White Chocolate Pistachio arrives at Tim Hortons

Our Sunday mornings usually involve a trip to Tim Hortons for a quick and easy breakfast. This week, we were excited to see they had launched a new line of White Chocolate Pistachio beverages, promising a unique twist on winter comfort. Naturally, we had to try a couple! We grabbed a White Chocolate Pistachio Latte and a White Chocolate Pistachio Hot Chocolate to see if they lived up to the hype.

The Latte was a visually appealing drink. The foam was nicely frothed, and the Belgian white chocolate curls on top added a touch of elegance. The first sip was a burst of sweetness, unfortunately with no pistachio flavour.

The Hot Chocolate was a different experience altogether. It has the same visual appeal of the latte and the aroma was primarily of sweet hot chocolate. The taste was very sweet, a bit too sweet for our liking. The pistachio flavour was not noticeable, almost completely overpowered by the chocolate. It was served at a good temperature, but the sweetness made it a bit difficult to drink a whole cup.

White Chocolate Pistachio Hot Chocolate from Tim Hortons

Have you tried the new White Chocolate Pistachio drinks at Tim Hortons? Let us know what you thought in the comments below!

Eggplant Parmigiana from Olive Garden

Happy Friday! I took a vacation day from work today for a dental appointment. My youngest sister asked if I wanted to join them at Olive Garden in Langley, BC, on Sunday. I called her and asked if we could go today since I was off.

Off we went! We started by sharing the Stuffed Ziti Frittata, a crispy, golden-brown disc of pasta filled with a rich, creamy blend of cheeses and meat sauce. The crispy edges gave way to a soft, cheesy interior, making it a perfect appetizer for sharing.

Stuffed Ziti Fritta from Olive Garden
Crispy fried ziti filled with five cheeses. Served with Alfredo and marinara dipping sauce

Then, we moved on to their bottomless bowls of soup and those addictive breadsticks. The soup, a creamy chicken gnocchi, was rich and comforting, dotted with tender potato dumplings and shreds of chicken. The breadsticks, warm and buttery, were perfect for soaking up every last drop. 

My husband ordered the creamy and cheesy Five Cheese Ziti al Forno. The blend of five cheeses—ricotta, Parmesan, Romano, mozzarella, and fontina—created a rich, decadent sauce that coated the perfectly cooked ziti pasta. The baked, bubbly top added a delightful textural contrast. It was perfect for my gums, which were still tender from my appointment.

Five Cheese Ziti Al Forno from Olive Garden
A baked blend of Italian cheeses and Olive Garden's signature five Cheese marinara

I opted for the "healthier" eggplant parmigiana. The spaghetti was a classic—al dente, with a bright, tangy tomato sauce that had just a hint of sweetness. The eggplant parmigiana itself was a delightful combination of textures: crisp, golden-brown breading on the tender eggplant slices, layered with melted mozzarella and that same vibrant tomato sauce. It was a satisfying, lighter version of the more traditional chicken parmigiana.

Eggplant Parmigiana from Olive Garden
Hand-breaded eggplant, lightly fried and topped with marinara and melted mozzarella, served with a side of spaghetti

For dessert, we indulged in warm Italian doughnuts, known as zeppoli. These pillowy soft fritters were dusted with powdered sugar and served with dipping sauces. The chocolate sauce was deep and intensely sweet, a classic pairing. However, I was surprised by how much I preferred the raspberry sauce. Its bright, tart notes cut through the richness of the doughnuts, creating a perfect balance of sweet and tangy—I loved it. I told my sister I now have a more mature palate, preferring the raspberry over the chocolate.

Warm Italian Doughnuts from Olive Garden
Fried doughnuts tossed in vanilla sugar, served with raspberry and chocolate sauce

Below is a list of dishes we tried at Olive Garden:

Appetizers

• Calamari
• Lasagna Fritta
• Meatballs Parmigiana
• Mozzarella Sticks
• Spinach Artichoke Dip
• Stuffed Ziti Fritta

Classic Entrees

• Cheese Raviolli
• Chicken and Shrimp Carbonara
• Chicken Marsala Fettucine
• Chicken Parmigiana
• Fettuccine Alfredo (part of 6 oz. Sirloin)
• Italian Feast 
• Lasagna Classico
• Ravioli Carbonara 
• Shrimp Scampi
• Spaghetti with Marinara (part of Eggplant Parmigiana)
• 6 oz. Sirloin
• Tour of Italy

Desserts

• Black Tie Mousse Cake
• Cannoli
• Chocolate Caramel Lasagna
• Tiramisu
• Warm Italian Doughnuts

Giant Katsu and more at Kinkura Sushi + Sake

Happy Thursday! My husband picked me up from work today, and I was too exhausted to cook dinner at home. We decided to grab dinner at Kinkura Sushi + Sake along Davie Street before walking across the Granville Bridge.

