REVIEW | Five Fusion Restaurants in Vancouver

Photo Credit: Ian Lanterman/St. Lawrence via Conde Nest Traveler

The term “fusion cuisine” refers to bringing together ingredients from different cultures and merging recipes. The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) recognized Macanese cuisine as the world's first ever fusion food. Macanese cuisine traces back 450 years to the small Asian city of Macau, and it combines Portuguese and Chinese food. 

While fusion cuisine has been around for centuries, it has recently become popular in Vancouver. Vancouver is known for its diverse and dynamic food scene, so it is no surprise fusion restaurants do well in the city. With local produce and fresh seafood, restaurants have access to excellent ingredients with which to experiment. Here are five fusion restaurants in Vancouver you should consider trying:

Say Mercy! — 4298 Fraser Street

Fusion: Italian x American Barbeque

Cost: $$

Food to Try:

BBQ Bolo: The hearty classic bolognese is fused with pancetta (smoked pork butt), and grana padano compliments the spaghetti beautifully. This appetizer is so delicious it was recognized by the Michelin guide.

Half Creole Hen: This iconic American staple of creole sauce and braised collard greens includes Milanese risotto to balance the seasoning of the chicken.

Chicken Fried Mushroom: A clever vegetarian play on the Southern chicken fried steak, this comes with lion’s mane mushrooms, parsley oil, and chicory.

Rocket Pop Semifreddo: This is a sweet and tart dessert, consisting of cherry mousse and lime curd topped with white chocolate, milk crumble, and raspberries. This treat not only pays homage to an exemplary Italian dessert, but also evokes Western childhood nostalgia.

Café de L’Orangerie — 1320 West 73rd Avenue

Fusion: French x Japanese

Cost: $$

Food to Try:

Octopus Karaage: Crispy, bite sized pieces of marinated octopus are deep-fried to make a perfect appetizer. This dish hails from Japan, and is a seafood version of chicken karaage. (Note: this is not a fusion dish, it is fully Japanese).

Clam Chowder: This warm, familiar soup is made with a homemade cream base. The delicate seafood is balanced with crunchy croutons. (Note: this is not a fusion dish, it is fully French).

Hayashi and Spaghetti with Hamburger Steak: This tasty main dish is made with l’Orangerie style beef stew, creamy spaghetti, and a hamburger steak.

Salmon Fry: Two pieces of deep-fried breaded Atlantic salmon filet are paired with a side of homemade tartar sauce. Rice and a salad accompany this seafood dish.

Grapefruit Cheesecake: This delectable dessert features a tangy pink grapefruit glaze, and is a fruity twist on an original cheesecake.

Rice Burger — 2630 Sasamat St

Fusion: American with a Japanese Twist

Cost: $$

Food to Try:

Farmhouse Burger: In the restaurant’s signature dish, rice is used in place of a burger bun, which is an ingenious and appetizing twist on a regular burger. Inside there is beef, chicken, and pork: a perfect meal for when you’re really hungry. Of course, no burger is complete without the classic toppings: lettuce, onion, and tomato are added as well. 

Popcorn Chicken Bowl: Rice, salad, salty kimchi, and corn are added to this hearty bowl, which is topped with crispy popcorn chicken. This bowl works well as a takeout meal.

Kimchi Fries: If you want to stop by for a snack instead of a meal, try the spicy kimchi fries, a unique side dish and Rice Burger bestseller.

Torafuku — 958 Main St

Fusion: Pan-Asian (influences from throughout Asia, including Taiwan)

Cost: $$

Food to Try:

Mussel: Savory mussels from Totten Inlet, with spicy miso butter, sake, and cream.

Duck Confit: A unique twist on the classic slow-cooked duck from France, drizzled in a spicy Thai style dressing. This dish also comes with a side of fresh green papaya salad. 

Beef Short Rib: Braised for 24 hours, this rib is accompanied by a tamari glaze and a side of Asian pear arugula salad. 

Award-Winning Beef Noodle Soup: This dish includes a sake braised beef shank in a rich beef noodle soup with hand-pulled noodles. The noodles are complemented by bok choy and soft poached marinated eggs. This noodle bestseller is made in limited quantities daily, so be sure to plan ahead before ordering this dish!

Creme Caramel: This mouthwatering dessert is made with egg, creamy oolong milk tea, and vanilla along with a seasonal fruit compote. 

Kissa Tanto — 263 East Pender Street

Fusion: Japanese x Italian

Cost: $$$

Food to Try:

Tonno Mantecato: A traditional Italian dish of tuna and olive oil, with a spin of confit Albacore tuna and furikake. It is then paired with bruschetta with tobiko roe to complete the appetizer.

Spaghettoni: An expensive wagyu ragu with additional flavour from tomatoes and Japanese curry, finished with spiced pangrattato (breadcrumbs) and nut-fed pork.

Whole Fried Fish: A simple dish with great texture and flavour common across many cuisines, paired with a daikon soy sauce to cut through the fattiness of the fish.

Sablefish: An emulsion of high-quality olives and miso accompanies the delicate fish. Seasonal vegetables from local farms and a beautiful caper brown butter complement it well.

Kimchi Potato: The olive oil roasted potato is a satisfying side dish featuring a homemade kimchi emulsion and miso flavoured Calabrian chilli.