Richmond’s Culinary Scene Shines in New Series ‘Locals Welcome’

Richmond, located in British Columbia, is gaining recognition for its vibrant food culture through the new television series, Locals Welcome, airing on CBC. This series highlights the city’s diverse culinary offerings, showcasing its unique fusion of tradition and innovation within the food scene.

The series features local experts, including Lee Man, a founding judge of the Chinese Restaurant Awards, who describes Richmond’s food landscape as “vigorous.” Man emphasizes the city’s culinary depth, stating, “Richmond’s food scene has depth and vigour and strength.” He appears in an episode that focuses on the bustling food corridor along Alexandra Road, known as “Eat Street” or “Food Street,” which boasts over 70 restaurants within just three blocks.

Among the notable establishments highlighted is Golden Paramount. The restaurant is led by May Chau Siu-may, a chef recognized as Master Chef of the Year at the Chinese Restaurant Awards in 2024. Man notes that Chau Siu-may has been perfecting her dim sum skills since her teenage years.

Richmond’s culinary scene is characterized by a blend of traditional techniques and local ingredients. Man explains, “People show up with very old techniques and apply them to local ingredients.” This innovation is evident in places like The Fish Man, owned by chef Bo Li. Li’s approach contrasts with many Sichuan restaurants that import their ingredients by focusing on local seafood and applying traditional Chinese cooking methods to these ingredients.

The series also explores the broader significance of Richmond’s culinary reputation. Vancouver has set trends in seafood cuisine, with dishes such as the Alaskan King Crab three-course meal originating from Richmond’s Sun Sui Wah. This dish has influenced seafood dining trends as far as China, where live crab is now often imported and served fresh.

Richmond’s local delicacies include the geoduck clam, once easily found along Crescent Beach but now a costly item in restaurants. Man remarks, “A good geoduck clam at a Chinese restaurant can cost hundreds of dollars.” He asserts that one could dine in Richmond indefinitely, appreciating the multitude of flavours and culinary styles available.

Although Vancouver offers excellent restaurants, Man insists that Richmond has its unique offerings. He highlights Max Noodle House as the sole location in the Lower Mainland for authentic Hong Kong wonton noodles, originally an offshoot of a restaurant in Hong Kong.

Competition among restaurants in Richmond is intense, reflecting a shift in clientele. Man observes that the high-end dining market has softened. “Richmond used to be buoyant with a lot of Chinese money flowing in,” he explains, noting that restaurants are now targeting regular local customers rather than affluent visitors seeking extravagant dining experiences.

As the food scene continues to evolve, Man prepares for the upcoming Chinese Restaurant Awards. This year marks a significant expansion of the awards, with the inaugural Elite 15 Asia Awards set to recognize Chinese cuisine across Asia on October 29, 2024. This initiative aims to celebrate culinary talents beyond Canadian borders, further enhancing the global reputation of Richmond’s dining scene.

For those interested in exploring Richmond’s culinary offerings, Locals Welcome serves as an engaging introduction, celebrating the city’s vibrant food culture and the stories behind its renowned restaurants.