S'more Signature Bubble Waffle from Crema Ice Cream & Desserts

After a deliciously savoury lunch enjoying all my favourite Taiwanese food, I saw a lady holding a bubble waffle and saying aloud, "I want one!" They're available from Crema Ice Cream & Desserts food truck. I love the bubble waffle addition to their menu. It provides a crispiness to the creamy ice cream.

We ordered the S'more Signature Bubble Waffle and chose Cookie Monster for our one scoop of ice cream. We happily ate the dessert near Avondale Park.

S'more Signature Bubble Waffle from Cream Ice Cream & Desserts food truck
Cookie Monster ice cream, vanilla waffle, chocolate sauce, graham crackers, and toasted marshmallows.

My favourite part of the dish is that portion of scorched marshmallows. The slight warmth from the char made it so good! It's like how freshly baked bread smells and tastes. Perfect dessert right here.

What is Bubble Waffle?

According to ChatGPT, "Bubble waffles, also known as egg waffles, are a popular street snack in Hong Kong and other parts of Asia. They are made from a batter that is cooked in a special bubble waffle maker, which creates a unique shape and texture with crispy edges and soft, chewy pockets."

My Favourite Taiwanese Food at TJ Fest in Burnaby

It's no secret that I enjoy Taiwanese food, and I wrote here a few times that it started because of a small (now closed) eatery in Makati called Dang Dee. However, my introduction to the cuisine is quite limited to Popcorn Chicken, Taiwanese Sausage, and Fried Pork Chops, usually served with white rice, an egg, and pickled or steamed vegetables.

We went to TJ Fest in Burnaby today, and I got to enjoy all my favourite Taiwanese dishes.

Inside Tinjin Temple

Tianjin Temple in Burnaby organizes annually a festival which showcases their culture with performances and food. It's smaller than the annual Taiwanfest in Downtown Vancouver during Labour Day weekend, but it's less crowded and has better food options.

TJ Fest Stage

They sell many dishes, but we went with what we're familiar with, like the fried pork chop bento box, popcorn chicken bento box, a side of 2x Taiwanese sausage, and Taiwanese pork belly burger. This is our first meal for the day!

Popcorn Chicken Bento Box

The chicken has a crispy, crunchy texture and is tender and juicy. It's savoury, and umami flavour is perfect with soft white rice. The pickled radish is the ideal palate cleanser, so you can take another bite without feeling heavy.

Deep-Fried Pork Chop Bento Box

The deep-fried pork chop is as flavourful and fattier than the chicken popcorn, but it could be more crispy.

Taiwanese Pork Belly Burger

It's folded soft steamed bun filled with a thick slice of braised pork belly, mustard greens, and fresh cilantro. The pork is tender, while the pickled mustard greens add a tangy crunch. It's surprisingly enjoyable.

Taiwanese Pork Sausage

Taiwanese Pork Sausage has the perfect balance between sweet and savoury flavour. Surprisingly, it's not as fatty and oily as I expect it to be. The pickled vegetables did help.

After enjoying our meal while enjoying the performances on stage. We walked around to see the different vendors and enjoyed ice cream from one of the food trucks. As soon as we finished our ice cream, we went to Costco nearby.

Choco Heaven Stuffies Soft-Serve from Stuffies Pastries | Metropolist at Metrotown

 After our dinner at Vina Vietnamese, we grabbed desserts at Stuffies Pastries. We selected the Choco Heaven Stuffies Soft-Serve, a creamy soft-serve topped with a mini chocolate bar, chocolate-dipped pretzel, dark chocolate sauce, and choco rocks in a fish-shaped waffle cone.

Choco Heaven Stuffies Soft-Serve from Stuffies Pastry

I have a bias for red bean paste, so I still prefer the Orient Express Stuffies Soft-Serve we tried last time.

Pork Lemongrass and Beef Stew from Vina Vietnamese | Metropolis at Metrotown Food Court

 We went to see our family doctor after work today because my right ear has been painful. After our appointment, we crossed the street to Metropolis at Metrotown Food Court.

I wanted beef, so I chose Vina Vietnamese and my favourite Beef Stew. Hubby chose the Lemongrass Pork, which is surprisingly better, albeit harder to eat, because it's a slab of meat.

