It looks like there’s another change in Richmond’s ever-evolving food court scene.
Hao Chi Lai Shanghai Kitchen, located at the corner of the Admiralty Centre food court, has officially closed.
In its place, signage for a new Malaysian restaurant has already gone up, signaling a new chapter for the popular food court.
Hao Chi Lai first opened in 2023, serving up authentic Shanghai-style fare with a focus on handmade dim sum and noodles.
The stall quickly became known for its Xiao Long Bao (soup dumplings), Sheng Jian Bao (pan-fried buns), wontons, and scallion oil noodles.
Their approach was simple and heartfelt: everything was made by hand daily, using natural ingredients and zero additives — the kind of food meant to taste like home.
They also offered same-day frozen dumplings for customers to take home.
However, Hao Chi Lai’s time at Admiralty Centre wasn’t without drama.
Shortly after opening, the stall found itself caught in a controversy involving another Shanghai-style eatery in the same food court.
One of the staff members at Hao Chi Lai ended up being a former manager from Long’s Noodle House, which at that time had been closed due to a fire.
She eventually left Hao Chi Lai and opened a new Long’s-branded stall just a few doors away, serving a similar menu.
Hao Chi Lai’s owner publicly voiced frustration with the property management, saying that allowing direct competition in such a small space created unfair conditions.
Eventually, the Long’s Noodle House stall closed and was replaced by another Shanghai-style dumpling vendor, while the original Long’s reopened in a dine-in unit along Garden City.
Despite the competition, Hao Chi Lai continued operating and kept a steady following among locals who appreciated their traditional craftsmanship and family-style dishes.
According to their website, the food stall is “temporarily closed” as of September 30 and fans can still order frozen dumplings and other handmade items by calling them directly.
But the new signage promoting the upcoming 88 Malaysian Foods says otherwise.
Hao Chi Lai now joins the growing list of recently closed Richmond food spots, including Chew Chew, Wonder Kids Cafe and Best Rice Roll at Parker Place.
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Address: 8700 McKim Way Unit 2078, Richmond, BC