One day in Vancouver: Top Chef Canada competitor Felix Zhou

The chef and owner of Heritage Asian Eatery chats about his favourite places to eat in Vancouver

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Photo credit: Food Network Canada

Chef and owner, Heritage Asian Eatery

Since opening in the fall of 2016, Heritage Asian Eatery has been recognized in numerous local and international publications, including The New York Times, National Geographic, New Weekly (China), and The Globe and Mail

Before becoming a household name in Vancouver’s culinary scene and embarking on his solo venture, Felix Zhou honed his skills at a number of acclaimed restaurants both locally and internationally, including Vancouver’s West Restaurant and Bar, Market by Jean-Georges at the Shangri-La Hotel, and Michelin-starred Roganic and Galvin La Chapelle in London, UK. 

From his mother and grandparents in China, Zhou developed an appreciation for using quality, local ingredients, and leaving nothing to waste. Zhou took those lessons with him when he pursued his Red Seal certificate at Vancouver Community College, and to every place he's worked in.

With those frames of references, Zhou gives us a list of some of his favourite places to eat and drink in Vancouver.

 

Breakfast

 

Come on down and enjoy the sun with us today! #tunapokebowl #familydaybc OPEN till 4pm

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If I’m staying close to home in Coquitlam, I love to start my day at Grand Palace for delicious Dim Sum. In North Vancouver, I’ll visit The Anchor Eatery for their avocado toast. If I’m looking for something hearty and indulgent, the pulled pork pancakes at Red Wagon Café in East Van are incredible and filling!

Lunch

 

Marutama Ramen in the West End has some of the most delicious ramen in the city. I always order mine with extra char siu (pork). I also love the xiao long bao (steamed soup dumplings) and drunken chicken at Long's Noodle House, and the famous Cambodian-style fried chicken wings at Phnom Pehn.

Dinner

 

For dinner, I have a few go-to spots in and around Vancouver. If I’m craving sushi, I’ll order the signature Aburi Salmon Oshi sushi at Miku or head to Yuji Sushi for their omakase menu. In Kitsilano, I love Maenem; the whole menu is amazing, but I definitely recommend the steamed mussels with lemongrass and Thai basil. For something a little different, Alvin’s Garden in Burnaby does a delicious spicy pork intestine dish.

Drinks

 

If I’m doing late-night drinks and snacks, I’ll head to Pidgin for chicken wings and cocktails. For after-hours eats, I love the original poutine at Fritz Fries or the beef carpaccio at Joe Fortes.