Tourism Richmond

Challenges

Guiding Principles
Four guiding principles were established as the foundation for developing the Tourism Master Plan, with each principle deeply integrated into the research, industry engagement, and creation of the strategic framework.

1. Create a Shared Vision: Through the process of developing the Tourism Master Plan, extensive community and industry consultation will enable a greater understanding of multiple perspectives with the aim that the final Plan reflects a shared vision to guide activities to enhance Richmond as a tourist destination.

2. Grow Sustainably: The Tourism Master Plan will guide future growth of the tourism sector in Richmond and will identify opportunities to grow the visitor economy sustainably over the long-term, building resilience to address shorter-term impacts. The lens of social, cultural, economic, and environmental sustainability will seek to provide long-term opportunities for the greatest breadth of residents and communities possible.

3. Positively Impact the Community: In considering future growth of the sector, the Tourism Master Plan will be guided by a focus on approaches and actions that positively impact the broader Richmond community.

4. Guide Future Investments: The Tourism Master Plan will help provide direction for future public and private investments related to tourism in Richmond over the longer term. This includes guiding future MRDT applications, investments, and associated activities undertaken by the City and its partners to support growth and development of the tourism sector in Richmond.

GOAL 1: Enhance Connectivity and Accessibility
Create a seamlessly connected destination that prioritizes multi-modal, accessible and sustainable transportation options enhanced through technology and barrier-free access to attractions and experiences for visitors and residents.

Strategic Initiative 1.1: Build a Smart and Seamless Mobility Ecosystem

Transform Richmond's transportation ecosystem through technology-enabled, sustainable, and interconnected mobility solutions.

Strategic Initiative 1.2: Advance Accessibility across Richmond's Tourism Experiences

Position Richmond as a national leader in accessible tourism by ensuring attractions, experiences, and activities are inclusive, welcoming, and barrier-free.



GOAL 2: Elevate and Diversify Visitor Experiences
Develop Richmond into a vibrant year-round tourism hub, providing a wide array of immersive activities that encourage extended visitation and create community pride.

Strategic Initiative 2.1: Cultivate Signature Year-Round Experiences

Transform Richmond into a year-round destination through a calendar of iconic events and experiences that celebrate heritage, culture, food, nature and community.

Strategic Initiative 2.2: Showcase Sport, Culinary and Agritourism Leadership

Leverage Richmond's identity and established programs to anchor its tourism brand, create new experiences and expand its influence as a hub for leaders in sport, culinary and agricultural tourism.

Strategic Initiative 2.3: Enhance Tourism Offerings

Broaden Richmond's appeal by enhancing a range of authentic local experiences to develop new visitor markets and extend length of stay.



GOAL 3: Advance Tourism Infrastructure Development
Encourage the development of top-tier tourism infrastructure, gathering spaces and landmark attractions that position Richmond as a vibrant, must-visit destination in every season.

Strategic Initiative 3.1: Explore Opportunities for a Multi-Purpose Conference and Event Venue

Advance planning toward a multi-purpose conference and event venue that anchors Richmond's event economy and showcases the city as a premier destination for conferences, meetings and events.

Strategic Initiative 3.2: Foster Destination-Defining Infrastructure and Investment

Encourage and guide strategic tourism infrastructure development that enhances Richmond's competitiveness and visitor experience.

Strategic Initiative 3.3: Leverage Public Spaces and Placemaking

Leverage Richmond's waterfronts, parks, and open spaces to celebrate its culture, landscapes, and community spirit.



Pacific. Authentic. Richmond BC.

Unsure where to start? Check out our Dumpling Trail restaurants below. While it isn’t a literal trail of dumplings, as amazing as that would be, it guides you to 13 eateries that steam, fry and boil up some of the most delectable dumplings this side of the Pacific. Showcased on CNN Travel’s [12 of the world’s most enticing food and drink trails](https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/best-food-drink-trails/index.html)—come and taste why!  

## Tips to make the most of your Dumpling Trail experience

* Best enjoyed in a group - dumplings can be filling if you are visiting multiple restaurants, and you may be enticed to try other menu items as well.
* Stops on the trail range from high-end restaurants to unassuming food court stalls, each offering a different experience.
* Be prepared - some restaurants only accept cash.

