Sunday, November 19, 2023

Baileys Flavoured Boston Cream Dream Donut from Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons just released a Non-Alcoholic Baileys Flavoured Boston Cream Donut.

The donut has chocolate shavings on top in the colour of the classic drink. The Boston Cream donut's traditional creamy custard fillings are enhanced with the essence of Baileys, which means a velvety and smooth texture in contrast to the soft and pillowy donut.


Baileys Flavoured Boston Cream Dream Donut from Tim Hortons

Baileys Latte and Baileys Flavoured Boston Cream Dream Donut from Tim Hortons

Combining these elements would result in a donut that's not just a sweet treat but a luxurious experience. The familiar comfort of a Boston Cream donut would be elevated by adding the Baileys-inspired twist, making it a tempting choice for those who enjoy the iconic flavour without the alcohol content.


A peek inside Baileys-infused cream from Tim Hortons

I happily enjoyed the donut with Bailey's Latte. Have you tried the Bailey's Flavoured product line from Tims? What do you think?

Saturday, November 18, 2023

Grill Basha and Basha Poutine in Richmond Centre food court

After IKEA, my husband and I went to Richmond Centre for the Lego store. Then, we decided to grab a late lunch at the Richmond Centre food court. I spotted a new store called Basha. My husband suggested getting both items with the name of the food stall in it: the Basha Poutine and Grill Basha.


Grill Basha from Basha in Richmond Centre food court

The Grill Basha includes three meat skewers: chicken, beef, and lamb, with lamb being my favourite. However, the Basha Poutine topped with chicken is fantastic. I highly recommend their shawarma over anything from the grill.


Basha Poutine from Basha in Richmond Centre food court

It's lovely to see the food court so full of people, like usual.

IKEA Breakfast is back!

 My family (parents and siblings) absolutely love the reasonably priced breakfast at Ikea. This morning, we went there for breakfast.


Ikea Breakfast with the Family

They still have the traditional breakfast with sausage and bacon. Then, they added pancakes with fruit, which was relatively new. Since I am still under the weather, we also got a bowl of soup.

Friday, November 17, 2023

Wonton Noodle Soup from A Taste of Vietnam

Happy Friday! I have been feeling under the weather the past couple of days, and after getting my flu shot, we decided to have dinner at A Taste of Vietnam.

My husband had the classic Special Beef Noodle Soup, which was delicious, while I went for the Wonton noodle Soup with Egg Noodles. It's a classic and oh-so comforting.


Special Beef Noodle Soup from A Taste of Vietnam

Of course, we always get the crunchy, deep-fried pork spring rolls.


Deep Fried Pork Spring Rolls from A Taste of Vietnam

Either I feel sick, or this is the best Wonton Noodle Soup I've had in Vancouver. I can't believe it's coming from a pho restaurant!


Wonton Noodle Soup with Egg Noodle from A Taste of Vietnam

I feel slightly better and definitely feel the food coma. I can't wait to go home straight to bed and sleep. It is also worth mentioning that A Taste of Vietnam has the friendliest server ever. She has such a positive aura and energy.

Thursday, November 16, 2023

Exploring the Newest Food at Vancouver Christmas Market 2023

It officially feels like Christmas in Vancouver with the opening of the Vancouver Christmas Market. Last year, we opted to get the Season's Pass for unlimited entry, and we did it again this year. I also documented the menu of the different vendors last year and can spot the new food vendors and items. Since it is opening night, we opted for the new items.


Das Späetzle Haus

This new food vendor focuses on selling späetzle, which are soft egg noodles, often pan-fried for a delightful crispness.


Späetzle with mushroom sauce from Späetzle Haus
Fresh späetzle topped with traditional German mushroom sauce, garnished with pickled cucumber and caramelized onion.

Meat Pie with Gravy from Mr. Hotcakes

Last year, Mr. Hotcakes focused on selling hotcakes, as the name implies. This year, they decided to add meat pies with gravy to their menu.


