Food and Culture Intertwined at Vancouver Chinatown

​​For the past 20 years, UNESCO (United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization) has put in tremendous efforts to preserve and protect intangible cultural heritage worldwide. Food is considered an important part of intangible cultural heritage; and it is hoped that it will be passed down from generation to generation.

​At Vancouver Chinatown, we have a strong passion for food. Memories are weaved around families and friends gather around a table to celebrate important occasions, such as birthdays, festivals, anniversaries, or just because.

Getting the freshest ingredients is the key to successful cooking.

Different seafood choices - fresh or frozen.

​After pitching the idea to the Global news team and having Top Chef Canada Season 10 runner up Deseree Lo on board, filming took place when Chef Lo took us on a walking tour around Chinatown to shop for the right ingredients and cooked a delicious crispy prawn dish at Chinatown BBQ. The dish is not only suitable for Lunar New Year (as it symbolizes laughter), it can also be cooked year round and further develop into other dishes.
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​Shopping for groceries in Chinatown stores might be a novel experience for some who always shop at supermarkets. And it is through this experience that you feel the human touch that is not available elsewhere. Store owners/staff know you by name and they are willing to share knowledge on the use of ingredients, cooking tips, or even secret recipes. You end up learning the culture through the love of food and cooking.

It evokes childhood memories. Like Chef Lo who grew up in Hong Kong and Taiwan, she could see, feel, and touch ingredients that her grandma used to cook for her. Some of these ingredients are not commonly available elsewhere. It is through cooking that culture gets passed on from generation to generation.

Learn to cook with Chef Deseree Lo (with a detailed recipe). It is easy to follow and proven to be successful – even by amateur cooks (like me). Next time when you need specific ingredients for a special dish, just head straight to Chinatown. You will be pleasantly surprised!

​Thank you to the Global news team,  Chef Deseree Lo, Vancouver Chinatown Foundation, Chinatown BBQ, Tin Lee Market, Hung Win Seafood for making this happen!