When shopping at any mall, eating is often part of the overall experience. At the McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Mall which is located close to the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, they feature a selection of restaurants and cuisines. I recently enjoyed a tasting tour to several of their establishments, some of which were knew to me and others that I had previously visited.

I would have never thought my first experience eating a Japadog would be at a mall, alas it was and surprisingly this was the very first time I had tried a Japadog.

Indulge in Vancouver’s famous Japanese street style hot dog. Japadog was founded in Vancouver and this is their latest location of their popular restaurant.  Known for their signature Terimayo hot dog with teriyaki sauce, mayo and seaweed to their Ebi Tempura hotdog, a crunchy shrimp tempura on a bed of rice all inside a hot dog bun; you will also find some new selections such as the Avocado Hotdog. In addition to the hotdogs, I tasted a selection of french fries, as well as enjoyed a Japanese beer.

Japadog is located in the food area, open 11:30am daily to late.

Ryuu Japanese Kitchen is another new restaurant which I had never been to until this tour where I had a chance to visit and try some of their Japanese dishes.

Ryuu has other locations around the city, this restaurant offers a combination of quality, fresh seafood prepared by expert chefs who demonstrate finesse and provide extraordinary flavours. You will find a variety of authentic Japanese dishes as well as Pacific Northwest inspired appetizers and entrées. Here I enjoyed some of their rolls including the Dragon and Alaska as well as their Tayoki.

Ryuu Japanese Kitchen is located in the food area and is open from 11am – close daily.

Bibo Pizzeria is one of the restaurants that I have been to several times in the past and it’s one of my favourites in the Richmond area.

Bibo is passionate about sharing the simplicity and joy of traditional Italian cuisine enjoyed back home in “la mamma’s” kitchen. On this visit I enjoyed some of their Charcuterie, cheeses and focaccia bread, along with a selection of pastas and pizza.

Bibo Pizzeria is located in the food area and is open at 11:30am to close daily.

Lastly Hugo’s Churros & Tacos is another eatery that I have been to many items in the past. Although the tacos and the burritos are delicious, their churros is what they become famous for being the most crisp & fresh, make sure you try the churro ice cream sandwich.

This time around I enjoyed one of their Churros Sundaes along with a Spanish style Churros Hot Chocolate with a dollop of marshmallow fluff on top, one of their heavenly new creations for fall.

Hugo’s Churros & Tacos is located in the food area and open from 11:30am – close daily.

The McArthurGlen Designer Outlet Vancouver Airport is located at 1000-7899 Templeton Station Rd in Richmond, BC and offers free parking as well as access to the area by Canada-line at the Templeton station.

By: Richard Wolak