Meat Pies with Mashed Potato and Gravy from Mr. Hotcakes

If I didn't just come from England, I would say this is amazing. However, since I tasted traditional British pies covered in gravy, the one from the Christmas Market became just okay.


Das Strudel Haus

Das Strudel Haus is a new sweets booth selling strudels and Black Forest cake.


Warm Apple Strudel with Creme Anglaise from Das Strudel Haus

The flaky, sweet pastry is so delicious after eating all the savoury things the market offers.


Smoked Meat Baked Potato Poutine from Das Smoked Meat Haus

Last year, Das Smoked Meat offered only two sandwiches. This year, they added poutine, but instead of having traditional fries, they went to the more comforting and warm baked potato. It still has the gravy and cheese curds, plus all the savoury meat.


Smoked Meat Baked Potato Poutine from Das Smoked Meat Haus

Have you been to the Vancouver Christmas Market this year? Which food did you try? If you want to check the menu of each food vendor, please check out this post.

Your Food Guide to the Vancouver Christmas Market 2023

Discover the culinary delights of Vancouver's 2023 Christmas Market! Indulge in a festive feast of traditional and international flavours, from savoury bratwurst to sweet, cinnamon-dusted treats. Join us as we explore the mouthwatering food offerings that make this holiday market a gastronomic delight for visitors and locals alike.


Vancouver Christmas Market

I purchased our season's pass and will be there for opening night to take pictures of the menu and keep this up-to-date.


Where is the Vancouver Christmas Market 2023?

It will be at Jack Poole Plaza (1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver, BC V6C 3L5).



When is the Vancouver Christmas Market?

It will run from November 16 to December 24. The hours are displayed below.

November 16 to 30, 2023

  • Monday – Thursday: 4:00 pm to 9:30 pm
  • Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm
  • Sunday: 11:00 am to 9:30 pm

December 1 to 23, 2023

  • Sunday – Thursday: 11:00 am to 9:30 pm
  • Friday & Saturday: 11:00 am to 10:00 pm

December 24, 2023

  • Sunday: 11:00 am to 6:00 pm

List of food vendors inside the Vancouver Christmas Market

Below is a list of food vendors according to the website as of November 16, 2023. and are subject to change without prior notice. If you want the list from last year, please check it out here. All the prices are in Canadian dollars and do not include tax, tips, or processing fees.


Tannenbaum Terrace

The Tannenbaum Terrace is dedicated to eats and treats you can enjoy while walking around the Vancouver Christmas Market.


48. Bratwurst Haus

Bratwurst is a quintessential German sausage, perfectly grilled to achieve a delectable blend of smoky flavours and savoury spices, delivering a true culinary delight.

Menu Price
Thuringer Brat
Medium-fine grind pork with a distinctive blend of spices heavy on the marjoram and garlic.
$10.00
Bavarian Smokie
Finest cuts of pork, the most flavourful blend of spices, naturally smoked.
$10.00
All Beef (100%)
100% fine grind beef naturally smoked
$11.00
Farmer Sausage
150-year-old traditional Transylvanian family recipe smoked with applewood
$11.00
Currywurst
Bite-sized chunks of sausage seasoned with curry ketchup sauce, topped with curry powder
$12.00
Veggie Sausage
Meatless alternative, based on soy and bean protein, veggies and a blend of mild Italian spices
$12.00
Cheesy Bacon Twist
Flavourful cheese-filled Bavarian Smokie wrapped in delicious bacon Sm
$13.00
Pop/Water $3.00
Bratwurst Haus menu in Vancouver Chrismas Market 2023


49. Haxen Haus

Haxen Haus serves schweinshaxe, a large pork shank roasted on a special rotisserie.

