It looks like Richmond’s Union Square is getting another international first, and this one’s got nearly 70 years of culinary tradition behind it.
Taking over the short-lived Lucky J unit at the plaza, Huabaogang Roast Chicken is setting up a storefront to bring their legendary Daokou-style roast chicken.
If you’ve never heard of Daokou Roast Chicken, here’s a crash course according to its website: It’s a traditional Chinese delicacy hailing from Henan Province, dating back to the Qing Dynasty.
Unlike Western-style fried chicken, this method is braised, not deep-fried, making it both juicy and considered a healthier option.
Think crispy golden skin, ultra-tender meat that slides right off the bone, and a medley of five-spice aromatics that linger long after the first bite.
The Huabaogang name traces back to 1956 when founder Hua Shantang opened the original “Baoshengxiang” roast chicken shop.
Today, the brand operates out of a massive 17-acre facility in China, producing not just fresh roast chicken but also soft-packaged chicken feet, liver, gizzards, and more.
Plus it has over 200 stores in China.
Their signature chicken is shaped like a gold ingot (symbolizing wealth), and it’s beloved for its balance of savoury flavour, aroma, and melt-in-your-mouth texture.
While Vancouverites may have had a taste of Huabaogang’s chicken through Ste Commissary in Richmond, this new Union Square storefront marks the brand’s first standalone Canadian location.
From the signs already up on the storefront, it looks like they’ll be serving their signature braised chicken, pepper-infused spicy chicken, and likely other offal-based dishes like gizzards and chicken feet – all hallmarks of their lineup back in China.
As of now, there’s no official opening date—but you can bet we’ll be checking back often.
With recent shakeups and a reputation for constant turnover, Union Square is no stranger to new arrivals.
Huabaogang Roast Chicken will be joining other upcoming additions like Molly Tea, U Town Hot Pot, and the return of Meet Fresh.
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Address: Unit 1830 8338 Capstan Way, Richmond, BC