⭐️ 13 New & Closing: Japanese Cafe Finally Opens in Richmond

Gooooodmorning there!

Welcome to the Dec 5th edition of Noms Mag weekly rundown.

Here’s what’s in today’s weekly rundown:

• ☕️ % Arabica opens in Richmond FOR REAL this time

• 🥟 Famous Shanghai dumpling spot opens first BC location

• 🥘 Viral Big Way order making locals panic

Let’s dive into this week’s rundown!

🌟NEW & COMING SOON FOOD SPOTS

1.☕️ World-famous % Arabica debuts in Metro Vancouver - Japanese coffee brand opens in CF Richmond Centre.

2.🦪 Yang’s Dumpling quietly opens first B.C. location - This famous Shanghai dumpling chain debuts in Richmond's Alexandra Road.

3.🛒 Budget grocery giant arrives - No Frills to open its first Burnaby location this January.

4.🇻🇳 Famous Toronto pho chain expands to Kingsway - Pho Anh Vu signs spotted for a new Vancouver location.

5.🍙 Downtown Vancouver location now open - Affordable rice balls starting at $2.99 for lunch.

6.🥤 Viral “Cube Cup” fruit tea arrives in BC - Shenzhen-based YOTEA opens first Richmond location with unique fruit-packed drinks.

7.🧋 High-protein drinks arrive near Richmond Oval - Protein Go has opened with macro-focused smoothies and eats.

8.🧀 Cheesy newcomer to take over Robson - Raclette Steaks replacing Meet Fresh, offering hearty comfort food with melted raclette.

👉 Check out 10 more new restaurants that have opened here.

🪦CLOSED & CLOSING SOON FOOD SPOTS

1.🛒 T&T Supermarket closes abruptly in Richmond - Shoppers shocked as ORA location shuts without warning.

2🛑😢 Sad news, East Van - Kanadell Ya has closed, but don't fret about their famous onigiri!

3🛍️ Commercial Drive snack shop searching for a new home - The Drive Canteen has closed but plans to relocate within the area.

4.🍰 Dessert spot T+ Patisserie closes in Richmond - The shop at 5951 No. 3 Road has shut down.

5.💔 Bar Haifa bids farewell - The downtown Palestinian-Israeli spot has closed after less than two years.

👉 Or check out 10 more restaurants that have closed recently here.

💰 DEALS THAT MATTER

1.🍽️ All-You-Can-Eat Fish & Chips for Under $20 - The London Fish offers unlimited fish & chips for $17.50.

2.🍜 Burnaby Song Huong Grand Opening - Enjoy 15% off at the new location; available Dec 5 - 7; @ 4460 Hastings St. Burnaby

📰 QUICK FOOD NEWS

1.🌀 Viral $0.08 hot pot meal sparks concern - Big Way Hot Pot's system pushed to limits by creative diners.

🗓️ EVENTS TO KNOW ABOUT

👉THIS WEEKEND

1.🛍️ [EVENT] Make It Vancouver (Dec 4 - 14) - upbeat shopping featuring 200+ Canadian artists and crafters with food trucks and beer garden; @ PNE Forum, Vancouver; TICKETED

2.🎉 [MARKET] Coquitlam Christmas Craft Fair (Dec 5 - 7) - handcrafted holiday finds with daily prizes; @ 618 Poirier Street, Coquitlam, BC; TICKETED

3.👜 [MARKET] Local Pop-Up Market (Dec 6 - 7) - handmade art and treats from 50+ local makers; @ 3102 Main St, Vancouver, BC; FREE

4.☕️ [POP UP] Hiyori Coffee Pop-Up (Dec 6–7) - enjoy drip coffee and freshly roasted beans; @ Hush Coffee, 448 Gore Ave; 9:30am – 2:30pm; FREE

5.🎄 [POP UP] Holiday Pop-Up Market (Dec 6) - festive market with 15+ local vendors, handcrafted goods, and live music; @ 3421 W Sawmill Crescent, Vancouver; 11:00am–5:00pm; FREE

6.🎄 [EVENT] Gastown Holiday Celebration (Dec 7 - 21) - festive activities with carolers, elf hunts, and carriage rides; @ throughout Gastown, Vancouver; FREE

👉NEXT WEEK+

7.📝 [EVENT] Deep Dive Dinners EP5: Reflection Letters (Dec 11) - community gathering with reflection letter writing and mingling; @ Brentwood Mall; FREE

8.🎄 [POP UP] YVR Makers & More Holiday Market (Dec 12) - cozy holiday shopping with 40+ local vendors and unique gifts; @ Heritage Hall, Vancouver; 12PM–8PM; FREE for first 30 guests!

9.🎄 [POP UP] Holiday Market at Heritage Hall (Dec 12) - 40+ local vendors with unique gifts and festive finds; @ Heritage Hall Vancouver; 12PM–8PM; FREE for first 30 guests, then TICKETED

10.🔨 [EVENT] Coin Ring Workshop (Dec 13) - learn to make a custom coin ring in a friendly workshop; @ 393 Powell St, Vancouver; TICKETED

11.🎨 [EVENT] Vision Board Day (Dec 14) - creative clarity and intention setting for 2026; @ 104-343 Railway St, Vancouver; 12:00 PM - 2:30 PM; TICKETED

👉ONGOING

✨ [MARKET] Holiday Night Markets (Nov 28 - Dec 19) - twinkle lights and handcrafted gifts from local makers; @ 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC; FREE

🎁 [MARKET] Shipyards Christmas Market (Nov 28 - Dec 24) - waterfront market with Santa visits and live performances; @ 115 Victory Ship Way, North Vancouver, BC; FREE

🌟 [FESTIVAL] Vancouver Christmas Market (Nov 13 - Dec 24) - German-style village with food, gifts, and music; @ 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver; TICKETED

🛍️ [FESTIVAL] Eastside Flea Holiday Markets (Nov 22-Dec 14) - vintage finds and local makers; @ 1739 Venables St, Vancouver; TICKETED

🧙‍♂️ [EVENT] Harry Potter: A Forbidden Forest Experience (Nov 13 - Jan 11) - illuminated woodland trail with magical creatures; @ Vancouver; TICKETED

🗓️ Check out more events happening in Metro Vancouver here.

That's all for now! Stay magical and have a delicious weekend :)

-Jason