Food Price
Half pork hock with sauerkraut and rye bread (Feeds 1-2 people) $15.00
Whole pork hock with sauerkraut and rye bread (Feeds 1-4 people) $29.50
Pork hock sandwich topped with sauerkraut (Feeds 1 person) $10.00
Side of Sauerkraut $4.00
Pop/Water $2.50
To Go Container $1.00
Haxen Haus menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market


50. The Hurricane Potato / Kartouffel Haus

It's all potato at the Kartouffel Haus, which offers kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) and Hurricane Potato.

For Hurricane Potato, you pick either potato ($10.00) or zucchini ($12.00), then choose your flavour:

Powdered Flavours Wet Sauce Flavours
Cinnamon Sugar Ketchup
Barbecue Spicy Mayo
Canadian Cheddar Sriracha (Spicy)
White Cheddar Honey Garlic Mayo
Sour Cream & Onion
Parmesan Garlic
Salt & Vinegar
The Original Hurricane Potato from the Vancouver Christmas Market 2023

Kartoffelpuffer (German Potato Pancake)
2 pieces of Kartoffelpuffer served with apple sauce & sour cream
Price
Kartoffelpuffer $13.00
Kartoffelpuffer with smoked salmon $18.00
Kartoffelpuffer with brie cheese $18.00
Kartoffelpuffer with smoked salmon and brie cheese $22.00
Das Kartoffelhaus in Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


51. Helmis Perogies

Indulge in perogies, pillowy pockets of dough filled with savoury delights, providing a comforting and heartwarming experience amid the holiday cheer. Last year, it was Pearl's Perogies.

They serve Potato & Cheddar Perogies for $17.00, which comes with crumbled farmer's sausage from Rempel Meats in Abbotsford, grilled onions, sour cream, and sauerkraut.


Helmi's Gourmet Foods menu in Vancouver Christmas Market 

52. Squid Feast

One of my favourites from last year, Squid Feast, is an Asian booth in a European market.

Choose from one of the following sauces: spicy garlic, tzatziki, spicy salt & pepper, and sweet & sour.

Menu Price
Deep Fried Squid Tentacle $16 Small
$19 Large
Deep Fried Whole Squid $12.00
Deep Fried Shrimp $15.00
Squid Feast menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


53. Cheese Me Raclette

Raclette is molten Swiss cheese skillfully scraped onto potatoes, enhancing the festive ambiance with its rich, savoury allure.

Cheese Me Raclette Menu Price
1. Classic Raclette
Melted raclette cheese over golden potatoes, assorted charcuteries, green olives, baby dill pickles, and pearl onions
$19.05
2. Vegetarian Raclette
Melted raclette cheese over golden potatoes, sun-dried tomatoes, artichokes, green olives, baby dill pickles, and pearl onions.
$19.05
3. Grilled Cheese
Gouda and Havarti cheese grilled to perfection with pickles
$13.34
4. Cheese Me Chowder
Creamy chowder delight topped with croutons and a symphony of four shredded cheeses
$14.29
Add-Ons: Charcuteries $6.67
Add-Ons: Melted Raclette Cheese $8.58
Cheese Me Raclette menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


54. Späetzle Haus

This is a new vendor and food in the Vancouver Christmas Market. Späetzle are soft egg noodles, often pan-fried for a delightful crispness, bringing a taste of European tradition to the festive atmosphere.

Menu Price
Homemade Späetzle
Fresh Späetzle topped with creamy Emmental cheese, garnished with pickled cucumber and caramelized onion.
$17.15
Späetzle with mushroom sauce
#1 Homemade Späetzle served with traditional German mushroom sauce
$21.91
Add Bacon Bits $1.91
Double Emmental Cheese $6.67
Späetzle Haus menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


55. Das Langos Haus

The Hungarian delight of langos is a golden-fried flatbread adorned with a delectable combination of garlic, sour cream, and grated cheese, creating a symphony of flavours that dance on your taste buds.