I love the caramelized crispy exterior of the pork and the surprisingly tender inside.

Lemongrass Pork from Vina Vietnamese

Beef Stew from Vina Vietnamese

I love the Beef Stew of Vina Vietnamese in their Richmond Centre and Pacific Centre locations because the beef is very tender and falls apart easily. However, this one is tougher than I expected.

Overall, I am satisfied with our dinner. I am praying that my ear heals.

Atlantic Salmon Oshi Sushi from Masa Japanese Restaurant

Last night, I felt an acute pain on my right ear and I probably have an infection there. After Mass, we went to Downtown Vancouver to visit the two walk-in clinics open on Sundays and they're already both at capacity for the day. I sucked up the pain as we walked across Granville Bridge going home.

I told my husband I want ramen for comfort so we stopped by Masa Japanese Restaurant so I can get a bowl of ramen.

Spicy Tonkotsu Ramen
Pork tonkotsu flavoured soup base with chashu and egg

For sharing, I ordered Atlantic Salmon Oshi Sushi. I had Spicy Tonkatsu Ramen while my husband went for Tofu Teriyaki Platter.

Atlantic Salmon Oshi Sushi
Seared Atlantic salmon with special oshi sauce

If you're vegetarian and still want something delicious, the Tofu Teriyaki will definitely hit the spot. It's so good!

Tofu Teriyaki Platter
Deep-fried tofu with vegetable and rice

Vanilla Ice Cream Cone from Costco Food Court

It's my favourite day of the month. It's Costco grocery day! Yay!

Before going inside, we enjoyed their All Beef 1/4 Pound Hotdog and French Fries. Then, I ordered their Vanilla Ice Cream Cone, which came on a waffle cone.

Vanilla Ice Cream Cone from Costco Food Court

It's creamy and surprisingly delicious. The temperature is above 20 degrees Celsius today, so this is a perfect treat.

View from Cambie Bridge on our walk to Costco on Expo Blvd.

Food Adventure at the Richmond Night Market

We went to the Richmond Night Market on opening night and got in as soon as it opened because of our Zoom Pass. Last year, I made a note to myself to go earlier into the season to write about all the food stalls, which I am attempting to do here.

Below are the food items we enjoyed from the different available food vendors. We decided not to get the same things last year (even though it's really tempting), and we just went for what looked good or anything we hadn't tried before.

F69. Momo's

Considering these premises, we started our food night with Deep-Fried Beef Momo from Booth F69 Momo's The Himalayan Dumplings. This is our first time trying Momo.

Deep-Fried Beef Momo at Richmond Night Market

I have a new favourite dumpling. Their Momo is packed with pure beef and seasoned perfectly, and it goes really well with the spicy sauce. Can I have another serving, please?

Booth F69. Momo's The Himalayan Dumplings

What is Momo?

Momo is a type of dumpling that is a popular dish in Himalayan and Tibetan cuisine. It is typically made with ground meat, vegetables, and spices wrapped in a thin dough wrapper and either steamed or fried. Momos are often served with a spicy dipping sauce and are popular street food in the Himalayan region.

F66. Garlic Oil Pork VermicelliK (Khay Oh) from Burmese Plate

Another cuisine we have yet to try is Burmese Cuisine (Myanmar cuisine).

Booth F66. Burmese Plate

They serve three items: Garlic Oil Pork VermicelliK (Khay Oh), Laksa Soup, and Golden Rice (Chicken Dan Pauk). When we're uncertain, we usually go from the top of the list, which is why we got the Garlic Oil Pork VermicelliK (Khay Oh).

Garlic Oil Pork VermicelliK (Khay Oh)
Vermicelli, garlic oil, vegetable, quail eggs, pork ball with shrimp and fish paste.

The garlic oil pork is so tender, soft, and juicy, while the noodles have a mild flavour and chewy texture, so the sauce they provide is a must! It's tangy and a little bit spicy.

What is Khay Oh?

Khay oh is a traditional Burmese noodle soup that is typically made with thin rice noodles in a savoury broth, served with a variety of toppings such as slices of pork or chicken, fish cakes, and fried garlic. The soup is often flavoured with spices and herbs and can be garnished with fresh lime juice, cilantro, and chopped scallions. Khay oh is a popular comfort food in Myanmar and is often enjoyed as a hearty breakfast or lunch dish.

