Skip to main content

Too Good To Go Vancouver: A Chinatown Haul from Tim Hortons and Via Pasta

Highs, Lows, and a TGTG "Rampage" in Chinatown

There is a specific kind of "mixed feeling" that only comes with a big career milestone. This week, I received a glowing performance review along with a salary increase and a bonus. On paper, it is a moment to celebrate! But behind the scenes, the weight of leadership is heavy. I suspect we may have to let go of one of my direct reports soon, and having gone through that process before, I know how draining it can be.

When my heart is a little heavy and my brain needs a distraction, I tend to go on a bit of a Too Good To Go "rampage." Today, that led me to Chinatown for a double-header food rescue.

Stop 1: Tim Hortons (Keefer Street)

A top-down view of a cardboard pastry box filled with six items: a chocolate glazed donut, a sour cream glazed donut, a custard tart, an apple fritter, a large chocolate chip muffin, and a chocolate chip cookie.
More than just a bag: The "Doughlightful" box from the Keefer Street Tim Hortons

I reserved a "Doughlightful Bag," though honestly, they should rename it the "Doughlightful Box" because it arrived in a sturdy box. For $4.99, I walked away with a full assortment of treats:

  • A custard tart
  • A chocolate muffin
  • A chocolate chip cookie
  • An apple fritter
  • A sour cream glazed donut
  • A chocolate glazed donut

Since we already had some treats at home, this entire box went straight into the freezer for future cravings. It is such a great way to stock up on snacks for a fraction of the cost.

Stop 2: Via Pasta (Keefer Street)

An overhead shot of a Too Good To Go haul from Via Pasta. There is a large cardboard takeout box and a foil container both filled with fusilli pasta in tomato sauce topped with shredded cheese. At the bottom, a round plastic container holds bright orange jello.
Dinner and dessert: 850g of fusilli pasta and a side of jello from Via Pasta.

Next, I headed over to Via Pasta for a Surprise Bag. For $8.39 (includes GST), I received a massive 850g portion of fusilli pasta in a tomato-based sauce (yes, I weighed it), plus a side of jello.

Was it worth it? Absolutely, based on the sheer volume of food alone. However, I will be honest about the flavour. It was a bit bland. To give it the "Smooch Food" touch, I brought it home, added a generous amount of salt and pepper, and paired it with some roasted chicken for protein. It turned into a very hearty, budget-friendly meal!

Smooch Food Scorecard: Chinatown Edition

Tim Hortons (Keefer St)

  • ☕ Cost: $4.99
  • 🥡 The Haul: 6 assorted baked goods (Boxed)
  • ⭐ Value: 5/5
  • 💡 Smooch Food Tip: Don’t be afraid to freeze your Tims haul! Most of their donuts and muffins thaw beautifully if you give them a quick 10-second zap in the microwave later.

Via Pasta (Chinatown)

  • 🍝 Cost: $8.39
  • 🥡 The Haul: 850g Fusilli Pasta & Jello
  • ⭐ Value: 4/5 (Great for bulk, but needs seasoning)
  • 💡 Smooch Food Tip: This bag is perfect if you have leftovers in the fridge to "doctor it up." Think of it as a base for a bigger meal!

More Too Good To Go Adventures in Metro Vancouver

If you are looking for more food rescue inspiration, check out some of my other favourite hauls from across the city:

Check back often as I continue my quest to find the best value bags in the city!

Have you ever gone on a Too Good To Go "rampage" to clear your head? What is the best Chinatown find you have discovered lately? Let me know in the comments!

Comments

Post a Comment