I was blown away by their "Giant Katsu" — it was truly huge. My husband ordered it thinking it would be a wide but thin fried pork cutlet. However, we received a behemoth of a tonkatsu — a thick slab of pork, easily longer than a chopstick and nearly two inches thick! It was a golden-brown, crispy mountain of meat. The sheer size of it dwarfed the accompanying bowl of fluffy white rice. It was crazy! The unexpected size was a delightful surprise, and the katsu itself was perfectly executed: a satisfyingly crunchy, golden-brown exterior giving way to a tender, juicy interior. Yum!

Giant Tonkatsu from Kinkura Sushi
Deep-fried breaded pork served with house salad and rice

I ordered a healthier salmon teriyaki with vegetables. A generous fillet of tender salmon, glazed with a sweet and savory teriyaki sauce, was served alongside a colorful medley of crisp-tender vegetables. It was delicious, too.

Salmon Teriyaki from Kinkura Sushi + Sake
Grilled salmon and vegetable with teriyaki sauce

To share, we got their original chicken karaage — piping hot and fresh from the fryer! Each bite-sized piece of chicken boasted an incredibly crispy exterior that shattered with a satisfying crunch, revealing a juicy, flavorful interior bursting with savory goodness. I loved it!

Regular Chicken Karaage from Kinkura Sushi + Sake

We also got takoyaki. The delicate wheat flour batter balls were filled with tender pieces of octopus and topped with savory takoyaki sauce, mayonnaise, and dancing bonito flakes. They were soft but could be skipped. Kinkura Sushi + Sake was a random find for us, and I absolutely love discovering new spots around Vancouver.

Takoyaki from Kinkura Sushi + Sake

I am making an attempt this year (2025) to try and support new restaurants that we have not tried before. Below is a list of restaurants we have tried for the first time:

1. Ramen One (January 3, 2025)
2. Kinkura Sushi + Sake (January 9, 2025)

Gyro from The Greek Yaletown

It was the first company-paid team lunch of 2025, and the theme was Greek! We went to our favourite spot: The Greek in Yaletown.

Their gyro is my absolute favourite, and I've stopped trying anything else on the menu. The chicken is perfectly seasoned with a fragrant blend of oregano, garlic, and other Mediterranean herbs, making it incredibly tender and juicy. The warm, soft pita wrap cradles the savoury meat, and the crisp, fresh lettuce, juicy ripe tomatoes, and sharp red onions provide a delightful contrast of textures and flavours.

Gyro from The Greek
Slow-roasted chicken, lettuce, tomato, onion and tzatziki on a fresh baked pita with avgolemono soup

Plus, it comes with either soup or salad. I always choose their avgolemono soup. The creamy, lemony broth is rich and comforting, with a subtle tang that perfectly complements the savoury gyro.

Hot Chocolate and Moroccan Vegan Wrap from Lovelarte

Happy Thursday! This morning, a colleague and I headed to the nearby Lovelarte to grab breakfast and have a meeting.

Hot Chocolate from lovelarte

I decided to try the Moroccan Vegan Wrap, and I paired it with a rich, creamy hot chocolate.

Moroccan Vegan Wrap from lovelarte

The hot chocolate was the perfect complement to the wrap. Its smooth, velvety texture helped balance the dryness of the wrap. While the wrap itself was flavourful with its blend of Moroccan spices and vegetables, it had a slightly dry and gritty texture that made the drink a welcome addition to the meal. Together, they provided a satisfying combination of warmth and flavour, making for a cozy and fulfilling breakfast.

Spinach & Feta Savoury Egg Pastry from Tim Hortons

Happy Sunday! As part of our breakfast this week, we tried the new Spinach & Feta Savoury Egg Pastry from Tim Hortons.

Spinach & Feta Savoury Egg Pastry from Tim Hortons

It was a bit warm, but the pastry wasn't flaky. Additionally, the feta cheese and egg combination had an unusual texture — almost rubbery. The flavour is also off-putting.

