• 5
• Back, better than ever!

We were regulars when this place was the Bo Kong and were thrilled when it re-opened. We have tried many new dishes since then, but also keep ordering our favourites. A couple of the staff are the same but they also have some new ones. After a visit or two, they all know us now. They're friendly and welcoming, especially Man, the host. Service is fast and friendly, even when they're busy. The menu is extensive, as before. The prices are either the same or 50c to $1.00 more, but that's ok -- portions are very big; good value for money. Some of our old favourites are wonton soup and spinach soup, "sizzling steak", sweet and sour, bean curd skin rolls, eggplant and tofu (we get them to make it with soft tofu, not fried), spicy green beans, and colourful veg. chop suey. The last dish used to come in a taro nest but I don't think they do that anymore. The pieces of veg are a bit bigger -- easier to eat. A dish new to us is the pea tip, with either enoki mushroom or veg seafood. Pea tip is like spinach but not bitter -- yummy! This is a large dish and best eaten at the restaurant, unlike others which go home well. As per a previous review, we tried the sticky rice and the winter melon soup, which is flavoured with sesame oil (this is why it tastes a bit smoky). They were ok but I wouldn't rush to order them again. We always use our own take out containers, and often order extra dishes to take home. When the restaurant was the Bo Kong, it was always very cold, summer or winter. Now the temp. is just right. The atmosphere varies from tranquil to noisy, depending how many large groups are present. They have free parking accessed from the back lane, with a security camera. Nice touch. The restaurant is owned by the Whole Vegetarian chain which has stores in BC and Alberta. We visited the store nearby in East Van and bought quite a few items from the freezer, including a big bag of "chicken drumsticks", one of the menu items at the restaurant. We're thrilled that this mainstay of the Vancouver veg. restaurant is still around. There's something for everyone, even people who eat meat.