Asian Markets and Malls in Richmond, British Columbia

Richmond, British Columbia, is a feast for the eyes. The city’s commercial heart — called the Golden Village — is packed with businesses catering to Richmond’s 44 percent Chinese population.

The Golden Village is home to three Asian shopping malls, where you’ll feel utterly transported across the Pacific. The malls (Parker Place, Yaohan Centre and Aberdeen Centre) are packed with shops selling tea, herbal remedies, quirky gifts, Asian fashions and peddling face readings, foot massages and street food.

Osaka Bakery in T&T Supermarket © Alice | Flickr

Elsewhere in Richmond, you’ll find supermarkets with a broad array of items that may be wildly unfamiliar to all but the most experienced traveler. Exotic produce, noodles, sauces and prepared foods wait in places like Osaka, T&T, H-Mart or Price Smart. These spots often offer outstanding take out, if you’re willing to wait in line and be a little adventurous with your eating.

The Richmond Public Market transports you to a train station in China. If you enter from the top floor, you’ll be greeted with the inviting scent of fresh food — from barbeque to noodles —available at a number of walk-up windows. Peering down to the bottom level, there’s a maze of vendors selling everything from massage chairs to fresh Dungeness crab. For more ideas on where to shop, visit Tourism Richmond’s website.

The Richmond Night Market © Alice | Flickr