I'm not a fan of this one.

Poutine and Pulled Pork Sandwich from Ikea restaurant

Happy Saturday! We visited Ikea today for dinner and were pleasantly surprised to find two new items on their menu: Poutine (a Canadian classic) and a Pulled Pork Sandwich.

Let’s dive into the details. Ikea's take on the Canadian favorite, poutine, was passable. It had all the essential components: crispy fries, gravy, and cheese curds. However, I believe the gravy is what truly makes or breaks a poutine, and this one was just okay. The first bite had a strange aftertaste that I couldn’t quite place, but it eventually mellowed out and became more enjoyable.

Poutine from Ikea's restaurant

Next up, the Pulled Pork Sandwich, an American classic. The pulled pork was beautifully shredded, incredibly tender, and packed with flavor. However, the barbecue sauce was a bit too sweet for my taste, with an almost fruity undertone due to the lingonberry base. While it wasn’t bad, it certainly wasn’t my ideal version of a pulled pork sandwich.

Pulled Pork Sandwich from Ikea's restaurant

All in all, while these dishes were decent attempts, next time, I think I’ll stick with the tried and true, always-delicious Swedish meatballs!

Chicken Strips from A&W

Happy Saturday! Ugh. I'll be back to work on Monday, and since my hubby has a dental appointment, I decided to wait for him inside a nearby A&W. It's my first time trying the A&W chicken strips. I want to say that they're like any typical chicken strips from a fast food chain, but they're a bit above the rest because they taste like real chicken.

Chicken Strips from A&W

Chicken Strips from A&W

The seasoning is simple—salt and pepper—nothing fancy, just this classic combination. Plus, they're lightly breaded. I surprisingly enjoyed them!

Tonkotsu Miso Ramen from Ramen One

Happy Friday! It's our first time eating out in 2025, and we’re checking out a relatively new spot, Ramen One, located along West Broadway between Cambie and Yukon.

Spicy Tonkotsu Miso Ramen from Ramen One
Tonkotsu broth mixed with our house-made miso paste. Topped with Kikurage mushroom, green onions, pickled ginger, 3 pieces of chashu and an egg.

The rainy weather makes it the perfect day for a warm bowl of ramen. What sets Ramen One apart is its unique ambiance and service. Each diner gets their own private booth (similar to those you’d find in Japan), and your ramen is served through a little window — it's actually pretty fun!

Ramen One

I tried the Spicy Tonkotsu Miso Ramen, and it did not disappoint. The chashu was tender, the soft-boiled eggs were just right, and the noodles were perfectly cooked. Super satisfying!

Spicy Tonkotsu Miso Ramen from Ramen One
Tonkotsu broth mixed with our house-made miso paste. Topped with Kikurage mushroom, green onions, pickled ginger, 3 pcs. of chashu and an egg.

It might not be the best ramen in Vancouver, but if you're in the area and craving a bowl with a bit of privacy, this place is definitely worth a visit.

Here's a keto-friendly air fryer cake recipe using some of the ingredients you listed. This will be a simple, almond flour-based, cinnamon-spiced cake, perfect for a sweet keto treat!

Keto Cinnamon-Almond Cake in the Air Fryer

Ingredients:

• 1 cup Almond Flour
• 2 large Eggs
• 1/4 cup Unsweetened Almond Milk
• 2 tbsp Butter (melted)
• 1 tsp Vanilla Extract
• 1/2 tsp Cinnamon
• 3 tbsp Sugar Substitute (to taste, such as stevia or erythritol)
• Pinch of Salt
• 1 tbsp Olive Oil (for greasing the air fryer pan)

Directions:

1. Prepare the air fryer: Preheat your air fryer to 320°F (160°C). Lightly grease a small cake pan or silicone mold with olive oil to prevent sticking.
2. Mix dry ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the almond flour, cinnamon, sugar substitute, and a pinch of salt.
3. Mix wet ingredients: In another bowl, whisk the eggs, unsweetened almond milk, melted butter, and vanilla extract together.
4. Combine: Pour the wet ingredients into the dry ingredients and mix well until fully combined. If you want a peanut butter swirl, gently stir in the peanut butter at this stage.
5. Pour and smooth: Pour the batter into the greased cake pan or mold (I used a 6-inch oven-safe baking pan). Smooth the top with a spatula.
6. Air fry: Place the pan into the air fryer basket and cook for about 25 minutes, or until the top is golden and a toothpick inserted comes out clean.
7. Cool: Allow the cake to cool for a few minutes before removing from the pan. You can optionally serve it with a few mandarin slices on top for added flavor and decoration.
8. Serve: Slice and enjoy!

