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Kam Gok Yuen
Categories: Restaurants Chinese Restaurants Barbeque Chinese, Barbeque [Edit]
142 E Pender StVancouver, BC V6A 1T3
Neighbourhood: Chinatown
(604) 683-3822
- Hours:
Mon-Sun 10:30 am - 8 pm
- Good for Kids:
- Yes
- Accepts Credit Cards:
- No
- Parking:
- Street
- Attire:
- Casual
- Good for Groups:
- Yes
- Price Range:
-
$
- Takes Reservations:
- No
- Delivery:
- No
- Take Away:
- Yes
- Waiter Service:
- Yes
- Outdoor Seating:
- No
- Wi-Fi:
- No
- Good For:
- Lunch, Dinner
- Alcohol:
- No
- Noise Level:
- Average
- Ambience:
- Casual
- Has TV:
- No
- Caters:
- No
- Wheelchair Accessible:
- Yes
29 reviews for Kam Gok Yuen
Review Highlights
"Make sure you come early to get your BBQ pork."
(in 10 reviews)
"No frills - Great Soup."
(in 4 reviews)
"...true to the locals this wonton noodle house serves the best..."
(in 3 reviews)
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29 reviews in English
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Review from Louise G.
Updated - 1/29/2012 3 photos
Yay for return visits that are even better than the ones that preceeded it!!! It is a nice testament to a restaurant that you enjoy it enough to return, as there are a lot of choices out there and it is not always in the budget to eat out as often as one might want to. But regardless of how often you do eat out, a delicious meal and reliable service makes the choice so easy and the rewards so enjoyable.
This weekend I returned to Kam Gok Yuen, which I already knew had some great food including some of the best BBQ meats in Chinatown and possibly the Lower Mainland. So why would we go to this restaurant and not order a BBQ dish? Because we like to go with our hunches and feed our hungers and our thoughts leaned towards singapore noodles and deep fried spicy salty squid. Two favourites of ours. And as luck would have it we got two of the best versions of these two plates we'd ever had. Best Squid (pic: http://www.yelp.ca/biz... ) and Best Singapore noodles (pic: http://www.yelp.ca/biz... )
The squid was tender and juicy on the inside and the batter and seasonings were thick and delicious. A perfect coating with just the right amount of seasoning and salt. I've eaten a lot of deep friend squid over the years and this was the best I've ever had. Enjoyed it very much.
The noodles were perfect texture and brilliant seasoning. All of the veggies were the perfect texture. Not too soft, not too hard; the onions, peppers and sprouts were wonderful. The shrimps were large, plentiful, and perfectly cooked. The perfect amount of egg. The BBQ pork pieces were tiny little showcases of the specialty of the place: it's BBQ. I've also eaten a lot of noodles in my years, and these were the best I've ever had.
Reasonably priced. Prompt service (lightning speed for items off the BBQ menu). Cash only.Listed in: 30-Day Challenge, becomes 365…, There and Back Again, Food Porn
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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12/30/2009
Made a quick choice to try this restaurant after we found that seating was limited in our first… Read more »
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Review from Niko D.
Vancouver, BC
1/9/2012 2 Check-ins Here
As per my quick tips...
Make sure you get there before its too late. The BBQ pork runs out around 5ish!
The cuts of pork are actually quite lean. It is still ridiculously juicy though. I love the sweet soya sauce and a little bit of green onion/ginger paste on top top.
You can't go wrong for 5.60! YUM...
Make sure you bring CASH! They don't accept anything else.
Very friendly staff !
Just ask for Tsa Sui Fan! 3 words of amazingness! ha ha -
Review from Edward L.
Kam Gok Yuen is an institution in Chinatown. It's been here forever, and many Asians in the older generation grew up in this place.
Parking sucks (stupid Vancouver 2200 metering), so hopefully you can find a spot a few blocks away.
The interior is seriously dated. It screams 1980s, with the Chinese fans and artwork on the walls. Of course, the green paint doesn't help.
The waitress was friendly, and talked to us like we were her children. Aww..
