Aberdeen Square might be one of the biggest puzzles in Richmond.
Despite its prime location connected to both Aberdeen Centre and the Canada Line, the mall has felt like a ghost town for years.
While the mall next door thrives with shoppers and diners, Aberdeen Square is mostly quiet, known more as a hangout spot for teens playing Yu-Gi-Oh cards than a place to grab a good bite.
But something new just opened this summer that might slowly change that.
A food stall called Ng Kee Cafe has popped up in the near-empty food court, and early signs suggest it could be a sleeper hit – especially among those who know their Teochew eats.
Ng Kee Cafe is run by a chef from Chaozhou, the birthplace of Teochew cuisine.
It’s a style known for light yet flavourful dishes, slow-braising techniques, and subtle, layered spices.
The stall’s branding nods to this heritage, with phrases like “潮味香千年传,” which translates to something like “Teochew flavours passed down for a thousand years.”
The menu is compact but diverse, covering everything from steamed dumplings and buns to rice plates, kway teow, and sandwiches.
Their dumplings come with fillings like pumpkin peanut, pork with seaweed, and shrimp with masago, while the stuffed buns include beef brisket or red bean curd pork.
You’ll also find noodle and rice combos topped with stewed chicken leg, beef tendon, or their standout Teochew pork hock.
That pork hock rice has already become a star on Chinese social media.
It’s generous in portion, with slices of tender, glistening pork hock layered over rice, accompanied by tofu, egg, and broccoli.
The meat is soft and savoury, and it pairs perfectly with the stall’s house chili sauce, which adds just enough heat to cut through the richness.
There’s something comforting and homey about it.
For $15, it’s a solid value, especially in a city where prices have steadily crept up across the board.
Pork hock fans can now have a comparable with Ninety Nine at Presidential Plaza.
While Aberdeen Square is still far from bustling, Ng Kee Cafe feels like a rare gem tucked into a mall that many have written off.
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Address: Aberdeen Square Food Court 4000 Number 3 Rd #3315, Richmond, BC V6X 0J8