It is no secret that a restaurant offering global cuisine may try to adapt its food to fit local tastes.
They may even create a dish that caters to the tastebuds of locals.
This is true for American Chinese food with sweet and sour pork or kung pao chicken.
It’s fascinating to see how each place adds its unique spin to something.
Recently, a TikTok video showed up on our FYP featuring a creator (@brokegirleats) thrilled to be ordering from a new Irish Chinese takeout spot called Emerald Dragon.
And what she showed?
Let’s just say it was unlike any Chinese food we’ve ever seen around here.
@brokegirleats_ Finally got some Irish Chinese Food in Vancouver! Been craving the spice bags! 🐉Emerald Dragon🐉 Available for order on @Uber Eats Pick up 📍1780 W 3rd St, Vancouver Open Thursdays-Sundays 5pm-11pm #fyp #fypage #vancouverfoodie #fypシ゚ #foodreview #smallbusiness #datenightvancouver #vancouveat #irishfood ♬ edamame – bbno$
Curious, we decided to dive into the rabbit hole of Irish and UK-style Chinese cuisine.
Turns out, we’re not the only ones intrigued by their version.
A quick TikTok search for “British Chinese food” yields tons of results, filled with Americans and Canadians weighing in with their takes on this version of Chinese food.
The difference between UK and North American Chinese takeout is quite massive.
First, there’s the curry sauce that everyone seems to be pouring over everything, from spring rolls to noodles to fried rice.
And then there are the spicy thick wedge chips (fries), which are a staple on Chinese menus over there.
Oh, and let’s not forget the chicken balls and prawn crackers.
Another detail we noticed?
Brits and Irish folks don’t say, “I got some Chinese food.”
Instead, they say, “I got a Chinese.” It’s always “a Chinese.”
This took us off guard at first but it’s just how they call it there.
After sharing the TikTok on our Instagram story, we were flooded with comments from our community – most equally confused as we were.
But members who are Irish or have Irish partners confirmed that this box of chips and spring rolls is indeed a common experience back home — and that they miss it dearly.
Emerald Dragon seems to be filling a nostalgic void for those craving the flavours of an Irish-style Chinese takeaway.
It is clear that from the comments of their Instagram that there is definitely a lot of individuals who miss those nostalgic flavours, regardless of all the stellar authentic Chinese food we have in the city.
According to Emerald Dragon’s post, they’re the first and original Irish-style Chinese takeaway in Vancouver, delivering those nostalgic flavours folks miss from home.
The only downside for some is that they are only available for takeout.
They’ve officially launched on October 17th, and are offering dishes like Salt & Chilli Chips with Chicken Balls, and a Munch Box that’s served in a large pizza box.
The Munch Box is a true feast — it includes egg fried rice, salt and chilli chips, vegetable spring rolls, shredded chicken, and chicken balls, all served with a rich curry sauce and a crispy bag of prawn crackers.
Honestly, the Munch Box seems like an ideal option for a hockey night party or a potluck.
Emerald Dragon is bringing something totally unique to the local food scene, giving Vancouverites a taste of Irish nostalgia.
For more new and upcoming food spots in Metro Vancouver, take a peek at our tracker here, and subscribe to our weekly newsletter here.