Another beloved Vancouver restaurant is sadly saying goodbye.
On August 9, Chi in Kitsilano announced via Instagram that they will be closing their doors for good, with their final day of service set for August 14.
For many locals, this is more than just another closure.
It marks the end of a deeply personal culinary journey that started nearly a decade ago.
Chef Chi Le first opened Chi back in 2016 with a modern Vietnamese menu rooted in the dishes of her childhood.
As a MasterChef Vietnam runner-up, her goal was to offer comforting flavours typically found in Vietnamese homes, presented with thoughtful care.
But like many businesses, the pandemic was a turning point.
Forced to close temporarily, Chef Chi took that moment to reevaluate her role as a chef and small business owner.
When the restaurant reopened, it came back as a fully plant-based concept, focused on Vietnamese-inspired vegetable-forward cooking.
It was a bold shift that turned Chi into one of the city’s few upscale plant-based Asian restaurants.
The announcement of the closure struck a chord with longtime fans, many of whom left heartfelt messages in the comments section.
Some shared memories of dates and birthdays celebrated at the restaurant.
Others thanked Chef Chi for helping change the way they think about Vietnamese food and vegan cooking.
Back in spring, Chi’s unit was quietly listed for sale, a move that hinted at a potential change.
The listing has since been taken down, confirming that the end was near.
In her Instagram post, Chef Chi wrote, “Chi has never just been a restaurant… it has been a home, and you have been its heart.”
She also invited diners to carry on Chi’s story through the restaurant’s newly released cookbook, which features many of their most loved dishes.
Guests can order the book online or visit in person before August 14 to pick up a signed copy.
Until then, Chi will remain open on Wednesdays, Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays.
The closure adds to a growing list of recent Vancouver goodbyes, joining the likes of Grab n Go, Penang Bistro, and Take Five Cafe.
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Address: 1935 W 4th Ave, Vancouver, BC V6J 1M7