This cake is lightly spiced with cinnamon, rich with almond flavor, and perfectly keto-friendly. If you want to make it more decadent, a dollop of peanut butter on top or mixing it into the batter will add creaminess and depth. Enjoy your keto dessert!

Filipino food for Noche Buena in Canada

Every year, our family has a themed Noche Buena to celebrate the holiday season, and this year was especially special as we celebrated my parents' and siblings' 10-year anniversary in Canada. To mark the occasion, we decided to have Filipino food as our theme. We also did a potluck of sorts, with each family member contributing a dish.

My husband and I got Lechon from Kuy's Lechon. I'm happy to share that it was incredibly flavourful, with perfectly crispy skin and tender, juicy meat. It received the seal of approval from my dad, who’s a tough critic when it comes to lechon! I also picked up LA Fried Chicken, as Lechong Manok (roast chicken) was unavailable this year. The fried chicken was crispy on the outside and succulent on the inside, seasoned to perfection.

Dad grilled Tilapia, which had a smoky flavour from the grill, and a soft, flaky texture. Meanwhile, Mom cooked her famous Filipino-style spaghetti. This dish is a sweet, savoury pasta made with ground meat, hotdog slices, and a rich, tomato-based sauce. It’s a beloved comfort food in our family, and it was as delicious as ever. She also prepared a refreshing fruit salad, made with mixed fruits like pineapple, apple, and grapes, all coated in a creamy dressing. It was the perfect balance to the rich savoury dishes.

Filipino Noche Buena

My younger sister and her boyfriend brought a tray of Chop Suey and Bibingka from Pin Pin Restaurant. The Chop Suey was a stir-fried mix of vegetables, shrimp, and chicken in a savory sauce, with a light yet flavorful taste that wasn’t too heavy. The Bibingka, a traditional Filipino rice cake made with rice flour, coconut milk, and sugar, was soft and slightly sweet, with a hint of salt from the cheese and salted egg topping. It was a perfect combination of flavors.

Kuy's Half Lechon Chopped

My brother contributed Palabok, a savory noodle dish made with rice noodles, garlic, shrimp, and a rich pork broth, all topped with crispy chicharrón (pork cracklings) and boiled eggs. He also brought Peach Mango Pie, a sweet and slightly tangy dessert with a flaky crust that melts in your mouth. Both from Jollibee!

Finally, my youngest sister brought our favorite Lumpiang Shanghai (spring rolls) from Little Ongpin. These crispy rolls were filled with a savory mixture of ground pork, shrimp, and vegetables, served with a sweet and sour dipping sauce. They were the perfect bite-sized treat to snack on throughout the evening.

I’m in a food coma! It was an intense night of eating, but it was so worth it. We also got to play some video games – The Jackbox Party Pack and Tools Up. It was a riot, as always, filled with laughter and fun moments.

For the record, here’s a list of our past Noche Buena themes:

• 2023: Canadian Food 
• 2022: Ukrainian Food from Ukrainian Village
• 2021: Korean Food from H-Mart
• 2020: Chinese Food from Lin Chinese Cuisine and Tea House
• 2019: French Food (cooked by my sister)
• 2018: Spanish Food
• 2017: Japanese Food
• 2016 and 2015: Domino's Pizza and my mom's Filipino-style spaghetti

Fried Pork Chop and Fried Chicken Thigh Bento from Pearl Castle Cafe inside Club Kitchen

Happy Sunday! It's been a long day running errands and finishing up last-minute Christmas shopping. In between stops, we decided to take a much-needed break for lunch, as I was starting to feel hangry.

Pearl Castle Cafe at Club Kitchen

We stopped by Club Kitchen in Yaletown, a unique spot featuring 13 different restaurants under one roof. While they primarily focus on delivery, they do offer a handful of tables, and eating in is absolutely encouraged.

Fried Chicken Thigh Bento from Pearl Castle Cafe
Slightly chili powder on top of chicken. All bento includes rice, side dishes of the day: tofu, fishcake, and veggie

We ordered from Pearl Castle Cafe, where we indulged in some of our favorite Taiwanese dishes: crispy fried pork chops, juicy fried chicken thighs, and flavorful Taiwanese sausage.

