Smooch Food: Love Letters to Every Bite

There are days when you just need to press pause, find a window seat, and let the world rush by without you for a while. That was my afternoon at Chai Wagon in Mount Pleasant. I found a spot at the counter facing the street, watching the cars zip past toward Main Street while I settled in with my order. The Perfect Heat: Ginger Chai ($4.50) Of course, I went for the Ginger Chai . This was my third time ordering it, but it was the first time I’ve had it served this hot and honestly? It changed the whole experience. There’s a comfort in a cup that you have to hold with both hands, waiting for that first sip while the steam carries the sharp, spicy scent of fresh ginger. It’s balanced, and exactly what a typical grey Vancouver afternoon calls for. If you're looking for chai that hasn't been watered down by syrups, this is the standard. The "Indian-Jamaican" Fusion: The Paneer Tikka Patty ($5.95) I couldn't spot the Vada Pav o...

I originally went to Metropolis at Metrotown today with one simple goal: update my photos of the Food Court menus. But as I was walking, I realized just how many food choices are tucked away in corners, down "secret" escalators, and even outside the main mall entrances. I decided to walk every single wing to find them all so you don’t have to wander aimlessly while hangry. Whether you’re looking for a viral snack or a quiet sit-down spot, here is your definitive 2026 guide, organized by the actual map codes you'll see in the mall. Quick "Smooch Food" Tips Avoiding the Crowds: If the main Food Court (Yellow Wing) is full, head to the Cineplex Wing (Purple/Green) on Level 2 or the T&T Wing on Level 0 for more breathing room. The Popeyes Hack: Don't wait in the long lines upstairs. The Popeyes in Section GK (Level 1) is often much faster and easier to find once you know it's...

Happy Palm Sunday! My day began at St. Mary’s for Mass, which was a beautiful start to Holy Week. But the morning visit near Joyce-Collingwood station is incomplete if I don't stop by Bao Bakery , where I am happily writing this post. The atmosphere is buzzing and my heart is just as full as my stomach. If you haven’t visited this local staple yet, you are missing out on some serious comfort food. The Savoury Stars: Bola-Bola Siopao and Siomai Soft, sweet dough meets savoury chicken in the Bola-Bola (chicken deluxe) Siopao from Bao Bakery I will stand by this statement: Bao Bakery serves the best bola-bola (chicken deluxe) siopao in Vancouver. While I have a lot of love for the "institution" that is New Town Bakery , Bao Bakery feels like the standout on the block. What makes it work is the perfect execution of contrast. The buns are pillow-soft and cloud...

After my writing date at Eggspectation , I took a slow 25-minute stroll to my parents' home. It was the perfect way to move my body after those potato wedges! The afternoon was spent in the best kind of way: catching up with Mama, chatting about the legal cases in Beyond the Bar on Netflix, and eventually falling so deeply asleep during video games with my sister that my character just stopped moving. Feature Details Restaurant Pizza Pizza Richmond Location 3086 St Edwards Dr, Richmond, BC V5X 4C4 Highlight Cheese Volcano Dipper ($12.49) Ordering Method Delivery via Coupon For dinner, Mama reached for a classic: a Pizza Pizza coupon. We decided to stay in and let the food come to us from the St. Edwards Drive location. The Unexpected Star: Cheese Volcano Dipper ($12.49) I’ll be honest: I might never order a standard pizza...

Happy Saturday. The drive into Richmond this morning was a dream: soft pink cherry blossoms lined the streets like nature’s own confetti. I headed straight to Eggspectation for a much-needed brunch, where my sister (who works there!) settled me into a cozy corner booth. It was the perfect "writer's sanctuary" to explore their new 2026 menu updates. Having fasted since 9:30 PM the night before, I needed a reset. I started with the Green Light Smoothie ($9.00) . The first sip is a sharp, ginger-forward kick that clears the morning fog, followed by the mellow sweetness of fresh apple.  Nashville Hot Chicken Benny  from Eggspectation  Deep-fried chicken breast sprinkled with spices on a toasted English muffin, topped with two poached eggs, pickles and our signature Hollandaise sauce The Main Event: Nashville Hot Chicken Benny This is the undisputed star ...