Designer Dining Series

BAMBUDDA

On the outskirts of Gastown, one of our funkiest “burrows” in Vancouver, lives a modern and exciting treat of a restaurant. Just over one year old BAMBUDDA is a glorious merging of traditional Chinese ingredients and flavours married with classical a French cookery style. The easiest way to explain this concept is “elevated French dim sum,” however this is way too simple an interpretation.

The name can be synthesized using “BAM” from Bamboo and “BUDDA” from Buddha. Owner Ray Loy has derived a strong and spiritual approach to cuisine derived from some of his favourite aspects of his culture and upbringing. The kitchen and bar work closely together to offer guests beautifully designed food and beverages telling fanciful stories through smell and taste. A true culinary experience awaits you as soon as you sit down!

With such exceptional fare one might not want to look away from the artful platings or ingenious drink garnishes, but so much more is to be had! At first look the outside could be described as non-descript, unless you visit in the summer… Giant bi-fold windowed doors open to reveal the polished jade marble L-shaped bar with simple metal accented stools and lit by an array of glowing spheres and adorned with adorable red Chinese lanterns above. Inside the dining room itself you are surrounded by lush botanical wallpaper and lighting choices that look plucked from a Gatsby-esque Hollywood film. Deep wood choices for simple and surprisingly comfortable chairs placed under high gloss rich green lacquered tables with various Chinese motif accents embedded into the centers line the banquette cushioned seating which wraps one full side of the restaurant in a softer mossy green. All throughout you will find little Chinese vases, wall hangings, and symbols artfully displayed and arranged adding a modern meets classical feel all complimenting the grander scheme of wallpaper and paint. The tones and accent choices culminate to warm you, hold you, and give you an ease and comfort whether you happen to be one of three tables on a slow Sunday or if you’re elbow to elbow with the masses that flock to this neighborhood favourite on a busy Friday.

Sample a collection of classically shaken drinks “shaken-up” a bit more, infusing Chinese spices into bourbon, featuring syrups or rose, hibiscus, and lavender, and native teas steeped into liquor. The drink list is to inspire and confound, to give you a series of flavours imagined by only the most skilled bartenders. The dishes you will encounter, not only served out to you in jaw dropping displays, but with such balanced flavours to keep you begging for more! The delicacy of confit styles and light braises, simple jus and complex sauces all lead to an unbeatable experience.  

For a few drinks timed with the setting of the sun in a beautifully historic portion of our city or for dinner and cocktails until the sun rises again you will find your dining zen!