Fried Pork Chop Bento from Pearl Castle Cafe

The sausage was ordered as a side dish, perfect for sharing. The fried pork and chicken came as part of bento boxes, each served with fluffy rice and three tasty side dishes: silky tofu, savory fishcakes, and a medley of fresh vegetables.

Taiwanese Sausage from Pearl Castle Cafe

It was such a fun and satisfying lunch, and I’m already drooling for more!

Four Cheese Omelette Bites from Tim Hortons

Happy Sunday morning! The Four Cheese Omelette Bites from Tim Hortons were first released in October of this year, and it took nearly three months for us to finally give them a try.

Four Cheese Omelette Bites from Tim Hortons

The bites are exactly as described: soft, fluffy eggs infused with a bold cheese flavor. The combination of two types of cheddar, Gouda, and mozzarella creates a rich, savory taste that's pleasantly indulgent without being overwhelming. The texture is smooth and creamy, with the cheese melting seamlessly into the eggs, giving each bite a satisfying, melt-in-your-mouth feel. It actually reminds me of the omelettes I make at home when I use those marble cheese slices, which lend a similar creamy and mild richness. 

Four Cheese Omelette Bites from Tim Hortons

While I’m sure many people could easily recreate this dish at home, if you’re in need of a quick, cheesy breakfast on the go, these omelette bites are a tasty and convenient option.

Birria Nachos from Patrón Tacos and Cantina

Happy Thursday! It’s the final company-paid team lunch of 2024, and we decided to revisit our most frequent spot this year: Patrón Tacos and Cantina.

I finally gave in and ordered their nachos. The crispy tortilla chips were generously covered with melted Mexican cheese, which created a wonderfully indulgent, rich layer.

Birria Nachos from Patrón Tacos and Cantina
Corn tortillas chips covered with melted cheese. Garnished with pico de gallo, sour cream, jalapeños, olives, with a side of guacamole, and birria

The nachos were elevated by a bold combination of flavorful toppings, including spicy jalapeños, tender birria, a surprising yet delightful addition of olives, fresh pico de gallo, and a side of creamy guacamole. The dish was comforting and packed with layers of savory, spicy, and tangy flavors that made each bite an experience. It was quite a hefty portion for one person, so I was able to save half for dinner, enjoying the leftovers just as much as the first serving.

For future me, below is a list of menu items we have tried:

Appetizers

• Empanaditas
• Nachos (Birria)

Sopas Tradicionales

• Tortilla Soup
  

Main

• Burrito (Chicken Tinga)
• Chilaquiles (Chorizo)
• Enchiladas (Carnitas and Garlic Mushroom)
  
• Huaraches (Garlic Mushroom)
  
• Quesabirria
• Quesadillas

 Desserts

• Churros
  

Meat Pie, Schnitzel, and Raclette in Vancouver Christmas Market

Happy Wednesday! For dinner, we decided to visit the Vancouver Christmas Market for the third time this year, making sure to fully maximize our season pass.

I was absolutely famished, so my first order of business was to try the chicken pot pie from Meat Pie Haus. It was incredibly comforting. The shredded chicken inside was tender, juicy, and perfectly seasoned, while the rich, savoury gravy added depth to the dish. The crust, while not exactly flaky, was pleasantly sturdy, holding up well under the weight of the creamy gravy and mashed potatoes piled on top.

Chicken Pot Pie from Meat Pie Haus

After devouring the pie, we lined up at Das Schnitzel Haus for their schnitzel wrap with crunchy slaw and potato salad. It was such a fun twist on the traditional pork cutlet. The schnitzel was crispy on the outside and juicy on the inside, pairing beautifully with the tangy, crisp slaw. Wrapped in a soft tortilla, each bite was a satisfying contrast of textures, and the creamy potato salad served on the side added the perfect touch of indulgence.

Schnitzel wrap with crunchy slaw and potato salad from Das Schnitzel Haus

Following a couple of savoury dishes, we decided to treat ourselves to a sweet dessert: croffles from Pancake & Waffle Haus. I opted for icing sugar and butter, and it was absolutely glorious. The croffle was warm, light, and crisp, with the delicate sweetness of the icing sugar complementing the rich, melt-in-your-mouth butter.

