A new Hong Kong-style casual cafe has caught the attention of local food fans and this humble spot in an industrial area in South Vancouver happens to mark a significant step forward for a veteran food business abroad.
Ho Yuen Cafe, which is in its "soft opening" phase, is located at #113-1750 W 75th Ave, on the border of Marpole and the Southlands.
However, Ho Yuen's roots go back over half a century in its native Hong Kong, starting in the early 1960s "as a humble food stall—House of Ho Yuen Noodle Cuisine—at the foot of Lion Rock in Kowloon, serving homemade egg noodles with hand-wrapped fresh shrimp wonton, beef brisket, and pork knuckle," according to the restaurant's website.
Now it's time for the next generation to take Ho Yuen forward, which includes opening its first Canadian location here in Vancouver.
"I’m thrilled, as the second generation, to bring Ho Yuen Cafe to Canada, our first location in Vancouver, and share with the city our favourites and new creations,” said Conina Mui, owner of Ho Yuen Cafe. "My family started Ho Yuen more than 50 years ago...and with much hard work and resilience, the business grew to
what it is now today.
"We’re excited to have Vancouver try our time-honoured recipes, as well as new creations very soon.”
Ho Yuen Cafe in Vancouver serves contemporary Hong Kong family-style breakfast and lunch, in addition to fresh pastries and bread from its artisanal bakeshop.
What's on the menu at Ho Yuen Cafe?
To start, Ho Yuen Cafe will have hot dishes like satay beef soup noodles, house-made BBQ pork rice, and tomato soup noodles, as well as HK cafe pastry staples, like Pineapple Buns.
Exclusive to Vancouver is a whole line-up of unique pineapple bun flavours, including dark chocolate with chocolate filling and creamy red bean, as well as a special pineapple Danish toast.
Soon, Ho Yuen will expand its offerings to include baked pork chop rice, ginger-sauced beef vermicelli in soup, and single-boned chicken wings.
“Our goal is to preserve the essence of Hong Kong’s culinary heritage with the spirit of Lion Rock, while also using ingredients from the Pacific Northwest and working with local suppliers and more,” added Mui. “We’ll definitely also have seasonal baked goods and flavours available, including our buttery egg tarts and banana bread.”
The cafe itself is a 1,200-square-foot space decorated with artwork and furniture that illustrates its ties to Hong Kong and the "Lion Rock spirit." A patio should be open by the summertime.
Ho Yuen Cafe will have its grand opening on Feb. 1. Follow @hoyuencafe on Instagram.
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