This team of enthusiastic tourism professionals is focused on making their city shine, and ensuring every visitor's experience is amazing. At the forefront of the BC Bird Trail, the team at Tourism Richmond helped hone and shape every part of this project - and provided inside info on the can't-miss spots on their itinerary. 

Curious to plan your own itinerary? This map shows all the dumpling trail restaurants in one place. If you want to see one of our themed itineraries, click one of the tabs on this page. 

DUMPLING TRAIL 

This quintessential Chinese meal involves selecting small sweet and savoury plates. It’s a fun, tasty way to socialize and connect, and also hugely popular and never rushed. We strongly recommend arriving early or making a reservation if possible. Standard Dim Sum hours are 10:00 am-2:00 pm.

#### **CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS**

**Tea**
Dim Sum originated in the ancient Silk Road tea houses in Southern China. As such, jasmine tea is a keystone of this meal. Remember not to pour tea for yourself, and when you require more water for your teapot, flip the lid upside down to notify the server.

**Chopsticks**
Only use your chopsticks for your own food. Use serving implements or offer small plates to your companions to serve themselves. When finished, place them together to the side or at the top of your dish or bowl. Don’t stick chopsticks into food or point at people with them. It’s acceptable in Chinese tradition to tip a bowl and guide food into your mouth with chopsticks.

BEST DIM SUM

Are you eager to explore a variety of dumpling styles? Enjoy a relaxing afternoon tasting dumplings from different parts of the world. The Richmond Dumpling Trail features eateries that specialize in dumplings from Taiwan, Vietnam, Japan, China, Malaysia, Afghanistan and more.  

AROUND THE WORLD

Curious to indulge in a range of dumpling styles? Delight in a leisurely afternoon sampling some of the best. Let us know what you think.

HIDDEN GEMS

With North America’s best Chinese cuisine, Richmond is packed with delectable dumplings. From dim sum to potstickers to xiaolongbao, dive in and sample Chinese comfort food classics.

AUTHENTIC CHINESE

Dumpling Trail

Dumplings occupy a special place in many peoples’ hearts and bellies. Below, you’ll find many excellent venues to be introduced or reunited with just how delicious these savoury-filled pockets of goodness are.

Stops

Grab your chopsticks, some extra napkins, and get ready for a taste explosion. 

<h3>A DUMPLING FOR GLOWING SKIN</h3>The Jade, founded in 2004, is an innovative Cantonese restaurant that has won numerous Chinese Restaurant Awards. Owner David Chung, who is also a real estate developer and long-time president of the BC Asian Restaurant of Café Owners Association, recommends the new Steamed Wasabi Fish Maw and Seafood Dumpling. Fish maw is the dried swim bladder of large fishes, such as sturgeon. An expensive delicacy, it’s chock full of collagen and great for the skin.<h3>DIM SUM: EARLY BIRD SPECIALS</h3>Dim Sum is the ultimate brunch that can be eaten for breakfast or lunch. Most restaurants open at 10 am and offer incentives for early birds. At Jade Seafood Restaurant, diners who order before 11 am receive a 20 per cent discount.<h3>DOUBLE CHOPSTICKS</h3>At Jade Seafood and most Cantonese banquet restaurants in Richmond, the tables are set with two pairs of chopsticks in different colours (usually black and white). One pair is meant to be used for collecting food from shared dishes; the other pair is for eating. It doesn’t matter which colour you use, as long as you’re consistent. But it’s easier if everyone around the table agrees on the same colour code.

The Jade Seafood Restaurant

Yuu Japanese Tapas

### **LABOUR OF LOVE**

Owner Lan Do gave up a successful corporate career in high-tech marketing and publishing to open Banh Mi Tres Bon, her first restaurant, in 2016. To prepare, she spent five months travelling across Vietnam, taking private cooking classes with top chefs and learning about regional cuisines.

### **DON’T MISS THE BANH KHOT**

Not quite a dumpling, but just as delicious! These miniature cup-crêpes are made to order and served in a sizzling cast-iron aebleskiver pan for an elevated version of the popular street food. The rice batter is gluten-free, tinged yellow with turmeric and topped with crispy shallots and sautéed greens. 

### **FRESH HANDMADE BAGUETTES**

The banh mi sandwiches are stuffed inside fresh French baguettes that aren’t just handmade, they’re hand-kneaded. Do says this labour-intensive process – rare to find nowadays, even in Vietnam – gives the bread its crispy crust and soft, airy crumb.