Croffles from Pancake & Waffle Haus

To end the evening, we queued at the popular Cheese Me Raclette booth and got the classic raclette with baguette and salami. It was amazing. The melted cheese, smooth and slightly tangy, was spread generously over a French demi-baguette filled with savoury Italian deli meat. Each bite was a delightful, gooey indulgence—enjoyed in Vancouver, Canada, by a Filipina. How international can you get?

Classic Raclette with baguette from Cheese Me Raclette

Cheese Me Raclette

Here is a link to everything I have tried in the Vancouver Christmas Market.

Vancouver Christmas Market 2024: Food Menus and Prices

The Vancouver Christmas Market is back for 2024, bringing festive cheer, twinkling lights, and an irresistible array of delicious food and drinks. Whether you're craving traditional German fare, indulgent sweet treats, or gourmet comfort foods, this iconic holiday market offers something for everyone. To help you plan your visit, we’ve compiled a comprehensive list of food vendors, their menus, and prices to ensure you don’t miss out on the market’s culinary delights.

All prices are listed in Canadian dollars (CAD) and do not include taxes or gratuity. Please note that prices and menu items are subject to change without prior notice, so double-check with vendors during your visit. Get ready to explore the flavors of the season at the Vancouver Christmas Market!

New items have ✨ next to it. If you want to compare prices, please check the list from last year.

Vancouver Christmas Market 2024

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.

☑️ Thuringer Brat - $11.00

☑️ Bavarian Smoke - $11.00

☑️ All Beef (100%) - $12.00

☑️ Farmer Sausage - $13.00

☑️ Currywurst - $13.00

☑️ Veggie Sausage - $13.00

☑️ Cheesy Bacon Twist - $14.00

☐ Pop / Water - $3.00

Das Champignon Haus & Das Soup Haus

They share a booth.

☑️ Mom's Grilled Cheese - $10.00

☑️ Ham & Cheese Croissant - $12.00

☑️ French Onion Soup - $13.00

☑️ Roasted Tomato Soup - $13.00

☑️ Creamy Mushroom Soup - $14.00

☑️ Champignon with Garlic Sauce - $16.00 for regular and $20 for large ✨

☐ Slice of Garlic Bread - $3.00

☐ Slice of Bread - $2.00

☐ Extra Cheese - $2.00

☐ Water Bottle - $3.00

Das Kebab Haus ✨

A middle eastern flare at the Vancouver Christmas Market. This is a new food stall this year! You can choose from three sauces: BBQ, tzatziki, and spicy.

• 3 skewers for $13.00
• 5 skewers for $20.00
• 8 skewers for $28.00
• Pita Bread - $4.00

☑️ Beef

☑️ Chicken

☑️ Lamb

☑️ Pork

☑️ Veggie

☐ Pita Bread

Das Lángos 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.

☑️ Classic Lángos - $13.50

☐ Traditional Lángos - $12.50

☑️ Nutella Lángos - $11.00

☐ Plain Lángos - $9.00

☐ Extra Bacon - $2.50

☐ Cheese - $2.50

☐ Green Onion - $2.00

Das Strudel Haus

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

☐ Warm Cherry Strudel with Creme Anglaise - $15.00

☑️ Warm Apple Strudel with Creme Anglaise - $15.00

☑️ Black Forest Cake with Callebaut Chocolate - $14.00

☐ Strudel Gift Box for 2 with Creme Anglaise - $28.00

☐ Black Forest Gift Box for 2 with Callebaut Chocolate - $26.00

Meat Pie Haus and Mr. Hotcakes

Mr. Hotcakes and Meat Pie Haus shares a hut. Vegan options are available for the hotcakes.

☑️ Original hotcake with whipped cream - $10.00

☐ Original hotcake with cream cheese icing - $11.00

☐ Original hotcake with ice cream - $13.00

☑️ Chicken Pot Pie (topped with mashed potato and gravy) - $15.00 ✨

☑️ Sausage Roll (All Beef) - $12.00 ✨

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.

