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 interviewed the co-owner of 97 Hot Pot, Kai Li, a new addition to Chinatown Dining Week this year.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?

I was friends with the previous owners, and two of them were selling their shares as they were moving to the next chapter of their lives. I was looking for new opportunities at the time, and the hot pot business had caught my interest. 

How long has the restaurant been open?

The restaurant first opened in 2013, and I took over in August 2021. 

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

We offer individual hotpots with different Asian-flavoured soup base options, such as Tom Yum Kung (most popular), Malaysian Curry, Japanese Miso, and Szechuan Spicy Chicken. 

What makes your restaurant special?

Besides offering individual hotpots, all of our mashed meats are made in-house. We get fresh hot pot ingredient deliveries every day to ensure the freshness of our food. 

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

It’s a place for diners to enjoy authentic and fusion food experiences. Besides the foods, we always make sure we have Chinese décor which adds to the overall dining experience. 

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

We have always made sure all the surface areas are wiped down following the safety protocols. Over at our sauce bar, the sauces are refreshed every 15 – 20 minutes during busy times and every 4 hours during slower times. We have also provided hand sanitizers at different spots in the restaurant. 

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

We have had about a 20% decrease in business compared to pre-pandemic. 

97 Hot Pot will be offering the following $18 special during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for dine-in only:

$18 Special: Special Lunch Menu (choice of soup base + choice of 6 items + 1 pop), available all day

10602 97 Street
(587) 521-1888
Sunday-Thursday 11am-12am, Friday-Saturday 11am-1am

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 interviewed David Yu, Manager of Spirit Bistro. They are participating in Chinatown Dining Week for the first time this year.

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 1 year, since 2020.

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.

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).

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

We have focused primarily on take-out/delivery.

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

I would say COVID-19 has been a challenge but at the same time has provided us with a lot of opportunities. Many businesses/restaurants have closed in the area since the beginning of the pandemic, which has forced many businesses to think outside of the box or to do unconventional things in order to attract more customers.  

Spirit Bistro will be offering the following $10 and $18 specials during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for pick-up only:

$18 Special: Big Rice Noodle with Beef or Chicken with Salted Fish Fried Rice and Wonton Soup or Hot & Sour Soup and Pop or Water

$10 Special: Big Rice Noodle with Beef or Chicken with Salted Fish Fried Rice

Orders can be made via phone or in-person
(780) 425-0183
10824 97 Street, Unit #3
Monday-Thursday 11:30am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 12pm-12am, Sunday 1pm-10pm

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 interviewed Linda Hoang, the daughter of the owners of King Noodle House Pho Hoang.

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 23 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.

King Noodle House Pho Hoang will be offering the following $10 and $18 specials during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for dine-in or pick-up:

$18 Special: choose from Combo A or B
Combo A – Large Bowl of Pho of your choice + Spring Rolls / Grilled Pork Balls Combo Platter + A Can of Pop
Combo B – Large Bowl of Pho of your choice + Spring Rolls / Grilled Pork Balls Combo Platter + Vietnamese Iced Coffee
Combos exclude # 1 , # 32 , # 33 and # 34

$10 Special: Appetizer + Drink Deal with Spring Rolls, Pork Balls and choice of Vietnamese Condensed Milk Iced Coffee or Can of Pop

Orders can be made via phone, text, e-mail, or in-person
10613 97 Street
780-428-8983 (by phone) or 780-903-2247 (by text) or kingnoodlehousephohoang@gmail.com
Wednesday-Sunday 10am-7pm, closed Monday and 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 to be featured is Asian Express Hot Pot, a returning Chinatown Dining Week business. We interviewed owner Ming Wang.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?

A group of friends came together to open the restaurant after years of working in the food industry. The restaurant is named to represent the sauces and bases used for hot pot that is influenced by different Asian cuisines from countries such as China, Japan, Malaysia, and Korea. Thus, the name Asian Express Hot Pot. 

How long has the restaurant been open?

11 years.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

We serve individual hotpots with your choice of bases and sauces. 

What makes your restaurant special?

We offer over 30 different sauces for variety, so there is something for everyone! 

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

Edmonton’s Chinatown is a diverse community with a lot to offer! It is a one-stop shop for all your needs; you can shop, dine, and take in the beautiful scenery and culture at the same time. There is a lot to discover in Chinatown! 

Asian Express Hot Pot will be offering the following $18 special during Chinatown Dining Week. They are valid for dine-in or pick-up.

$18 Special: Special Combo (Soup Base + Noodles + Choice of 4 Items) + 2 Spring Rolls or 2 fried golden buns + 1 Pop

Orders can be made via phone or in-person
10586 100 Street
(780) 421-8300
Sunday-Monday, Wednesday-Thursday 11am-10pm, Friday-Saturday 11am-11pm, 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.

New to Chinatown Dining Week is Lee House. We sat down with Jayden Cho, Manager with the restaurant.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?