Menu Price
Classic
Garlic powder, sour cream, cheese, bacon, and green onion
$13.00
Traditional
Garlic powder, sour cream, cheese
$12.00
Nutella $11.00
Plain $9.00
Add Extra:
Bacon +$2.50
Cheese +$2.50
Green Onion +$2.00
Das Langos menu from Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


56. Transylvanian Chimney Cakes

Chimney cakes are a delightful pastry with a crispy, caramelized exterior and a soft, doughy interior.

A chimney cake is $12.50 with your choice of topping: walnut, coconut, cinnamon sugar, or almond.

The following filling (spread) is also available: Nutella for $3.00 and an additional $2.50 for apple cinnamon, lemon curd, or black forest cherry.


Transylvanian Chimney Cakes menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023

57. Das Smoked Meat Haus

Savour the artistry of flavour at Das Smoked Meat Haus, where each hot sandwich is a masterpiece crafted with artisanal precision. From the rich smokiness of hand-selected meats to the perfect harmony of complementary ingredients, every bite is a journey through the culinary expertise of the Das Smoked Meat Haus.

Menu Price
Montreal Smoked Meat Sandwich $15.99 Classic
$20.99 Large
French Dip Roast Beef Sandwich $15.99 Original Size
$20.99 Grande Size
Smoked Meat Baked Potato Poutine $15.99
Baked Potato Poutine $10.99
Kosher Dill Pickle $3.00 each
Gluten-Free Bun Alternative $2.00 each
Soft Drinks & Bottled Water $3.00 each
Boylan's Craft Soda $5.00 each
Das Smoked Meat Haus menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


59. Das Soup Haus

The Das Soup Haus offers a soul-soothing journey through beloved soup traditions.

Menu Price
Mom's Grilled Cheese $10.00
Ham & Cheese Croissant $12.00
Mushroom Soup $12.00
French Onion Soup $12.00
Roasted Tomato Soup $12.00
Slice of Bread $1.00
Extra Cheese $2.00
Water Bottle $2.00
Das Soup Haus menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


60. Das Gulasch Haus

Embrace the spirit of the season with a steaming bowl of Gulasch, a true winter delight. This traditional Hungarian stew features tender chunks of beef slow-cooked to perfection in a rich and savoury broth.


Das Gulasch menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023

61. Mr. Hotcakes (now also serves pie)

Mr. Hotcakes expanded their menu to include personal-sized beef and vegetable pie.

The meat pie with mashed potato and gravy is $13.00.


Meat Pies menu from Mr. Hotcakes inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023

Meanwhile, the original hotcake with whipped cream is $10.00, with cream cheese icing is $11.00, and with vanilla ice cream is $12.00.


Mr. Hotcakes menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market

62. Das Schnitzel Haus

Schnitzel is a classic German dish featuring a thin, tenderized meat—commonly pork or veal—lightly coated in breadcrumbs and expertly fried to achieve a delightful crunch.


Das Schnitzel Haus menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023

63. I Love Chocolate

Experience pure decadence at the Vancouver Christmas Market with the mesmerizing chocolate fountain. Cascading velvety layers of rich, molten chocolate await, providing the perfect canvas for dipping an array of treats.

Menu Price
Fruit skewers $8.50
Marshmallow skewer $6.50
Chocolate covered apples $12.00
2 Chocolate covered Pretzel rods $6.00
Kid size Marshmallow $1.50
Hot chocolate $7.00
Whipping cream $1.00
Mini marshmallows $0.50
I Love Chocolate Menu in Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


64. Authentic Churros

Churros are golden-brown treasures, dusted in cinnamon sugar or sugar, and boast a crispy exterior that gives way to a warm, soft center.

Menu Price
Cinnamon Sugar or Sugar 3 for $7.00
6 for $12.00
Caramel Sauce $1.00 each
Chocolate Drizzle
Whipped Cream
Oreo Crumble
Nutella $2.00 each
Maple Syrup
Coffee Cream
Authentic Churros menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


66. Das Strudel Haus

Indulge in the delicate layers of flaky pastry wrapped around a delectable filling by grabbing a strudel from Das Strudel Haus.