Bánh Mì Très Bon

### **HOW DO THEY GET THE SOUP INSIDE THE DUMPLING?**

Xiao Long Bao’s are a marvel of culinary engineering. At this popular food-court gem, operated by the Sun family since 2009, you can watch the assembly in action. No, the soup is not injected. The wrappers are pleated around small porky meatballs and intensely flavoured gelatin cubes, which melt into hot liquid when steamed.

### **LUCKY DUMPLINGS**

Jiaozi (gaau ji in Cantonese) are crescent-shaped dumplings that are said to bring good fortune. The curved shape symbolizes prosperity because it resembles sycee, gold and silver ingots that were used as an ancient form of Chinese currency. Many different types of dumplings fall under this category, including guo tie (pan-fried) and shui jiao (water-boiled). They’re all lucky and are often eaten at the Lunar New Year to bring riches in the coming year.

### **PRO TIP**

Put 1 cup of water in a pot large enough for four cups and bring to a boil. Add frozen dumplings, stir once to prevent them from sticking and let the water return to a boil. Add another cup of cold water and bring it to a boil again. Repeat the cold-water process two more times – three times in total. This technique, known as Dian Shui (add water), keeps the dough tight and prevents the wrappers from falling apart. “That’s how my grandma cooked dumplings,” says R&H’s Michael Sun. “It’s the Chinese way.”

R & H Chinese Food

### **HUI CHINESE**

Silkway is a Chinese Muslim restaurant. Its owners are Hui Chinese, from the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in north-central China.  The Hui, representing nearly 10 million people, is one of China’s largest and most widely distributed ethnic minorities. They are the descendants of Arab traders who entered China 1,500 years ago. The Hui have intermingled with the Han (China’s ethnic majority) and thoroughly assimilated into Chinese society. Unlike the Uighurs, the Hui do not have a distinct language and predominantly speak Mandarin.

### **HALAL**

The food at Silkway is all halal. This means: there are no pork dishes on the menu or dishes that contain pork by-products; the meat (largely lamb and chicken) comes from animals that have been fed a natural diet and slaughtered under strict Islamic guidelines; and the food is not prepared with forbidden ingredients such as alcohol, blood, animal shortening or rennet.

### **NORTHERN CUISINE**

Silkway is a great place to explore and discover something new. The menu includes hearty, spicy dishes from all across northwestern China, including stewed goat rib, cabbage hot pots, braised Xingiang-style chicken and cumin lamb skewers. 

Silkway Halal Cuisine

### **CLASSIC HAR GOW: THE DIM SUM LITMUS TEST**

Har gow is one of the most common – and popular – dim sum dumplings. It’s also the litmus test of a good kitchen. Ideally, the har gow skin should be thin, translucent, stretchy and slightly sticky. The dumpling should be stuffed tight with filling, not saggy. The shrimp should be plump, juicy, slightly crunchy and whole (if small) or hand-chopped (if large), but never minced.

### **ORDER LIKE A PRO**

The dim sum rule of thumb is two baskets or dishes per person and one more for the table. Four people = nine dishes. Textural variety is important in Chinese cuisine so try to include a mix of fried, baked and steamed items. For a properly balanced lunch, pare the dim sum back to one basket per person, add stir-fried greens and a main meat or seafood dish. Still hungry? Order fried noodles or rice at the end.

### **DON’T SAVE DESSERT FOR LAST**

There is no set order to eating dim sum. The dishes come out of the kitchen as soon as they’re ready. If you prefer to finish with something sweet, hold off on ordering all those delicious egg custard tarts and brown sugar sponge cakes. 

Empire Seafood Restaurant

### **PETITE AND BOUTIQUE**

Parkhill (previously called Parklane) is Empire’s smaller, high-end sister restaurant. Both specialize in Cantonese cuisine, but Parkhill offers more labour-intensive, specialty dishes. At dim sum, try the signature Seafood Dumpling Trio – a colourful set of open-faced shrimp dumplings topped with scallop, crab and lobster.

### **GO FOR THE CHIU CHOW FUN GOR**

Teochew (or Chiu Chow) cuisine is rare to find in Richmond, or anywhere in North America for that matter. Before being renovated in 2020, Parkhill Seafood was a full-fledged Teochew restaurant that served the light and brothy, seafood-rich specialties from the coastal Chaoshan region of eastern Guangdong. Parkhill and its sibling restaurant, Empire Seafood, still serve Chiu Chow dumplings, sometimes called Teochew or Fun Guo. Here, it’s called Steamed Minced Pork and Peanut Dumpling.

