A longtime family-run Malaysian restaurant by Richmond City Hall has reopened after more than half a year of renovations, with a completely redone interior.
John 3:16 Malaysian Delights officially reopened its No. 3 Road location on November 9, and it’s celebrating with 15% off for dine-in guests until November 21.
The spot is largely known by locals as having some of the best Malaysian food in Richmond.
So having it finally back is great news for Richmond!
We were invited to a sneak peek before the reopening, where we tasted some of the restaurant’s most popular dishes.
The team shared with Noms Magazine that the original plan was just to fix up the flooring.
Then the team decided to renovate the entire interior instead, and boy does it look way more modern now, much more in line with the newer Burnaby location.
Before, the room had was cozy and had the wear and tear from over a decade of operation.
It had wood-look plank floors, wood panelling on half the walls and booth dividers, dark wood chairs, a sunset beach mural on one wall and palm-leaf wallpaper on another.
Now the space is completely different now that they’ve removed all the booths and dividers.
The floors are sleek grey stone tile, the walls are plain and textured, and comfortable grey upholstered chairs sit at lighter wood tables.
A long banquette curves along one wall with lighting effects that create a water-like visual effect.
At the other side of the room, rows of tall poles enclose two large round tables fit for a family gathering, plus plenty of smaller tables for couples and small groups.
The menu is largely the same, and all the faves locals know and love are back, tasting just like before.
At the preview we had Hainanese chicken rice, laksa, satay beef skewers and beef rendang.
We’ve been ordering take out at John 3:16 for years, it isn’t surprising that the food tastes even better freshly made and hot dining in.
The one dish that was new to us was the bak kut teh, a pork rib broth with Chinese herbs and spices, served in a black clay pot loaded with cabbage leaves and fried pieces.
The herbal-ness honestly surprised us at first.
After a few more sips, we really enjoyed its warmth and its medicinal-forward taste.
It isn’t bitter or overpowering, so it fit nicely into the meal rather than feeling like an afterthought.
But if you aren’t a fan of that flavour, or you still have PTSD from being forced to drink Chinese herbal soups as a kid, this one might not be for you.
Owner Daniel Chew and his family ran eight restaurants in Penang, Malaysia, before moving to Vancouver in 2009 and starting with a stall at the Richmond Public Market.
After a condo development forced out the first John 3:16, the family eventually landed in this unit by City Hall.
The brand now has four Metro Vancouver locations.
The 15% off is for dine-in only until Nov. 21, so if you’re bringing the whole family, aim for the round tables.
John 3:16 joins other recent Richmond openings like Pho Net Viet, Lucky Star Chicken Cafe and H&A Art Caffè.
Address
6838 No. 3 Road, Richmond, BC