Their claim to fame is BBQ duck. Unfortunately we missed the last of it by a couple of minutes. This is a sign of how good it is. Oh well, next time.
Not sure if it's a permanent special, but try the "4 bo fan" (4 treasure rice). It had soy chicken, BBQ pork, roast pork (siu yook), and salted eggs. Too bad there was no duck, or you'd get the Royal Sampler. The pork here is something special. The BBQ pork was super tender and moist, and the roast pork had a crispy but light skin. Most other places make the skins hard as a rock and super brittle (both bad).
Their "lo mein" is fantastic. Bouncy feel, delicious MSG flavour. Oh baby.
The only dish that was a bit off was the curry chicken. For this one, Mui Garden is better.
Our orders came with melon soup. This was good, though the melons were a bit undercooked.
I'm hoping this place keeps operating for years. One day, when I have kids, they're growing up here as well. -
Review from Jordan H.
9/6/2011
Great BBQ, great noodle soup. I've been a few times and I just keep ordering the same thing. I'll branch out soon.
I really want to give this place 5 stars, but I'll hold off until I feel like I know more about the chinese cafe competition.
Cash only -
Review from Lans S.
8/5/2011
Meh...
I'm not sure how this place earned itself 4 stars, but this generous rating lured us in for lunch. We were starving, and after an active morning exploring the wild outdoors at Capilano Suspension Bridge, it was high time to sit down and enjoy a tasty bite.
We ordered the bbq duck w/rice dish, which was quickly served and reasonably well-prepared.
Our 2nd dish, Shanghai Noodles w/Pork, took about 40 minutes to arrive. After waiting for about 20 minutes, I took it upon myself to do some investigation. The waitstaff made it seem as if the kitchen was slammed and the noodles were on the way.
The kitchen clearly wasn't slammed; there were only about 20% of the tables occupied, and those arriving long after us were being served.
So, after another 10-15 minutes passed, my partner does some investigating for himself, just to see where in tarnation our noodles are.
The waitress says we ordered big noodles, and they take time to cook! Right.
We immediately hear the recognizable sound of wok stir-frying and within 3 minutes, out comes our dish. At least the taste was consistent with the service! -
Review from Vicky L.
2/22/2011
Meh is exactly how I felt about my lunch. My wonton and roast duck noodles was nothing more than a filler for my hungry tummy. The wontons and the soup were both quite msg~y and my duck was really quite chewy. Boy was I glad I don't have denture!
I am not sure why it is so famous, especially since I walked pass a drug trade between two homeless people 2 street down on my way there from Gas town. Then Linzi M. told me afterwards that the area between Gas town and Chinatown was way dodge. This venture into Old China Town thing was just so not worth it.
Meh. -
Review from Liwei Y.
9/25/2011 1 photo
Pretty good authentic food. Good soup and good congee. Thought the preserved egg and pork congee here was one of the best I've had and it's cheap! It was flavorful and really thick :)
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Review from Daniel L.
12/14/2010 2 Check-ins Here
Old and true to the locals this wonton noodle house serves the best in class warm Ginger Milk Desert -OMG- its a custard creamy desert thats melts in your mouth... you gotta have one...
Oh and for regular chow this Kam Gok Yuen is a staple for the locals of all walks but mostly the asians as its been around for years great value and a true HK noodle house. -
Review from Stevie C.
Vancouver, BC
5/8/2011
When i think of Cantonese cafe restaurant I think of this place. I really enjoy their Chow Fun, noodle soups, and rice combos with bbq pork. You cant' go wrong with the different meats hanging for you to see outside.
My favorite dish it the dao chie mien- knife cut noodles with bbq pork in it, with extra noodles! -
Review from Stephanie C.
10/6/2010
This is a good no frills, Chinese joint. Stopped by for lunch while in Chinatown doing the touristy thing. My parents and I were visiting Vancouver from NYC and my Mom is adamant we visit all Chinatowns.... Vancouver's is so nice and clean compared to NYC's haha. With room for the nice Sun Yat Sen Garden in the middle. Surprisingly there are not a whole lot of restaurants.. but Kam Gok Yuen turned out to be the primary spot to hit on.
