I recently spent a week test driving the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2026 around Vancouver while visiting some restaurants in Vancouver, experiencing the Curry Cup and more.
Vancouver has always been a city where lifestyle and mobility intersect. On one side, drivers are embracing electrified vehicles that can handle mountain highways, downtown commutes, and weekend escapes to Whistler. On the other, the city’s food scene continues to evolve through cafés, food trucks, heritage diners, and culinary competitions that celebrate multicultural creativity. Few vehicles capture this modern West Coast mindset better than the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV, and few places reflect Vancouver’s culinary identity better than beloved institutions and emerging restaurants across the Lower Mainland.
The Chef’s Table Society Curry Cup took place in the Mount Pleasant neighbourhood at the Heritage Hall and it was the last edition of this annual event. I enjoyed some of the tasty curries that included this year’s winners Chef Roger Ma of Boulevard Kitchen & Oyster Bar, recipient of both the People’s Choice and Judges’ Award for his Balinese Chicken “Honey Moon” Curry.
The 2nd place winner was Chef Bal Ajagaonkar of @desilounge.yvr for his Fraser Valley Malvani Chicken Curry and 3rd place was Chef Raj Jaganathan of @rogersarena Lobster & Prawn Moilee.
Culinary competitions also play a major role in shaping the city’s food identity. The Chef’s Table Society of British Columbia has long supported culinary education, mentorship, and local food culture through events and industry initiatives.
The Curry Cup competition showcased chefs experimenting with spice, regional influences, and creative interpretations of curry traditions from around the world. Vancouver’s diverse population makes the city an ideal setting for this kind of culinary showcase, where South Asian, Southeast Asian, Caribbean, and fusion influences intersect naturally.
Events tied to organizations like the Chef’s Table Society help emerging chefs gain visibility while strengthening Vancouver’s reputation as one of Canada’s leading food cities.
The 2026 Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV arrives with major refinements aimed squarely at drivers who want efficiency without sacrificing practicality. Mitsubishi upgraded the battery to a 22.7 kWh pack, increasing EV-only driving range to approximately 72 kilometres. Combined range now approaches 690 kilometres, making it a compelling option for Vancouver commuters who also enjoy long road trips through the Fraser Valley or Sea-to-Sky corridor.
The next night Lawrence joined me for a drive to Kitsilano to the White Spot where we re-experienced the nostalgic Car Hop dinner served to us in the Outlander.
No discussion of Vancouver food culture is complete without White Spot. Founded in 1928, the restaurant chain remains deeply tied to British Columbia identity. The company’s legendary car hop service where burgers and milkshakes are delivered directly to parked vehicles evokes a distinctly North American roadside dining tradition that still resonates with families today.
At White Spot Kitsilano, diners can still experience a version of that retro charm while enjoying signature items like the Legendary Burger and Triple O sauce. White Spot’s endurance comes from its ability to preserve nostalgia while adapting to changing consumer habits, including takeout, EV-friendly parking areas, and modernized interiors.
There is something uniquely Vancouver about enjoying some tasty food from your car after a drive along English Bay in a plug-in hybrid SUV. The old and new coexist naturally here. I had the Teriyaki chicken bowl and a spot salad, while Lawrence had the Salmon salad bowl and the Perogies.
The SUV’s appeal is especially strong in British Columbia, where charging infrastructure continues to expand and provincial EV incentives have helped normalize electrified driving. Mitsubishi also refreshed the Outlander’s styling and improved suspension tuning for 2026, addressing earlier criticisms about ride quality and handling. Interior upgrades include a redesigned centre console, larger 12.3-inch infotainment display, and Yamaha audio systems that elevate the cabin experience.
The next day I drove downtown to meet up with friends for lunch at Acuyo, a new elevated MexicanRestaurant that brings a more upscale energy to downtown Vancouver’s restaurant scene. Located on Alberni Street, Acuyo reflects the city’s growing appetite for refined Latin American cuisine. I had their tableside Guacamole and chips, along with the Caesar salad and the Mexican Albacore tostada.
Unlike casual taco counters, Acuyo positions Mexican cooking within a polished dining experience that combines cocktails, premium ingredients, and contemporary presentation. Vancouver diners increasingly seek restaurants that deliver authenticity while also embracing innovation, and Acuyo fits squarely within that trend.
The next night I headed to East Van to one of my favourite Vietnamese spots for dinner, Chau Café thatrepresents another side of Vancouver dining culture — health-focused, globally inspired, and community driven. I enjoyed the Namaste rolls and the Red Dunes soup.
Chau Cafe blends Vietnamese culinary traditions with a wellness philosophy emphasizing intentional eating and fresh ingredients. The café’s story traces back to Saigon and family recipes passed down across generations. Its menu reflects Vancouver’s appetite for nourishing meals that also feel contemporary and artistic.
The restaurant has become particularly popular among vegetarian and vegan diners, though its appeal extends beyond dietary categories. Bright herbs, rice bowls, curries, and carefully layered flavours make Chau emblematic of Vancouver’s multicultural food landscape.
In many ways, Chau mirrors the appeal of vehicles like the Outlander PHEV: practical yet modern, environmentally conscious without abandoning comfort or enjoyment.
Every Thursday afternoon Little Devils Food Truck is located in East Van near Pandora Park and I visited to try a couple of their pizzas where this food truck demonstrates why mobile dining continues to thrive. I tried both the Crab & Pesto pizzas well as the Duck pizza. Wood-fired pizza trucks have become staples at breweries, festivals, and community events throughout Metro Vancouver. Their appeal lies in simplicity: high-heat ovens, fresh dough, and the theatre of live cooking. Little Devils captures that spirit while serving neighbourhood gatherings and private events across the North Shore and beyond.
Drivers looking for a family-friendly SUV will appreciate the available third row, Super All-Wheel Control system, and fast-charging capability. Mitsubishi says DC fast charging can bring the battery to 80 percent in under half an hour under ideal conditions.
Community discussions online suggest that Canadian consumers remain highly interested in the Outlander PHEV, particularly because of its warranty coverage and EV range improvements. Some Reddit discussions have also raised concerns about cold-weather battery behaviour in extreme climates, an issue relevant to parts of Canada outside the Lower Mainland. Still, for urban and suburban British Columbia drivers, the 2026 Outlander PHEV aligns neatly with the province’s environmental ambitions and outdoor culture.
By: Richard Wolak
Disclosure: Mitsubishi Canada provided me with the Mitsubishi Outlander PHEV 2026 to test drive, and photograph. As always, all opinions and photos are my own