Das Strudel Haus Menu Price
Warm Cherry Strudel with Creme Anglaise $14.00
Warm Apple Strudel with Creme Anglaise $14.00
Black Forest Cake $12.00
Strudel Gift Box for 2 with Creme Anglaise $24.00
Das Strudel Haus menu from Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


67. Barista Brothers

The rich aroma of freshly ground beans mingles with the comforting warmth of a perfectly brewed cup in the Barista Brothers.

Barista Brothers Menu Price
Brewed Coffee $4.00
Cafe Americano $5.00
Caffe Latte $6.00
Caffe Mocha $7.50
Cappuccino $6.00
Caramel Macchiato $7.50
Chai Latte $6.00
Espresso $4.00
Espresso Macchiato $5.00
Flat White $6.00
Steamed Milk $5.00
Tea $4.00
Hot Chocolate $6.00
Extra Flavours $0.75
Barista Brothers menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023



68. Ho Ho Hot Chocolate

A cup of hot chocolate is $6.00.


Ho Ho Ho Hot Chocolate inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023

69. Bon Macaron

Bon Macaron Menu Price
Trio Bag $7.00
6 packs $12.00
12 packs $21.00
30 packs $48.00
Minies $15.00
Pate de Fruit $9.00
Salted Caramel Spread $9.00
Caramel Bar $9.00
Bon Macaron menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market


70. Apfel and Beer Haus

Get your alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks from the Apfel and Beer Haus.

Cider Price
Non-Alcoholic Cider $5.00
Cider Squared $9.95
VCM Merchandise Price
2023 Collectible Mug $9.50
Beer Haus Price
Stiegl Lager $9.95
Stiegl Raspberry Radler $9.95
Stiegl Grapefruit Radler $9.95
Erdinger Wheat Beer $9.95
Erdinger Dunkel $9.95
Erdinger Non-Alcoholic $8.00
Pepsi / Diet Pepsi / 7UP $3.00
Water $3.00
Orange Juice $4.00
Stiegl Merchandise Price
Stiegl Stein $11.95
Stiegl Kozie $5.00
Apfel Haus and Beer Haus inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


72. Pancake & Waffle Haus

Customizable sweets are the game at the Pancake & Waffle Haus.

1. Choose Your Style - $8.00 2. Choose A Sauce - $1.00 each 3. Choose A Topping - $1.00 each
  • Butter Nutella
  • Chocolate Syrup
  • Strawberry Syrup
  • Raspberry Jam
  • Caramel Sauce
  • Maple Syrup
  • Condensed Milk
  • Whipped Cream
  • Oreo Crumbs
  • Biscoff Crumbs
  • Fruity Pebbles
  • M&M
  • Lemon Wedge
  • Coconut
  • Marshmallow
  • Sprinkles
  • Cinnamon Sugar
  • Add Strawberry - $2.00
  • Add Banana - $2.00
  • Add Ice Cream - $2.00
Pancake & Waffle Haus menu from Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


73. Knedla

Knedla, a traditional Eastern European dumpling, delights the taste buds with its soft, doughy texture.

Knedla Menu Price
Nutella $8.00
Cookies & Creme $8.00
Raspberry White Chocolate $8.00
Sour Cherry Chocolate $8.00
Traditional Plum $8.00
Apple Pie $8.00
Knedla menu from Vancouver Christmas Market 2023


Mr. Pretzels

If you want the perfect combination of chewiness and crispiness that makes an irresistible treat for festive snacking, then look for Mr. Pretzels.