Everything here is very Canto style. As I read, I got the BBQ duck soup ( I don't eat pork!)- The duck was a little dry, but I enjoyed the broth- really freshly homecooked. It was really nice and fresh too- not at all too salty and tasted MSG free (a rarity for C-town), and the noodles were plentiful. I really liked the choice of noodle here- the really stringy, thin lo mein egg noddles sitting in the hot broth with my BBQ duck. Good- I'm sure the pork would have mastered this. But in the end.. I don' t know.. I know people are going to hate me but it was just dry and just ok. For the Yelp reviews I was expecting some Peking Duck style moistness to that dry. I know it's not the same at BBQ but I don't know- I've had better BBQ duck.
Mom had the chicken hot pot (I apologize my memory is hazy so I don't know if it was called that per se)- which was good too. Spicy, hot chicken! The only bad thing was that the entrees didn't come with rice, you had to order that seperately. And there was no brown rice option - good and bad. Good to know it's not an Americanized place (trust as I abruptly learned a week later in Seattle, they have places in Ctown that serve brown rice!). But bad of course because Chinatown is never healthy...
Anyway, Dad got the Canto style Shrimp- this was just a bunch of corn starch laced shrimp on top of a bed of veggies. A little on the greasy side. This was my least favorite dish- but that's just due to personal preference because I'm not crazy about those Corn Starch type of dishes. This didn't come with rice either....whack.
In the end, this review is about the beef I had with the BBQ. It was good but not all cracked up it's to be. There honsestly was a serious buzz around this, and I thought it was just ok. Nice portion though- and by that I mean, not too much!
We ate cheaply, for about $35 in total. Not bad, but not the best for value. Would I come back? Sure but mainly because there are not many restaurants super near by. Just a lot of bakeries!
Of course it was cheapo so no complains there. The service was fast, Chinatown service- pretty standard. I do cringe when people say they hold parties here because it's nice and clean but not that nice and clean. I wish Vancouver's Ctown had more highly rated places- if I came to visit though, I'd definitely stop by for some fast, decent BBQ meat and noodle soup. -
Review from Anthony F.
Vancouver, BC
Updated - 6/6/2010
I ate in here like 3 times in the last 3 weeks. I'd almost step over my own mother to get a bowl of rice noodles with BBQ duck and BBQ pork ($6), with a side of gai lan (Chinese broccoli) in oyster sauce ($1). Each table has tasty chili oil which I douse generously over the smoky slices of meat.
This place is a slam dunk, son!Listed in: Chopsticks not chopsuey
1 Previous Review: Show all »
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3/16/2010
Background: I grew up around Vancouver Chinatown.
Food: This place is known for its BBQ pork, which… Read more »
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Review from Will K.
Vancouver, BC
9/25/2010
I have read good reviews about this place and since Chinatown would be worth visiting, a good chow would be a must. Went out of this place sad. Really, really sad because... I did not order a BBQ dish!
Authentically Chinese, I saw the roasted duck and pork displays from the outside of the window. They looked tasty and tender.
Of course I wanted to go for the BBQ and rice or noodle, but one item caught my attention, which was named "House Special RIce". I did not know what it was but the name sounded convincing.
Service was rather fast (about 7 mins) and the table was served a rather generous portion of rice with various items (mushroom, bok choi, squid, chicken, and two pieces of pork roast) with a salt clear sauce (About 11 CAD).
With a side order of salty Chinese doughnut, I ended up with a full belly. Both items were quite delicious and decently priced. Tea is always served with food.
I should have ordered a full BBQ dish. The two bits of BBQ in the plate were so tasty and tender that it deserves another visit ASAP. Could as well ask for half a roasted duck for myself only.
Strangely, I saw that some patrons did not leave a tip after leaving. I put some, anyways, because the service was quick and I had all the tea I wanted.
Go for it, but do not miss the BBQ or you'll regret it!!
Careful, they only accept cash. -
Review from Diesel Y.