F52. Pineapple Juice from Fresh Juice

After two savoury dishes, I needed something refreshing, so we went to the first fruit juice stand we saw and got a large pineapple juice to share.

Booth F52. Pineapple Juice from Fresh Juice

F43. Taiwan Deep Fried Chicken Strips

It's my first time trying Taiwan Deep-Fried Chicken Strips. I am familiar with Salt & Pepper Taiwanese Popcorn Chicken, which is my favourite, but these chicken strips are pretty different.

Original Taiwan Deep-Fried Chicken Strips in Richmond Night Market

It's good but not popcorn chicken good. But it's easy to eat while we scout the rest of the Richmond Night Market.

Booth F43. Taiwan Deep Fried Chicken Strips

F8. Signature Bao Bun from Bao Buns

After three savoury items and a refreshing drink, it's time for desserts, and there are PLENTY of fun and unique options, but the best marketing award goes to Bao Buns. It's like a party near their booth! The energy and joy are infectious, which is why we ordered one, and their food deserves all the hype marketing.

Signature Bao Bun from Bao Buns
Deep-fried mantou, vanilla ice cream, condensed milk, and icing sugar

There's a restaurant in the Philippines called North Park, and one of the items I love are their fried buns with condensed milk. I love the crispy exterior and soft interior - the contrast is so great. I love it! I'll be happy even without the ice cream and all the toppings - yes, it's that good.

F108. Deluxe Deep-Fried Basket from Myst

My love for Taiwanese food started with Dang Dee (a small restaurant in Makati that's now closed), so every time I see Taiwanese sausage and fried chicken, I know it will be great, and the food from Myst delivered.

Deluxe Deep-Fried Basket from Myst
Taiwanese fried chicken, deep-fried fish cake, classic steamed sticky rice, and Taiwanese sausage wrapped with glutinous rice.

Both are so delicious on top of Seasoned Sticky Rice. The rice was cooked with shrimp and savoury seasoning. They're surprisingly mouthwatering on their own.

At this point, I'm feeling full. I blame the rice, of course.

F27. Korean Chicken Skewer K-Garbi

Our last bite in the Richmond Night Market for this evening is from Booth F27 Korean Chicken Skewer. We ordered the K-Garbi (Korean BBQ Sauce). It goes well with our rice, and it could just be my Filipino-ness and me talking, but savoury BBQ on rice is always delicious.

K-Garbi from Booth F27 Korean Chicken Skewer

After finishing our food, we walked around the merchandise area but didn't buy anything. We have three remaining Zoom Pass entries and can't wait to return!

Moroccan-Style Shrimp from HelloFresh Canada

Happy Friday! For lunch today, we cooked the Smart Moroccan-Style Shrimp with Cilantro Yogurt Dressing and Couscous from our HelloFresh box.

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Smart Moroccan-Style Shrimp with Cilantro Yogurt Dressing and Couscous

HelloFresh Description:

"Get cozy with this delightfully fresh and warming dish! Juicy shrimp and a medley of veggies are seasoned with our fragrant Harissa Spice Blend, then topped off with a bright and dreamy herb-yogurt dressing and crispy shallots for layers of texture and flavour. It's the smart choice in more ways than one! Smart is based on a per serving calculation of the recipe's kilocalorie and carbohydrate amount."

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The shrimp has a spicy kick thanks to the harissa spice blend. The heat complements the crunchy and sweet veggie combination of tender zucchini, juicy Roma tomatoes, and sweet bell peppers. Couscous is a beautiful side dish because it absorbs the broth's flavour quite nicely and is an excellent vehicle for the herby yogurt dressing, which adds a refreshing and tangy flavour. Lastly, I love the crunch from the crispy shallot topping! It's such a nice contrast to the tender, succulent shrimp and veggies.

About HelloFresh:

HelloFresh is a meal kit delivery service that provides its customers with pre-measured ingredients and easy-to-follow recipe cards to make cooking at home both convenient and enjoyable.

Smart Moroccan-Style Shrimp with Cilantro Yogurt Dressing and Couscous from HelloFresh Canada