Yummy Dim Sum at Richmond's Fisherman's Terrace

Gan bei! (cheers!)

For most Vancouverites we all have our go-to dim sum places and for years my family has frequented Richmond's Fisherman's Terrace Seafood Restaurant.

Conveniently located on the third floor of Aberdeen Centre, you can easily access the restaurant by taking the Canada Line skytrain or brave Richmond's traffic and find free parking in the mall.

Opened seventeen years ago, Fisherman's Terrace's classic decor remains modern and spacious because of its high ceilings, glittering chandeliers and large windows that bring in natural light. 

A popular Sunday dim sum spot for Richmond's Chinese community, it's wise to make reservations to ensure your wait time is kept to a minimum, especially during the peak lunch hours between 11:30 am and 1:30 pm. 

Another good tip is to go with a large group, four or more, so you can all try a variety of dim sum plates without getting too full, too soon.

Dim Sum feast at Fisherman's Terrace

Dim sum originated with Cantonese farmers who would take a midday break after an exhausting morning tilling the fields to enjoy afternoon tea. Soon entrepreneurial tea-house owners began serving farmers small snacks with their tea. These small snacks would eventually evolve into the culinary art of dim sum!

Ordering dim sum varies from place to place. Some cruise around the restaurant with dim sum trolleys carrying various small plates where you can order directly from the trolley. While others, like Fisherman's Terrance, you must order from your server by filling out a slip of paper by marking down the dishes you like. I prefer the latter method because the food seems fresher and the delivery time is still quick.

La familia getting excited for a tasty meal!

I went with my family, we were a party of five, so we can have our favourites and venture out to try other dishes.  Fisherman's Terrace is known for serving traditional dim sum dishes and we made sure to order the staples. 

Har Gow

Their har gow (steamed shrimp dumplings) is bursting with minced shrimp and best dipped in soy sauce for added saltiness. 

Steamed BBQ Pork Buns

While the sweet and fluffy dough from the steamed BBQ pork buns held savoury melt-in-your mouth pork that have you wanting more! 

Sticky Fried Rice

The whole table devoured the pan fried sticky rice with Chinese sausage, egg, green onion, dried shrimp and bbq pork that all harmoniously blended together into a tasty mix. 

Chow Mein

The chow mein noodles against the crunchy strands of leek and bean sprouts remains one of my favourites.

Fried Har Gow

We also tried two new plates which have now made it onto our must-order dim sum list. The fried version of the har gow were little golden purses stuffed with minced shrimp too cute to eat but when dipped into the sweet mayo sauce and consumed, the crispy shell let out a loud crunch ensuring neighbouring tables ordered this delectable dish as well! 

Chinese Doughnut wrapped in thin rice noodles

The Chinese doughnut wrapped in thin rice noodles with green onions and dry shredded pork was heavenly but make sure you drizzle each slice with the provided sweet Hoisin and peanut sauces.

Dim sum is a fast and delicious way to familiarize yourself with Chinese cuisine because the plates are small and fairly inexpensive. If you don't like a dish, don't fret, another tasty plate will soon be arriving to your table. 

Fisherman's Terrace Seafood Restaurant has been continually busy for the past seventeen years because they don't skimp on flavours and bring the yum in dim sum, leaving you full and satisfied.

Candice's Recommendations
Har Gow $4.95; BBQ Pork Buns $$4.55; Sticky Rice with Meat $6.95; Chow Mein $6.50; Deep Fried Har Gow $4.95 and Chinese Doughnut wrapped in rice noodles $4.95.