We warned you it was coming, and now the steamers are officially on.
Fresh off the heels of the massive % Arabica opening nearby, we were lucky enough to discover that Yang’s Dumpling has quietly soft opened its doors today (Dec 4).
However, “quiet” might be the wrong word.
As we pulled into the plaza on Alexandra Road, we realized we weren’t the only ones with the intel.
It seems the entire Red Note community is in on this, too.
Groups of people were already speed-walking toward the storefront, and a line of about 10 people had formed outside for lunch service.
Clearly, the secret is out.
If you aren’t familiar with the name, this isn’t just another local dumpling shop.
Yang’s is a legendary heavyweight in Shanghai, originally launching back in 1994.
They operate over 100 locations across China and have international outposts in Australia.
This Richmond spot marks the brand’s first permanent B.C. location, taking over the old Ban Bu Xian Szechuan unit.
It is also their second attempt at cracking the Canadian market.
A Toronto location opened back in 2022 but shuttered within a year, so all eyes are on this Richmond expansion to see if it sticks.
After a 20-minute wait, we got inside to check out the brand’s first-ever British Columbia location.
The space is surprisingly spacious, featuring a mix of booths and large communal tables under a massive neon sign depicting the Shanghai skyline.
The operation is modernized for speed.
Each table is equipped with a QR code, allowing you to place your order without flagging down a server.
Pricing-wise, it is a bit more than you’d likely expect for Shen Jian Baos. But I suppose for a well-known name and in this economy…this will have to do.
We ordered the “Dual-Flavor Dumplings,” which comes with two of their signature pork buns and two shrimp buns.
Because every item is handmade fresh in the open kitchen, and it was the first day, the wait for the actual buns was significant.
It is undoubtedly first-day growing pains, but the payoff was worth it.
The Sheng Jian Bao arrived hot, plump, and incredibly juicy.
The filling was generous, and the soup inside was rich.
It definitely ranks as some of the top pan-fried buns in the city right now.
We also tried the Signature Duck Vermicelli Soup, which arrived at the table almost instantly compared to the dumplings.
Currently, the restaurant is in its soft opening phase and is serving both lunch (11AM – 2PM) and dinner (5PM – 8PM).
If you plan to visit, bring some patience for the line.
Yang’s Dumpling now joins a sudden wave of major openings in Richmond, including % Arabica, O’Bistro Tianjin, and The Seoulful.
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: 8460 Alexandra Rd #165, Richmond, BC