Why Richmond, BC Is a Must-Visit for Foodies and Culture Lovers

Richmond, BC is hands down one of my favourite cities to visit.

It is part of the Greater Vancouver Area (GVA), but it really holds its own. It’s home to YVR (Vancouver International Airport), so if you’re flying commercial into Vancouver, you’ve already stepped into Richmond. It’s also just a short SkyTrain ride from downtown Vancouver, and a quick drive to the U.S. border – convenient for everyone from backpackers to bubble tea chasers.

The Food Scene in Richmond is Unreal

Let’s just say… arrive hungry. Richmond has one of the most vibrant and diverse food scenes in all of Canada. And it’s not just about how much food there is — it’s about how authentic, flavourful, and joy-inducing it all is. From hole-in-the-wall noodle joints to beautifully plated dim sum, the city is basically a live-action food tour.

Richmond is especially known for its authentic Chinese cuisine, including regional styles like Shanghainese, Sichuan, Hunan, Huaiyang, and Hong Kong/Cantonese, among many others.

I’ve eaten my way across Richmond more times than I can count. My YouTube videos below feature some of the restaurants I visited in 2024 and 2025. That’s not even including the snacks I forgot to film because I was too busy inhaling them 😊.

Here’s the thing: because Richmond is so close to Vancouver and other GVA cities, you’re never far from your next great meal. There are no boring bites here – only regrets about not ordering the second round of dumplings.

And yes, The Crystal Mall is in Burnaby, BC — but it’s close enough to sneak into my Richmond adventures too. It’s the largest Chinese-Asian mall in Burnaby, with tons of restaurants, shops, a public market, and a food court. The distance between the two cities is just over 20 km. Once you’re in this part of the GVA, everything delicious is just a short ride away.

What to Do Between Meals

In addition to amazing food, Richmond has a lot to offer. You’ll find quaint shops, seafood spots, buddhist temples and ocean views that make you forget you’re still in a major city.

Steveston, by the way, is like stepping into a movie set. Actually, it was a TV set – “Once Upon a Time” fans might recognize it as Storybrooke.

Need to stretch your legs even more? Hop on the SkyTrain and you can be at Canada Place in no time. I’ve got a video showing just that: getting from Richmond to Vancouver with ease, plus some beautiful clips around the waterfront.

For more information, visit Tourism Richmond website: https://www.visitrichmondbc.com/

How to take SkyTrain to Vancouver and other GVA cities: https://www.translink.ca/schedules-and-maps/skytrain

In addition to downtown Vancouver, Stanley Park, Granville Island is one of the must-stop place to visit in Vancouver. Check out my Granville Island blog post: https://theposhfoodie.com/category/restaurants-in-richmond-and-vancouver-bc/

Final Thoughts

Richmond is the kind of place that makes you rethink what airport layovers are for. It’s vibrant, delicious, and full of surprises. Whether you’re a foodie, a fan of cultural experiences, or just someone who loves exploring new places on foot – Richmond is worth your time.