Hakkasan Bistro - Richmond

This is my go-to spot for Hakka Chinese cuisine. I was pleasantly surprised to find it not crowded on a Saturday evening. The service is top-notch and the ambiance of the restaurant gives off a high-end dining feel rather than a typical Chinese eatery. The food is consistently exceptional. I suggest looking at their special menu online and placing your order in advance when reserving a table.

Hakkasan Bistro Cafe, a family-run dining establishment, was opened in 2007 by a mother and her two daughters. We were warmly welcomed by the Hakkasan Bistro team to attend their specially organized Hakka Inspired Feast and Wine Media Event.

Hakkasan Bistro Cafe, like its name implies, employs the cooking style of the Hakka people, also known as China’s gypsies and nomads. On the map, they originated from the southeastern Chinese provinces of Gaungdong, Fujian, Jiangxi and Guangxi. Some hallmarks of Hakka cuisine are stewed, braised and roast meats.

I was graciously invited by Yvonne, the Managing Director of Hakkasan Bistro, for a Media Event featuring a complimentary dinner at Hakkasan and a wine tasting/tour at Canada Berries Winery (formerly Sanduz Estate Winery). Hakkasan, a contemporary Chinese restaurant located in the industrial area of East Richmond, was established in 2007. Despite its unexpected location, the restaurant underwent a nine-month makeover in 2013 and emerged as the establishment it is today. Serving high-quality authentic Cantonese cuisine with a new diverse menu selection, Hakkasan also offers Hakka inspired soul food alongside their tasting menus.

“Hakkasan” is a little bistro offering authentic Hakka-inspired soul food and Cantonese dishes prepared the “Wok Hay” style. They are a family-run establishment: a mother and her two daughters. They are best known from their multi-course tasting menus. Having family ties to the Hakka people and growing up hearing my relatives speak the dialect, I was highly curious to try the cuisine for myself. I am sure I have had some Hakka dishes growing up, but I wouldn’t be able to tell you this from that. I wanted to learn more and I wanted to start with food from “Hakkasan”.