Vancouver, BC
4/18/2009
My new favorite place for WonTon Soup!!
This place is authentic and cool in its own way!!
Lots of Duck and Pork being cut up, fresh soup being made within steps of the front door!! No frills - Great Soup!!
$4.99 for a bowl to go - can't beat it!! -
Review from Claudia L.
Burnaby, BC
11/8/2008 1 photo
Legendary God of Char Sui.
This is no Chinese emperor palace of a restaurant but before you judge my first 5 star rating, trust me when I say it's the best g-damn Char Sui (aka BBQ Pork) in all of Vancouver. It's just so FRIGGIN' GOOD! Usually sold out or you gotta come back for new batch. Delicious paired with wonton noodle soup or a fresh bowl of rice.
Atmosphere: Pricelessly ghetto, the kind of place you would take your kids to experience Chinese culture.Listed in: A Banana's Guide, Get Your Slurp On
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Review from Rachael T.
Toronto, ON
6/19/2009
MmmMMmMM good ol' Chinese Food.... what a way to enjoy a birthday dinner with my one and only 'Food Pervert' haha.. we ordered BBQ pork on rice, Wonton Lo mein (which is the same as Wonton noodle soup, except the soup is removed and you pour in the soup base by yourself... for a less watery base)... and a plate of oyster sauce with gai lan.
Their hot sauce was HOT.. and at times, I felt bad for not keeping the conversation going because the food was so good.
Make sure you come early to get your BBQ pork.. because once it's gone.. you have to wait the next day! and trust me.. it has happened to me before :( -
Review from Steven M.
Vancouver, BC
8/27/2010
Since when does BBQ Pork taste so good that it makes a restaurant worth going to?
Since this place. -
Review from Brian L.
7/11/2010
Yum - good barbecued items. A sizeable portion for the Canadian price, I'd come back. But on my 2 item with rice order, it didn't even come with a few bits of napa - just rice and meat. Now, I'm not trying to ask for a lot of rabbit food, but most Chinese places at least garnish it with something.
Bottom line: food was tasty! -
Review from Lori O.
Surrey, BC
2/18/2009 1 photo
The BBQ pork at this place is pretty freakin' amazing. It is the best I've had in Vancouver, but then I haven't been tried it at all that many places.
I agree with Claudia that it has a charming ghetto quality. My friend and I appeared to be the only non-Chinese eating there. The feel of the place really reminded me of some of the places I dined at in Beijing. It might be a bit too ghetto for food snobs, but I like it.
The service wasn't great. My friend was served his meal 5 minutes before I was served mine. And we had to be a little pro-active to get our bill, but it was worth it to feel like I was transported back to China for an hour.
The BBQ pork was the best of the food we ordered. Although the black bean beef chop suey was decent enough. We also had the BBQ duck, but it was only so-so compared to what I've had at other places.
But if you're meandering through Chinatown, be sure to stop here for to nibble on some tasty BBQ pork and to drink in an authentic Chinese dining experience.Listed in: Chinatown Walking Tour: My…
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Review from Lindsay Q.
6/3/2011
My mom and I went here for lunch recently based on the great Yelp reviews. But we were disappointed. We both ordered wonton soup and the soups were so smelly and overboiled that they were not edible. Then we ordered chow fun noodles with beef and the onions in the noodle dish were burned. So, the entire noodle dish tasted charcoaled. On top of that, the woman at the cash register told us we had to pay an extra fee because we used American dollars, even though we used US money all week in Vancouver and no one else ever charged us any fee at all. Overall, our experience with Kam Gok Yuen was disappointing and I wouldn't recommend it for tourists who only have time for one meal in Chinatown.
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Review from Adelina W.
Richmond, BC
2/17/2010
I was in Chinatown in search of good eats when I found this on Yelp and I'm so glad I did. Its been a number of years since I've gone to Chinatown for food, but this place brought back memories of childhood. The restaurant is a no-frills place, with communal tables in the middle and seats along the wall. As you enter, you're hit with the delicious smells of chinese BBQ and noodles. On one side of the entry way is a stall dedicated to putting together noodle dishs and on the other is the butcher. The whole place smelled ridiculously good.