### **WHERE’S THE BEEF?**

Traditionally, beef has not been a big part of the non-Muslim (Han) Chinese diet.  The taboo goes back to ancient times, when oxen-pulled plows were essential to agriculture and the slaughter of cattle without government permission was a serious crime. Beef was mostly eaten by the nobility and the Muslim (Hui) Chinese population. In recent years, as the Chinese middle class has flourished, beef has become a more sought-after luxury. Parkhill offers a large variety of beef dishes on its dinner menu. At dim sum, try the pan-fried beef buns if available.

Parkhill Seafood Restaurant

### **SOUP DUMPLINGS: TAIWANESE OR SHANGHAINESE?**

Dinesty Dumpling House is a local restaurant chain that serves a mix of Shanghainese and Taiwanese dishes. Its best-selling steamed soup dumplings have a claim to fame in both regions. Although no one knows for sure where the first soup dumplings were made, it is widely believed that they originated in Nan Xiang, a country town in the outskirts of Shanghai. But their global popularity, some say, can be attributed to Taiwan’s Din Tai Fung. The Michelin-starred restaurant chain is world-renowned for its obsessively detailed xiao long bao – pleated precisely 18 times and weighing exactly 21 grams before steaming.

### **CORRECT WAY TO EAT XIAO LONG BAO?**

1. Use your chopsticks to gently lift the dumpling by its top knot and place it on it a soup spoon.
2. The soup will be scalding hot so give it a few minutes to cool. If you absolutely can’t wait, nibble off the top or poke a hole in the side to create a release valve for the steam.
3. Drizzle a bit of black vinegar (usually served with thin strands of ginger) onto the spoon or into the top.
4. Slurp through the top or, as some prefer, put the whole dumpling in your mouth and pop it like a balloon. Your call.

### **FREE DUMPLINGS**

Dinesty Dumpling House offers many types of dumplings, but the xiao long bao is the most popular by far. And loyalty has its rewards. Every time you order a basket of soup dumplings, you can receive a stamp on Dinesty’s dumpling points card: 10 stamps = 1 free basket. 

Dinesty Dumpling House

We focus on Lamb, since 2014, bringing Asian taste to local markets, no matter Fry, Stir, Steam, Stew, BBQ, Boil . We cook Lamb Soup, Lamb Skewer, Lamb Head, Lamb Rack, Lamb Flank, Lamb Dumpling, Lamb Bun and more!

Shine Valley Lamb Soup

Traditional Style Wonton Noodle and Congee House.

Max Noodle House

Famous Shanghai Xiao Long Bao and Sheng Jian Bao are really popular among customers. We provide Shanghai dim sums and traditional Shanghai cuisine to customers!

Yuan's Garden Restaurant

Low-key Afghan eatery focusing on a large menu of classic dishes &amp; vegetarian options.

Afghan Chopan Bakery & Diner

Shanghai Taste is a Richmond favourite for authentic Shanghainese comfort food, known for its juicy soup dumplings, crispy pan-fried pork buns, and hearty noodle dishes. With generous portions, affordable prices, and a casual, welcoming atmosphere, it’s the perfect spot to enjoy traditional flavors in the heart of the city.

Shanghai Taste

Indulge in a world of culinary delights where fresh ingredients meet skilled chefs, making every visit a memorable journey for your taste buds.

CHJ Bistro

Experience a diverse selection of authentic Malaysian cuisine, featuring favourites like roti canai, satay skewers, nasi lemak, laksa, and Hainanese chicken. Our menu also offers Malaysian milk tea, coffee, and indulgent desserts such as cendol and mango sticky rice.

Nyonya House

Yang’s Dumpling brings the legendary taste of Shanghai’s iconic pan-fried soup dumplings to Richmond. Established in 1994 and inspired by a cherished family recipe dating back to 1947, the brand has grown to over 400 locations worldwide, known for its craftsmanship and authentic flavors.At our Richmond location on Alexandra Road — the first Yang’s Dumpling in Canada — guests can enjoy freshly wrapped and pan-fried dumplings made throughout the day. Each dumpling features a delicate thin skin, a crispy golden base, and a juicy, flavour-packed filling that captures the essence of traditional Shanghai street food.Whether you’re exploring Richmond’s renowned dining scene or looking for a comforting, authentic bite, Yang’s Dumpling offers a casual and welcoming experience perfect for both locals and visitors alike.

