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The Defining Characteristics of Vancouver Cuisine

It’s impossible to describe Vancouver’s culinary scene in just a few words. This city is a melting pot of different cultures, with residents and transients alike leaving an indelible mark on local food culture.

But it’s worth a shot – for those have a difficult time putting it into words, here are some commonalities we’ve observed.

Sustainable and locally sourced ingredients

When you dine in Vancouver, you’ll know exactly what’s in your meal and where it comes from. Restaurants make it a point to include a full list of ingredients, as well as name the farm, butcher, cheesemaker, or the general area from which these ingredients had been sourced.

That means you don’t have to do a lot of guesswork, especially if you’re on a specific diet. Many restaurants will also be happy to accommodate your preferences. No nuts? Check. No gluten? No problem. Just talk to the waiter and they’ll be happy to oblige.

Fresh seafood

Living in British Columbiais a dream come true for seafood lovers. Wild mussels, salmon, oysters, spot prawns, Dungeness crab – you name it, we’ve got it. No trip to the city is complete without a reservation at any of our famed waterfront restaurants, with views of the North Pacific Ocean or the Strait of Georgia.

Waterfront dining means that your seafood is caught fresh and prepared on the spot. And while you’re at it, take a stroll along Vancouver’s gorgeous beaches, which are to die for in the summer.

Fusion cuisine and multicultural offerings

Vancouver is a diverse city, where different cultures and cooking traditions play on each other. It’s not unusual to find a restaurant that does Japanese-Peruvian fusion cuisine, a pan-Latin fusion dining spot, or an eatery that has Korean, Japanese, and Chinese dishes on the menu.

Likewise, don’t be surprised to find a raw sushi and oyster bar at an Italian restaurant, or a French bistro that serves Mediterranean appetizers.

There’s a bit of everything in this city so rest assured that your stomach will feel right at home.

Zero-waste food preparation

There’s a growing nose-to-tail/root-to-stem movement in Vancouver’s food scene. The principle of this cooking practice is very simple – don’t let any part of the animal or vegetable go to waste.

For example, chefs keep bones, vegetable trimmings, and other leftovers from preparing meals, storing them in the freezer for later use. The leftovers can be used for vegetable or meat stock, or as garnish for other dishes.

Some restaurants practice full animal butchery so that every inch of meat is used for cooking.

The city’s zero-waste restaurants take it a step further by recycling and reusing everything they can to reduce trash and minimize their carbon footprint.

Many eateries divert as much as 90% of their waste by using compostable takeaway packaging and not stocking up on single use coffee cups or plastic bottles.

Used wrappers, paper plates, and food scarps are sent to farmers to be used as compost or livestock feed.

Plant-based dishes

Vegetables are more than just side dishes in this city. Vancouver chefs have discovered the versatility of veggies – fennel bulbs, for example, can be prepared in many ways, from roasting to pan frying. It can also be served raw in salad form.

The city is also moving towards inclusivity in cooking, offering plant-based menus that cater not just to vegans and vegetarians, but also to meat-eaters who want to try vegetable dishes that are just as good as say, steak and ribs.

Full fat cooking

Vancouver diners are starting to recognize the health benefits of a high fat, low carb diet, which is why many local chefs now cook with full fats. Whether it’s searing poultry and potatoes in duck fat, or braising meat in its own juices, our city’s chefs will treat you to an unforgettable culinary experience.

So if you’ve ever had any doubts about adding full fats to your diet, a reservation at a Vancouver restaurant can help you let go of your inhibitions.

Enjoy Vancouver’s food scene all day, any day when you buy a home in this wonderful city. Don Munro Real Estate is here to assist you. Contact us at 604.817.7338 or BotSoldMunro(at)gmail(dotted)com to get started.

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