I ordered the soy chicken with ho fun. The soy chicken was was tender and moist. It had tons of flavour. The ho fun was just okay. The soup base wasn't that good but adding a couple drops of chili oil brought out more of the taste. Also got wonton noodles and they were okay. The wontons aren't as big or tasty as some other places, but it was still decent. Finally we got a dish of veggies: mushrooms with seasonal veggies which were bok choy. Nothing spectacular, but it served its purpose.
If I'm back in Chinatown anytime soon, I'll definitely come back for some duck and noodles! -
Review from NANCY L.
11/8/2009 2 photos
Right next to New Town...
They still have the best noodle (ho fun) in town.
Price is cheap with friendly service.
During my last visit, I saw the hot of the "grill" soy sauce chicken rolling out on a cart. My eyes and nose kept on following the cart. I immediately ordered a dish. The soy sauce chicken is authentic taste. The sweetness is just right and chicken meat is warm and tender to the bite. This is as authentic as you can get.
Note: A lot of Asian BBQ place will sell soy sauce chicken, but they are often too sweet or too salty, the color is too dark or too pale and the chicken meat is not tender or too fat. So, yes. This is the bomb.
Again, cash only. -
Review from Hanna C.
Vancouver, BC
9/11/2010
confession: i've only ever had the bbq pork here. it is fantastic. char siu here is delicious and addicting.
like today, i meant only to stop into a nearby bank for a quick withdrawal. somehow, i found myself at KGY, ordering some bbq pork to go.
as others have noted, this resto is known for its bbq; so much so, the cook on the other side (responsible for "other" non-bbq dishes) is often found sitting idly on the sidelines. but i don't think he minds, we all know who the star of the show is here.Listed in: Go-To Goodness
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Review from Billy L.
Port Coquitlam, BC
7/31/2010 5 Check-ins Here
I don't give a lot of 5 star reviews but I just had it again today. Growing up with Chinese food, kam gok yuen was always a favorite place for our family. Everything in this place is amazing. It's Chinese fast food without the suck. Wontons are awesome, BBQ meats are awesome, noodles are awesome. I don't think I can underline how AWESOME this place is for noodles, congee, and meats. If you are Asian like myself you would share the same feelings as I. In comparison to HONS noodles house, there is no comparison, Kam Gok Yuen is the best in BC.
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Review from Mike r.
Vancouver, BC
7/27/2010
Ordered take out the other night.
You must order the BBQ pork otherwise don't even bother. I ordered the BBQ duck which was decent but the pork was way better.
BBQ pork costs $7.50 a lb, which is a pretty good deal since its soo tasty.
I also order some Chinese broccoli which was also yummy.
Overall a pretty good deal and fairly tasty. -
Review from Pete S.
Vancouver, BC
3/26/2010
Solid Chinese BBQ. wicked price and super delicious. great for takeaway.
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Review from Michael C.
Vancouver, BC
10/6/2009
Don't let the run down looking place fool you as I overheard some tourist passed it by because of this. The two things that stand out the most about this place is the BBQ pork(Maybe the best in town), and their wontons are just outstanding. This place is just a rocking for lunch so either come earlier or later. I usually take out and have steamed rice ready at home for their BBQ pork. Parking can be a real challenge around here and it's cash only so forget about your plastic here. The beef brisket looks nice I have to try it sometime.
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Review from Jeffrey S.
Vancouver, BC
6/24/2010
Love this place but closes at 8pm. It's was quiet from 7-8pm. Great Chinese curry beef! And Wontons!
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Review from L. C.
7/23/2010
Service was good, many locals in and out fast. No frills, simple restaurant with very good tasting food. Fed two for $13, and we were satisfied and full. The pan fried noodles were some of the best we ever had.
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Review from Katy N.
3/17/2009
Wow, I haven't ate here since I was a little girl when I used to order their "sui kau" aka dumplings.....would not return cuz I don't want to get sick eating in Chinatown!!!
