The quiet disappearance of family-run food spots in Vancouver continues, and this time it is Chinatown losing a beloved spot.
Ming Fong Fast Food, a Cantonese food stall located inside Chinatown Plaza’s lesser-known food court, has quietly closed after over two decades of serving authentic Cantonese comfort food.
If you weren’t a local, you might have walked right past this hidden gem or likely never even known about the food court.
But for those who knew, Ming Fong was a quintessential old-school food court stall.
Picture metal display counters filled with freshly cooked dishes, colourful laminated menus plastered along the walls, and hand-scrawled signs that gave the place that 2000s no-frills, homey charm.
The stall was known for its massive overflowing portions, super affordable prices, and wok hei flavour.
Many locals frequented Ming Fong for fresh-cooked staples like Singapore Noodles, Beef Ho Fun, and HK Curry Rice—all for less than $10 or $12.
Without a doubt, it was one of the most budget-friendly Cantonese options downtown.
In most cases, the portions are enough for 2 meals!
We discovered this change at Chinatown Plaza as the Ming Fong stall is now occupied by Coqoudak, a new Korean fried chicken spot.
While exciting in its own right, the change signals the growing trend of longtime family businesses quietly vanishing from Metro Vancouver’s neighbourhoods.
After we shared this report on social media, Henry, the son of the original owners of Ming Fong Fast Food, commented that his parents actually retired from the business back in 2022.
The stall was then sold to a new owner and has switched hands 2 to 3 more times until it was recently replaced by the Korean fried chicken shop.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.
Address: 180 Keefer St, Vancouver, BC V6A 1X4