Earls Fir Street: Spicy Tofu Towers & Stone Bowl Sizzles
A vibrant Vancouver staple where the service is buzzing and the seasonal menu is a love letter to bold, global flavours. Perfect for a sunny post-Mass Sunday date.
- 🥢 The Appetizer: Sculptural Crispy Chili Tofu ($14.75).
- 🌶️ The Mains: Radiant Chicken Hunan Kung Pao ($28.75) and Robust Korean Beef Bibimbap ($31.75).
- 🍰 The Dessert: Velvety Caramelized Vanilla Basque Cheesecake ($14.00).
- 📍 Location: 1601 W Broadway, Vancouver (South Granville).
*Prices in CAD as of March 2026.
Happy Sunday! We attended the 11:00 AM Mass to start this beautiful, sunny day in Vancouver. Afterwards, we found ourselves at Earls Kitchen + Bar on Fir Street, seated at a middle table with the preseason baseball game flickering on the screens.
We were also on a mission. We had a $20 holiday bonus card from a winter gift card promotion that expires March 31st. If you have one tucked away, this is your sign to savour a lunch date before the month ends; it made our Sunday tradition feel like a little shared gift.
A Modern Masterpiece
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Crispy Chili Tofu from Earls Fir Sriracha aioli, togarashi, sweet chili soy |
The Crispy Chili Tofu arrived like a modern architectural masterpiece. Three sturdy tofu squares are stacked high, with a glossy sweet and spicy chili-soy sauce cascading down the sides. It is a texture win; the silken tofu is shattered-glass crispy on the outside, softened by creamy sriracha aioli and a vibrant pop of green onions. This is a top-tier choice for anyone seeking celebratory vegetarian options at Earls.
Heat and Heart
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Chicken Hunan Kung Pao from Earls Fir Wok-seared vegetables, ginger soy sauce, peanuts, and chow mein style noodles. Spiced with 4 Hunan peppers. |
I usually avoid ordering Asian-inspired dishes at non-traditional spots, but the Hunan Kung Pao is the exception. I opted for a Level 4 spice, and the plate was a display of succulent chicken pieces, bright orange and red peppers, crisp garden carrots, and crunchy bok choy over tender chow mein noodles. The heat was a solid medium; it had a noticeable kick, but I could still taste the earthy peanuts and fragrant ginger-soy sauce. Next time? I am pushing for a Level 6.
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Korean Beef Bibimbap from Earls Thinly sliced beef, crispy rice, soy ginger mushrooms, gochujang sauce, soft egg, and kimchi. |
Hubby went for the Korean Beef Bibimbap, served in a traditional heavy stone bowl. Visually, it was fiery with spicy red gochujang sauce, tender sliced beef, fresh seasonal veggies, and a velvety soft egg waiting to be stirred in. While the beef was supple and Hubby loved it, the dish was a tad too salty for my liking.
The Sweetest Ending
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Caramelized Vanilla Cheesecake from Earls Basque-style, almond Florentine, fresh berries, drizzled honey, and Chantilly cream. |
The highlight of the meal was the Caramelized Vanilla Cheesecake. This is a Basque-style cheesecake with an iconic, dark caramelized top that balances the rich, creamy interior. It was not overly sweet, making it a wonderful companion for hot peppermint tea. The tart cheesecake was perfectly balanced by fresh strawberries, whipped chantilly cream, and a brittle almond florentine that added a satisfying snap to every single bite.
Earls Fir Street: 2026 Featured Menu
| Dish Selection | Description | Price (CAD) |
|---|---|---|
| Crispy Chili Tofu | Sriracha aioli, soy-chili glaze, togarashi | $14.75 |
| Chicken Hunan Kung Pao | Chow mein noodles, peppers, carrots, peanuts | $28.75 |
| Korean Beef Bibimbap | Stone bowl, gochujang, tender beef, fried egg | $31.75 |
| Basque Vanilla Cheesecake | Caramelized top, strawberries, almond florentine | $14.00 |
For reference, here is the updated list of items we have tried at Earls:
Brunch
Handheld
Mains
- Chicken Hunan Kung Pao
- Half BBQ Ribs
- Korean Beef Bibimbap
- Oven Roasted Salmon
Noodles + Bowls
Shareable
- Crispy Chili Tofu
- Szechuan Shrimp + Pork Dumplings
- Warm Spinach + Three Cheese Dip
- Yuzu Calamari
Soup
Steaks
Desserts
There is something satisfying about a Sunday routine that ends with a good meal and a deal. Navigating the 2026 menu updates at Earls proved that even the familiar spots can still surprise you. Whether you are there for the sculptural tofu or the interactive sizzle of a stone bowl, these are the smooch-worthy bites that make a Vancouver weekend.
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