Mr. Pretzels Menu Price
Sugar & Cinnamon Pretzel $8.75
Salted Pretzel $8.75
Combo #1: Pretzel + Bottled Water $10.50
Combo #2: Pretzel + Bottled Water and Dipping Sauce $12.550
Bottled Water $3.00
Dipping Sauce $2.00
Mr. Pretzels menu inside Vancouver Christmas Market 2023

Nasi Lemak with Chicken from John 3:16 Malaysian Delights

For team lunch today, they chose Malaysian cuisine and even suggested the dish they plan to order in the Melbourne office: Nasi Lemak. Because we want to feel connected to our colleagues on the other side of the Pacific, we also ordered Nasi Lemak with Chicken from John 3:16 Malaysian Delights.

Nasi Lemak with Chicken from John 3:16 Malaysian Delights

The nasi lemak is rice cooked in coconut milk and pandan leaves. It is fragrant and has a subtle, sweet coconut flavour. It is a party in your mouth when paired with the succulent, juicy chicken. The meal also includes crunchy peanuts, crispy anchovies, and spicy sambal. It's perfect. Yay for happy food.

Tuesday, November 14, 2023

Bomb Threat Experience and Breakfast from Burger King in SFO

Our flight left on time (7:15 PM) from Los Angeles Airport, and it was all standard procedure. I cannot wait to go home to Vancouver. However, at around 8:30 PM, the pilot made three announcements:

  1. They will suspend the distribution of snacks and meals.
  2. They will have to stop inflight WiFi.
  3. We have to do an emergency landing at Sacramento Airport.
I was surprisingly calm through it all. I watched enough documentaries and drama series with airplane crashes to run through checklists in my head. I am on a window seat and checked if the wings or engine is on fire, but it seems to be functioning as expected. I also observed that if any passenger or crew member is panicking about a medical emergency, it is not that either.

Then, I thought that maybe there was a terrorist or bomb threat. It could be, but we're still flying and have not exploded yet, so we're good. Again, my heart was not pounding, and I was surprisingly not scared.

Afterwards, I prayed, "God, if it is my time to come home to You, I am ready. I surrender to you, my spirit." - I can only pray this because my husband is with me during the flight. Then, I thought, "Lord, please help my sister remember my insurance information so my parents can get money." - What a weird thought!

After 30 minutes, we landed at San Francisco Airport. I connected to the internet and checked Twitter (X). I found a conversation about our flight. Apparently, there was a bomb threat.

We sat on the plane for almost an hour. Then, they asked us to exit with our things, walk through security, and go to our next gate. Then, 10 minutes later, they told us we would fly the following day. They provided hotel and food vouchers. My husband and I took a Lyft to the hotel and slept a wink. Suddenly, the adrenaline of what had happened sank in.

We woke up early, took another Lyft back to San Francisco International Airport and went through the security again. We sat near our gate, exhausted. Oh, and all I can think about is how I will be late for work. I sent a message to my manager when I learned that our flight was leaving the following morning.

He was understanding and kind through it all, but I'm such a workaholic that it unnecessarily stressed me out. While waiting for our flight, we grabbed breakfast from Burger King in SFO. I got the Ham, Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Croissan'wich, while hubby got the same except with Bacon instead of Ham. It was oily and salty. I did enjoy stress-eating on the hashbrown.


Bacon, Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Croissan'wich from Burger King in San Francisco Airport

Ham, Sausage, Egg, and Cheese Croissan'wich from Burger King in San Francisco Airport

Hash Browns from Burger King in SFO

We boarded our flight at 7:00 AM, and I prayed to God for sleep. I was knocked out. I woke up an hour later with the announcement that we needed to return to the gate because the "computers have not updated with our flight." I think United forgot to transfer the luggage in our bag. We left 30 minutes later and arrived at YVR at 10:30 AM. I slept the whole flight. Thank God!

We took an Uber home, unpacked, showered, and went straight to the office. Yes, I'm a workaholic. My siblings and parents told me I was crazy. I had lunch in the office and worked the rest of the afternoon. Even my manager was surprised to see me during the daily meeting.

Most viewed post in the last week