When I was going to school here in Canada, I met many friends who came from Korea to study. What they missed the most from Korea was home-cooked food, so I used to invite them over to share my mom’s food. My mom is a great cook, and all my friends really loved her dishes. My family decided to open the restaurant to share my mom’s food with anyone who misses Korean home food, and with anyone who wants to try something new!

How long has the restaurant been open?

It’s been 8 years in Chinatown.

What is the style of cuisine served at the restaurant?

We are serving traditional Korean food, nothing fancy, but just like how Korean people would eat at home.

What makes your restaurant special?

It is a definition of a family-run small local business; we cook, we serve, and we run the place. My family put our love and passion in this place to create Korean home-style meals, just like how Korean mothers would prepare for their family at home. It is authentic and comforting.

Why do you think people should dine in Chinatown?

Chinatown in located at heart of Edmonton’s downtown. It brought many cultures together, not only Chinese, but Korean, Vietnamese, Indian, etc. It also neighbors many other ethnic groups, such as Ethiopian, Greek, Italian, etc. Visiting Chinatown, not only you will be having authentic Chinese food, but you will be pleasantly surprised by the many other options that you could choose from.

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

We reduced number of tables to help customers keeping social distance with other parties. We also check vaccination records and provide hand sanitizer at the entrance. Our staff wear masks, and we are paying extra attention to sanitizing tables, chairs, doors, etc.

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

Just like many other small local businesses, the pandemic caused negative effects to our business. It is getting better now, but still far from pre-COVID times. People still prefer take-out options, through deliveries or pick-up.

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

$18 Special: Spicy Pork Bulgogi and Vegetable Pancake

Orders can be made via phone or in-person
(780) 438-0790
10704 97 Street
Daily 11am-8pm (kitchen closes at 7:30pm)

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 Andy Chung of Tea Bar Cafe, one of the businesses that has been with Chinatown Dining Week since it began in 2018.

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.

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. They are valid for dine-in and pick-up:

$10 Special: 1 Original Egg Waffle and 1 Fresh Fruit Bubble Tea

Orders can be made via phone or in-person
10640 98 Street
(780)424-0696
Monday-Sunday 11:30am-10pm

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 spoke with Katherine Sayaphet of Syphay, another business returning to Chinatown Dining Week.

Why did you decide to open the restaurant?  

I am the second generation owner of Syphay – my mom opened the restaurant 16 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 8 years ago [which will be the one participating in Chinatown Dining Week].  

We also opened a new south side location in 2020 (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. 

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. IT is valid for dine-in or pick-up:

$18 Special: choose from Choice #1 or #2

Choice #1: Tohm Yum (Vegetable), Phanang Curry (Chicken or Tofu), Coconut Rice, Vegetable Spring Rolls (2 pieces)

Choice #2: Tohm Yum (Vegetable), Pad Thai (Chicken or Tofu), Vegetable Spring Rolls (2 pieces)

Orders can be made via phone or in-person
(780) 423-4241
9441 Jasper Avenue
Monday-Friday 11:30am-2pm; 5-9pm, Saturday 5-9pm, closed Sunday

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 to be profiled is Shan Shan Bakery, another returning restaurant to Chinatown Dining Week. We sat with the bakery’s Shanshan Wang.

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 9 years ago, we decided to open our own store here in Edmonton.

How long has the bakery been open? 

9 years.  

What is the style of food served at the bakery? 

We make mainly Chinese bakery products and some western items.

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 will be offering the following $18 special during Chinatown Dining Week. It is valid for pick-up only:

$18 Special: 2 x $10 gift certificates

In-person orders only, payment by cash or e-transfer only
10552 97 Street
(780) 974-7788
Daily 10am-7pm

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 spoke with Tina from Liuyishou Hot Pot, a returning Chinatown Dining Week participant.

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 four 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. 

Liuyishou Hot Pot will be offering an $18 special during Chinatown Dining Week. It is valid for pick-up only:

$18 Special: Hot Pot Combo – choice of one Soup Base (for individual-sized pot): Spicy, Wild Mixed Mushrooms, or Tomato, and Supreme Beef Slices, Beef Omasum, Shrimp Paste Balls, Watercress, Potato, Tofu Skin, and Hot Pot Noodles

Orders can be made via phone or in-person
(780) 425-8888
#168, 9700 105 Avenue (Pacific Rim Mall)
Monday-Thursday 11:30am-2:20pm and 4:30pm-8:20pm, Friday-Sunday 11:30am-2:20pm and 4:30pm-9:20pm

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, we interviewed Phong Luu, the owner of Kim Fat Market. They are returning to Chinatown Dining Week for a second year.

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-third 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. They are valid for pick-up only:

• $18 Special: Dry Ribs, flavour options: Original (Garlic), Salt ‘n’ Pepper, Taiwanese, Honey Garlic, or Fried Chicken Skin, flavour options: Original (Garlic), Salt ‘n’ pepper
• $10 Special: Fried Chicken Skin, flavour options: Original (Garlic), Salt ‘n’ Pepper
  
  Same day text message orders only, submitted before 1pm
  9905 107 Avenue
  Text (780) 982-8222
  Daily 10am-5:30pm