Vancouver Foodie Tours Is Back

Vancouver’s top-rated food tour company, Vancouver Foodie Tours, is relaunching after a two-year pandemic hiatus with two food tours: the iconic Granville Island Market, and the new Authentic Asian Eats. We chatted with founder Michelle Ng to find out more! —Noa Nichol

Hi Michelle! When and why did you launch Vancouver Foodie Tours? What niche were/are you aiming to fill?

I launched VFT in 2010 out of a desire to engage with my community, and to generate appreciation for the vibrant restaurants and talented chefs we have in the city. My desire was to show the local community the amazing culinary scene we have in our own backyard.

After a pandemic pause, are you happy to be back?! What tours are currently offered? And tell us about your new tour, Authentic Asian Eats!

We are thrilled to relaunch VFT after pausing for two years. We are currently offering two tours, the Granville Island Market Tour, and the Authentic Asian Eats Tour. The Authentic Asian Eats Tour is created to shine a spotlight on the world-class Asian dining scene in Richmond. Richmond may seem hard to access for the unaccustomed. The large menu with what seems like a never-ending list of options mostly in Chinese, and the loud buzzing room that is often packed, can be overwhelming even for the savvy locals. This tour provides unprecedented access and empowers visitors and locals to explore the gourmet gems that abound in Richmond. Led by an expert local foodie who is well-versed with the maze of restaurants and local customs, guests enjoy a fascinating introduction to the culinary delights of Richmond. This will be an experience coveted by both visitors and locals who love a good adventure and getting outside their comfort zone for a truly authentic experience that is otherwise only found in Asia.

What are some surprising things that may happen on one of these tours, that people may not know about?

People join Foodie Tours to experience the food a city is known for. However, when they finish the tour, guests are often amazed and surprised by the new connections and friendships they have made during the tour. Guests who join a Foodie Tour feel like VIPs. They bypass lineups and walk up to busy food establishments that are ready and waiting with the signature dishes they are best known for. People are also surprised by how helpful it is to start their trip with a Foodie Tour, as opposed to experiencing it in the middle or end of a trip. Our tours are a great way to get acquainted with the city and receive fantastic food recommendations across the city.

Do you have a favourite tour, personally?

Well, that’s a tough question, as it’s like asking me to pick my favourite child! As a long-time (30-plus years) resident of Richmond, I’d have to say I’m most excited about the Authentic Asian Eats Tour. There are so many hidden gems in the city that food lovers will enjoy so so much. Most people just need someone to help them navigate and introduce them to Richmond’s asian food scene. I look forward to empowering locals and visitors to explore Richmond on their own after joining us for a tour.

As one of Vancouver’s top foodies, where or what is your absolutely fave thing to eat?!

The chilli wontons on the Authentic Asian Eats Tour. I’ve been going there since I was a kid, and it’s the best there is, hands down.

foodietours.ca