• Combo 1 (pretzel + bottled water) - $10.50
• Combo 2 (pretzel + dipping sauce + bottled water) - $12.50
• Bottled water - $3.00
• Dipping sauce - $2.00

☑️ Sugar & cinnamon pretzel - $8.75

☐ Salted pretzel - $8.75

Pancake & Waffle Haus

Customizable sweets are the game at the Pancake & Waffle Haus. Bottle water is $3.00

Choose your style for $8.00:

☑️ Poffertjes (10 pieces of Dutch Mini Pancakes)

☑️ Croffles (Croissant waffle)

☐ Affogato (Hot coffee on ice cream)

☐ Waffle on stick

☐ Ice cream (2 big scoops)

Choose a sauce for $1.00 each:

• Nutella
• Chocolate syrup
• Strawberry syrup
• Caramel sauce
• Maple syrup
• Condensed milk
• Butter
• Whipped cream
• Raspberry jam

Choose a topping for $1.00 each:

• Oreo crumbs
• Biscoff crumbs
• Cinnamon Sugar
• M&M
• Marshmallow
• Cinnamon crunch
• Coconut
• Sprinkles
• Add ice cream +$3.00
• Add banana +$2.00
• Add strawberry +$2.00

Below is a list of popular creations:

☐ Icing sugar & butter - $9.00

☐ Raspberry jam & marshmallow - $10.00

☐ Caramel sauce & biscoff crumbs - $10.00

☐ Condensed milk & cinnamon - $10.00

☐ Strawberry syrup & coconut - $10.00

☐ Nutella & peanut - $10.00

☐ Chocolate syrup oreo - $10.00

☐ Nutella banana - $11.00

☐ Nutella strawberry - $11.00

☐ Strawberry syrup banana - $11.00

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.

☑️ Large Deep Fried Squid Tentacle - $19.00

☑️ Small Deep Fried Squid Tentacle - $16.00

☐ Deep Fried Whole Squid - $13.00

☐ Deep Fried Shrimp - $16.00

Cheese Me Raclette

Raclette is molten Swiss cheese skillfully scraped onto potatoes, enhancing the festive ambiance with its rich, savoury allure. Vegetarian iotions are available upon requested.

☑️ Gourmet Raclette with Potatoes - $21.91

☑️ Classic Raclette with Baguette - $17.15

☐ Caciocavallo Grilled Cheese - $17.15

☑️ Cheese Me Chowder - $15.24

☐ Add Charcuteries - $8.58

☐ Add Melted Raclette Cheese - $8.58

Das Apfel Haus

They serve apfel (apple cider).

☑️ Non-alcoholic cider - $5.00

☐ Spiked cider - $9.95

☐ 2024 Collectible Mug - $9.50

Das Kartoffelhaus - The Hurricane Potato

It's all potato at the Kartouffel Haus, which offers kartoffelpuffer (potato pancakes) and Hurricane Potato. The German potato pancakes are vegan friendly and are served with apple sauce & sour cream.

The hurricane potato is $11.00 while a zuccini version is $14.00.

☐ Kartoffelpuffer - $14.00

☐ Kartoffelpuffer with smoked salmon - $19.00

☐ Kartoffelpuffer with brie cheese - $19.00

☑️ Kartoffelpuffer with smoked salmon and brie cheese - $23.00

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.

☑️ Schnitzel wrap with crunchy slaw & potato salad - $23.00

☑️ Viennese pork schnitzel with potato salad - $18.00

☑️ German pork schnitzel with potato salad and gravy - $19.00

☐ Bottled water - $3.00

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.

☑️ Tender beef stew - $16.00 + bread bowl for $2.00

☑️ Vegan potato stew - $14.00 + breadbowl for $2.00

☐ Water - $3.00

Haxen Haus

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

☑️ Half pork hock with sauerkraut and rye bread - $17.00

☑️ Whole pork hock with sauerkraut and rye bread - $34.00

☑️ Pork hock sandwich topped with sauerkraut - $11.00

☐ Side of sauerkraut (veggies) - $4.00

☐ Pop / water - $3.00

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.

☐ Fruit skewers (mixed skewers) - $9.50

☐ Marshmallow skewer - $6.50

☐ Chocolate covered apples - $12.00

☐ Chocolate covered banana - $11.00

☐ Chocolate covered pineapple slices - $10.00

☑️ Chocolate covered pretzel rods - $6.00

☐ Kids marshmallow - $2.00

☐ Hot chocolate - $7.00

☐ Oat milk hot chocolate - $8.00

☐ Whipping cream / mini marshmallows - $1.00

Helmis Perogies

Vegetarian option is available for their only menu item. It is served with crumbled farmer's sausage from Rempel Meats in Abbotsford, sour cream, sauerkraut, and grilled onions.

☑️ Potato and Cheddar Perogies - $17.00

Das Späetzle Haus

Späetzle are soft egg noodles, often pan-fried for a delightful crispness, bringing a taste of European tradition to the festive atmosphere.

