. They wanted the restaurant to offer a great selection of authentic Chinese food, especially Dim Sum dishes from the Cantonese culture. 

How long has the restaurant been open?

It’s been almost 12 years since it was first opened in 2010. 

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

We have over 60 different Dim Sum dishes on our menu and over 200 items on the entire menu that offer different Chinese dishes. Most of our menu items are available all-day. One of our most popular menu items is the Peking-Style Duck. It is a 3-course menu that comes with BBQ duck meat served with pancakes, duck meat with lettuce wrap, and a bowl of duck soup.

What makes your restaurant special?

We are dedicated to the premium dining experience with spacious dining areas and private dining rooms available for booking. We are known for serving Chinese banquets in Edmonton. 

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

You can easily find many authentic Asian food options in the area! 

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

We have set up hand sanitizer stands at all of the entrances, and make sure our staff are masked at all times and wash their hands about every 10 minutes if they are serving customers. All surfaces are sanitized on a regular basis, and tablecloths are changed after every use. 

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

We have approximately a 40% drop in our sales since the pandemic. In pre-pandemic time, we used to have about 8 event bookings per week on average but this is no longer the case anymore. 

Emperor’s Palace will be offering the following $18 special during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for pick-up only:

$18 Special: choose one item from A and one item from B: A – Special Fried Rice or Soy Sauce Chow Mein; B – Steamed Shrimp Dumplings, Steamed Shrimp and Pork Dumplings, Steamed Spareribs with Pumpkin, or Steamed Chicken Feet with Black Bean Sauce

Orders can be made via phone or in-person
(780) 757-2288
10638 100 Street
Daily 10:30am-8pm

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.

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?

7 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.

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.

Gui Lin Noodle House will be offering the following $10 special during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for dine-in only:

$10 Special: Minced Pork Vermicelli in Soup (Gui Lin style)

10626 97 Street
(780) 497-8280
Tuesday to Sunday 11am-7pm, closed Monday

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.

Next up, we interviewed Luan Cao, one of the managers at Co Chin Saigon. This is their first year in Chinatown Dining Week.

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 started last March, and we will be one year 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.

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.

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

The only uncertainty that impacts the restaurant is the government restrictions specifying the restaurant’s capacity, as it will change constantly depending on the status of COVID-19. Other than that, our food and services were determined as unique and special not only because of the pandemic, but it is indeed the public image that we are building.

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

The pandemic has pushed people into many uncertainties, personal health and finance, making people afraid of going out. Thus, we have been receiving less opportunities and customers’ awareness as other businesses during this tough moment.

Co Chin Saigon will be offering the following $18 special during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for dine-in or pick-up:

$18 Special: Special Daily Made Pho, with Medium Rare Beef, Brisket and Meatball, and an Iced Vietnamese Coffee

Orders can be made via phone or in-person
(780) 761-6311
10632 100 Street
Monday-Saturday 11am-8pm, Sunday 11am-6pm