Remember that mystery hot pot spot, Grandjoy, we told you was popping up in the old Avo House spot in the West End?
Well, the wait (and the guessing game) is over!
We stumbled upon Grandjoy Hot Pot during its very first day of operation on April 12th, and spoiler alert: it’s exactly what many of you probably guessed.
Yep, it’s another self-serve, pay-by-weight Malatang spot, jumping on the trend popularized locally by Big Way Hot Pot.
You know the drill: grab a big bowl and tongs, wander along a wall packed with ingredients, load up, weigh your creation, pick a broth, and maybe grab a drink.
We gotta say, the ingredient selection here a bit more sparse compared to Big Way or other spots like Piping Hot or Datang.
Did not see any ingredients the other spots didn’t have either.
Here they have 8 different broth choices, including a signature Malatang, Tonkotsu, Tomato Lover, and intriguing ones like Island Spicy and Sour or Golden Pickled.
Unlike some other Malatang joints, Grandjoy keeps the drink menu tight with just 5 options like Strawberry Grapefruit Juice and Pineapple Yogurt.
Quite the opposite of Datang with their 25+ choices.
And ofcourse – you get a free soft serve at the end.
During our visit, it was matcha, and honestly?
Less icy than the usual freebie soft serve, which was a pleasant surprise.
Inside, the vibe is pretty sleek and modern.
Think cool concrete textures, warm wood accents, and this wild starburst of bright orange tube lighting on the ceiling that gives the whole place a distinct glow.
There’s a mix of booth seating and tables, definitely designed for both quick solo meals and group hangs.
Now, about that sign outside claiming “20 years of hot pot experience in China”…
We asked the staff about the original restaurant name or background, and none of them were able to give any details.
So, uh, maybe take that claim with a grain of salt?
But we didn’t find any upsides or downsides to the experience or food if you compare it with the other malatang spots in the city.
And it is likely that everyone will eventually find the spot that they lean towards.
The big question is, can Grandjoy carve out its own space with Big Way literally just up the street?
It’s happened before – over in Richmond, Piping Hot opened near a Big Way and found success by adding unique extras like deep-fried goodies and taiyaki ice cream.
Only time will tell if Grandjoy will draw the West End crowds.
Planning to check out Grandjoy Hot Pot? Let us know what you think!
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: 1509 Robson St, Vancouver, BC V6G 1C3