☐ Homemade späetzle - $18.10

☑️ Späetzle with mushroom sauce - $22.86

☐ Add bacon bits - $1.90

☐ Add double cheese - $6.67

☐ Add truffle mushroom - $2.86

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.

☑️ Cinnamon sugar or sugar - 3 for $8.00

☑️ Cinnamon sugar or sugar - 6 for $14.00

☐ Caramel sauce - +$1.00

☐ Chocolate drizzle - +$1.00

☐ Whipped cream - +$1.00

☐ Oreo crumble - +$1.00

☐ Nutella - +$2.00

☐ Maple syrup - +$2.00

☐ Coffee cream - +$2.00

Transylvanian Chimney Cakes

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

☐ Walnut chimney cake - $13.00

☐ Coconut chimney cake - $13.00

☑️ Cinnamon sugar chimney cake - $13.00

☐ Almond chimney cake - $13.00

☐ Add Nutella - +$3.00

☐ Add lemon curd - +$2.00

☐ Add apple cinnamon - +$2.00

☐ Add black forest cherry - +$2.00

Onion Rings from Boston Pizza

It's all-day happy hour at Boston Pizza, which means I can order all my favorites—Cactus Cut Potatoes and Boston Pizza nachos.

Onion Rings from Boston Pizza

We also decided to try their onion rings as part of my goal to try everything on the menu. The onion rings have a perfectly crispy, golden-brown exterior that offers a satisfying crunch with every bite. Inside, the sweet, tender onion adds a delicious contrast to the crisp coating, creating a balanced flavor and texture that’s both savory and slightly sweet.

Below is a list of menu items I’ve tried from BP.

Apps & Shareables

• Bandera Pizza Bread
• Cactus Cut Potatoes (my favourite!)
• Classic Nachos with BBQ Chicken
• Classic Nachos with Seasoned Ground Beef
• Classic Nachos with Spicy Chicken
• French Onion Soup
• Garlic Parmesan Fries
• Onion Rings
• Spinach and Artichoke Dip
• Thai Bites (part of The Triple Play)
• The Triple Play

Pizza

• Boston Royal Pizza
• Carbonara Pizza
• Deluxe
• Great White North
• Loaded Pepperoni & Bacon Squarefooter Pizza
• The Meator
• Mediterranean Pizza
• Pepperoni Pizza
• Spicy Perogy Pizza (I highly recommend!)
• Tropical Chicken

Pasta

• Boston's Lasagna

Sides

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes

Desserts

• Chocolate Explosion
• Salted Caramel Panookie

Seasonal

• Barbacoa Nachos
• Breakfast Pizza
• Southwest Breakfast Bowl
• Summer Pesto Chicken Pizza
• Tour of Italy

Tiramisu Cake from Waves Coffee House

It was a gorgeous Sunday morning when my parents, my sister and her boyfriend, and my husband and I went to Waves Coffee House on West Broadway to hang out.

Tiramisu from Waves Coffee House

Hubby and I shared a slice of tiramisu cake. It wasn't overly sweet, with just the right balance of rich coffee flavor and velvety layers of mascarpone cream. The cake itself was perfectly soft, each bite melting in your mouth. The dusting of cocoa powder on top added a subtle bitterness that complemented the sweetness of the cream, making for a delightful, well-rounded dessert.

Below our Waves food and drinks we have tried:

Food

• A La Capresse Sandwich
• Bacon and Egg Bagel Sandwich
• Breakfast Bagel
• Calzone Classic Italian
• Chicken Fajitas Wrap
• Chicken Pesto Sandwich
• Double Chocolate Muffin
• Ganache Decadence Cake
• Ham and Cheese Sandwich
• Italian Calzone
• Lemon Poppyseed Zucchini Muffin
• Lumberjack Breakfast Wrap
• Lemon Coconut Macaroon Bar
• Nanaimo Bar
• Oatmeal Cookie
• Spinach Feta Bistro
• Sticky Toffee Pudding
• Tiramisu

Drinks

• Blue Spirulina Coconut Frapp-eh
• Dark Chocolate Belgian Mocha
• Hazelnut Mocha Frapp-eh
• Iced Dark Chocolate
• Mango Fruit Shake
• Matcha Frapp-eh
• Salted Caramel Eggnog Latte
• Salted Caramel Mocha
• Toffee Nut Latte
• White Chocolate Belgian Mocha