After months of speculation and peering through windows, the mystery of Richmond’s newest dining concept is finally here.
Back in August, we broke the news about signage appearing for a spot 24 hour spot simply called “The Food Court” on No. 3 Road, promising a holy trinity of Dim Sum, BBQ, and Hot Pot.
After some patient waiting, we finally found the doors open today, Jan 21st.
While the permanent orange signage proudly screams “OPEN 24 hr,” a bright red banner currently hanging below it tells a different story.
The restaurant has entered its soft opening phase, operating from 9am to 9pm for the time being rather than the full round-the-clock service.
We went in for a visit to see what they are all about and discovered that the menu is also currently limited.
For now, they are serving Dim Sum only, with the staff confirming that the BBQ and Hot Pot sections will be added later once operations settle down.
The setup functions exactly like a cafeteria: guests grab a wire cart at the entrance and roll it along the counter to place their orders before paying at the end of the queue.
On the serving line, steam baskets are stacked high with classics like har gao, siu mai, char siu bao, and steamed pork ribs.
Each basket is priced at a flat $4.99, typically containing two or three pieces.
And you can watch staff preparing the items fresh in the open kitchen right behind the counter.
Inside, the space is spacious and leans into an industrial aesthetic, with walls covered in wallpaper depicting shipping containers to match the “food court” theme.
There is plenty of window seating and a large TV playing YouTube videos of dim sum making processes to set the mood.
During our visit, we also confirmed a major industry rumour: the staff verified that the person behind this project is none other than the boss behind Yummy Dumpling and its counterparts.
Taste-wise, we tried staples like the minced pork and har gao, and while they were decent, they aren’t quite on the level of a dedicated sit-down dim sum restaurant.
But that is to be expected for a cafeteria concept.
However, once the full 24-hour schedule kicks in and the BBQ and Hot Pot stations fire up, this spot has the potential to become a solid late-night alternative to Number 9 for locals craving a quick, no-fuss bite.
So we would recommend waiting until they are in full operation before heading to The Food Court.
The Food Court now joins other recently opened food spots in Richmond like Cotti Coffee Lansdowne, Nonbiri Cafe, and Savor Hill.
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: 4351 No. 3 Rd #175, Richmond, BC