Yang's Dumpling

### **CLASSIC HAR GOW: THE DIM SUM LITMUS TEST** Har gow is one of the most common – and popular – dim sum dumplings. It’s also the litmus test of a good kitchen. Ideally, the har gow skin should be thin, translucent, stretchy and slightly sticky. The dumpling should be stuffed tight with filling, not saggy. The shrimp should be plump, juicy, slightly crunchy and whole (if small) or hand-chopped (if large), but never minced. ### **ORDER LIKE A PRO** The dim sum rule of thumb is two baskets or dishes per person and one more for the table. Four people = nine dishes. Textural variety is important in Chinese cuisine so try to include a mix of fried, baked and steamed items. For a properly balanced lunch, pare the dim sum back to one basket per person, add stir-fried greens and a main meat or seafood dish. Still hungry? Order fried noodles or rice at the end. ### **DON’T SAVE DESSERT FOR LAST** There is no set order to eating dim sum. The dishes come out of the kitchen as soon as they’re ready. If you prefer to finish with something sweet, hold off on ordering all those delicious egg custard tarts and brown sugar sponge cakes.

### **A DUMPLING FOR GLOWING SKIN**

The Jade, founded in 2004, is an innovative Cantonese restaurant that has won numerous Chinese Restaurant Awards. Owner David Chung, who is also a real estate developer and long-time president of the BC Asian Restaurant of Café Owners Association, recommends the new Steamed Wasabi Fish Maw and Seafood Dumpling. Fish maw is the dried swim bladder of large fishes, such as sturgeon. An expensive delicacy, it’s chock full of collagen and great for the skin.

### **DIM SUM: EARLY BIRD SPECIALS**

Dim Sum is the ultimate brunch that can be eaten for breakfast or lunch. Most restaurants open at 10 am and offer incentives for early birds. At Jade Seafood Restaurant, diners who order before 11 am receive a 20 per cent discount.

### **DOUBLE CHOPSTICKS**

At Jade Seafood and most Cantonese banquet restaurants in Richmond, the tables are set with two pairs of chopsticks in different colours (usually black and white). One pair is meant to be used for collecting food from shared dishes; the other pair is for eating. It doesn’t matter which colour you use, as long as you’re consistent. But it’s easier if everyone around the table agrees on the same colour code. 

Restaurant serving Shanghainese and Taiwanese dishes like their signature soup dumplings, appetizers, and main courses.

Famous Shanghai Xiao Long Bao and Sheng Jian Bao are really popular among customers. We provide Shanghai dim sums and traditional Shanghai cuisine to customers!

Traditional Style Wonton Noodle and Congee House.

Silkway Halal Cuisine offers traditional Halal dishes popular in western China. Try their delicious lamb, beef, or fish dumplings.

### **HUI CHINESE**

Silkway is a Chinese Muslim restaurant. Its owners are Hui Chinese, from the Ningxia Hui Autonomous Region in north-central China.  The Hui, representing nearly 10 million people, is one of China’s largest and most widely distributed ethnic minorities. They are the descendants of Arab traders who entered China 1,500 years ago. The Hui have intermingled with the Han (China’s ethnic majority) and thoroughly assimilated into Chinese society. Unlike the Uighurs, the Hui do not have a distinct language and predominantly speak Mandarin.

### **HALAL**

The food at Silkway is all halal. This means: there are no pork dishes on the menu or dishes that contain pork by-products; the meat (largely lamb and chicken) comes from animals that have been fed a natural diet and slaughtered under strict Islamic guidelines; and the food is not prepared with forbidden ingredients such as alcohol, blood, animal shortening or rennet. 

### **NORTHERN CUISINE**

Silkway is a great place to explore and discover something new. The menu includes hearty, spicy dishes from all across northwestern China, including stewed goat rib, cabbage hot pots, braised Xingiang-style chicken and cumin lamb skewers.

Dumpling Trail

Tips to make the most of your Dumpling Trail experience

DUMPLING TRAIL

BEST DIM SUM

CUSTOMS AND TRADITIONS

AROUND THE WORLD

HIDDEN GEMS

AUTHENTIC CHINESE

Explore More Itineraries

Bike the Dyke Trail