Back in August, we shared that Vancouverโs West End is about to get a taste of Yunnan, China, with the arrival of Yunqueen Rice Noodles.
After a month of anticipation, Yunqueen Rice Noodles officially grand opened on September 25 inside the Robson Landmark Building.
It is the first North American outpost of Qicai Yunnan (ไธๅฝฉไบๅ), a well-known Yunnan brand established in 1982 that has been serving its signature rice noodles for over 40 years.
We swung by (anonymously) during their soft opening to see how this long-awaited spot delivers on its promise.
The signature Crossing the Bridge rice noodles arrive as a giant platter of ingredients (meats, fish, veggies), a separate bowl of rice noodles, and a steaming hot bowl of broth.
Guests dunk everything in quickly before the broth cools, creating a bowl that stays warm to the last sip.
The broth, described by the team as a โsoul-simmered creation,โ is cooked for more than six hours with real chicken and pork bones before being poured into a 200 ยฐC stone bowl.
The serving vessel itself is massiveโthink Raisuโs oversized udon bowlsโborderline unnecessary, but undeniably part of the show.
That might also help explain the higher price tag compared to other rice noodle shops.
Inside, the restaurant balances minimal design with touches of Yunnan tradition.
Warm wood, red accents, and glowing lantern-style lights set the scene.
When you walk in, you order and pay first at a kiosk or counter before sitting down.
Once settled, staff will bring your food to the table.
Itโs not quite cafeteria style, but itโs not a full-service setup either.
The kitchen is helmed by Head Chef Huang Jingkun, one of Yunnanโs 5-star Platinum Chefs and named among Beijingโs Top Ten Chefs.
With over 30 years of experience, he brings the time-honored traditions of Yunnan to Vancouver, while incorporating fresh Pacific Northwest ingredients for a local twist.
For those who have never tried Yunnan rice noodles, the concept will feel new and exciting.
For others, especially those from Yunnan, it may spark that long-missed comfort of home.
Yunqueen Rice Noodles now joins other recently opened Vancouver food spots like Tatchan Noodle Strathcona, Sud Cafe, and Hu Tieu Mom.
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: 1460 Robson St, Vancouver, BC