A well-known Cantonese rice noodle roll chain is bringing its second BC location to a busy stretch of Kingsway in Burnaby.
We spotted signage for Yin Ji Chang Fen taking over the former Green Basil Thai Restaurant unit.
Peeking through the windows, the crews inside are already gutting the space, and a hiring sign for kitchen staff is posted on the door.
Green Basil Thai closed earlier this month after 20 years. The family behind it said they were retiring.
Yin Ji Chang Fen, also known by its Chinese name 银记肠粉, is a Guangzhou-based chain that traces its roots back to 1958.
It started as a small shop in the city’s Old Xiguan district, a neighbourhood historically tied to Cantonese street food culture.
The chain is known for its rice noodle rolls, a traditional technique where rice batter is poured onto a cloth, steamed, and then gently peeled off to create a thin, silky sheet.
The brand is even sometimes referred to as the “King of Rice Noodles”.
The rolls are filled with ingredients like shrimp, beef, pork, or even truffle mushroom and served with a warm, sweetened soy sauce.
Beyond the signature rice rolls, the menu includes several varieties of congee, curry fish balls and shu mai, wonton noodle soup, and Hong Kong-style milk tea.
In Canada, it currently operates a location in Richmond along Alexandra Road and five locations across the Greater Toronto Area.
The Burnaby spot would be the chain’s second location in BC and its first outside of Richmond.
For many Chinese locals, Yin Ji is a known name, and this news will be a delightful one!
No opening date has been announced, but the pace of activity inside the unit suggests they are aiming to get it up and running soon.
This area is definitely heating up for rice noodles as Hei Hei is still stuck in progress inside the Crystal Mall food court.
But once they open, it will be a battle of rice noodles.
Yin Ji Chang Fen now joins other upcoming food spots in Burnaby like Fortune Katsu, Tiramisu Republic, and Chill Plate Foodie Market.
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Address: 4623 Kingsway, Burnaby, BC