One of Richmond’s busiest food plazas is about to add another bowl of spicy Sichuan noodles to the lineup.
We spotted the new signage for Chuan Noodle House last week at the Richmond plaza some regulars nickname Diabetes Plaza.
It is taking over the previous Grandma Liu Hot Pot unit.
Grandma Liu, the malatang and hot pot spot that held the unit before, kept things in the numbing, spicy lane, so the corner is not straying far from its roots.
According to the signs, Chuan Noodle House will serve authentic Sichuan noodles, braised dishes, and snacks.
The name 川小面 translates roughly to Sichuan small noodles, a nod to the casual, bowl-driven style the cuisine is built on.
The coming-soon posters lean into that look, with chili-slicked noodle bowls and Chinese text promising chewy, Sichuan-style noodles.
Another poster points to 川味卤味, the Sichuan style of braised, marinated snacks that often round out a noodle order.
There is no menu out yet, but a Sichuan noodle house usually builds around dan dan noodles, the region’s most famous bowl.
That style leans on the signature ma la profile, the tongue-numbing tingle of Sichuan peppercorns layered with chili heat.
It would not be a surprise to also see options like Szechuan beef dried noodles or chili wonton noodles once the doors open.
Chuan Noodle House will not be the only noodle game in the plaza, either.
18 Tee Chongqing Noodles already pulls in the spice crowd here, building its bowls on chili oil and Sichuan peppercorns.
Between the two, regulars will be able to compare Chongqing and broader Sichuan takes on the same craving without leaving the lot.
If you’re reading this as a Coquitlam local and the name Chuan Noodle House kinda sounds familiar, well, there is a well-rated Sichuan restaurant in your hood called Chuan Chili House.
We rang up the Chili House and the staff at the Coquitlam spot confirmed by phone that they are not connected to this upcoming Richmond noodle house.
Beyond the coming soon signs, there is no word yet on an opening date or a full menu, and the plaza has continued to see steady turnover.
For now we will be watching for an opening date, hours, and a first look at what lands on the menu.
Chuan Noodle House joins a wave of other food spots on the way to Richmond, including Pho Net Viet, Fresh St. Market at Richmond Centre, and Bengong’s Tea.
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: Union Square Shopping Centre, Richmond BC