🌸 Cherry Blossom Food Fest Is ON!

In Partnership with Tourism Burnaby

Burnaby’s month long food festival is still going strong until the end of March!

This year’s Bite of Burnaby is its biggest yet, with over 65 participating restaurants offering limited-time menus and offerings.

New this year is the inclusion of special workshops and food events.

Goodmorning there!

Welcome to the March 21st edition of Noms Mag weekly run-down!

I’m half alive from that nasty cold going around but SUPER excited to see the interest in the Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Fest so far!

I don’t even consider it being at its peak yet since we’re a week or two away from cherry blossoms actually being in fully bloom around the city.

But in today’s weekly run down:

• ☕️ Korea’s coffee chain picks Richmond as first international outpost

• 😱 $9.99 ramen promo incoming

• ☝️ Lots of events happening!

Let’s dive into this week’s rundown!

🌸 CHERRY BLOSSOM FOOD FEST IS ON!

Did you get your hands on one of the Cherry Blossom Food Fest items yet?!

From March 14 - April 27, the 2nd annual self-guided Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival is on with over 50+ adorable, cute, and delicious cherry blossom inspired treats!

And ofcourse, the Festival Passport and Festival Missions are back. Collect stamps with each festival purchase and complete missions to gain entries to win amazing prizes!

By attending the festival, you are supporting local food businesses! 100% of all festival item sales goes directly back to the vendor!

🌟NEW, COMING SOON, & CLOSED FOOD SPOTS

1.☕️ New Korean coffee chain theVenti opens in Richmond - Offering oversized drinks and a semi budget-friendly menu.

2.☕️ New coffee shop named after owner’s dog opens - Cafe Marie in Downtown Vancouver serves Korean-inspired drinks and fresh sandwiches.

3.🦙 Alberta's renowned shawarma chain opens in Vancouver - Jerusalem Shawarma debuts on Robson Street, serving authentic Palestinian-style dishes.

4.🔚 Dessert shop closure - Downtown’s Babatang has shut down after two years, succumbing to high rent.

5.🍣 New aburi sushi spot opens in Richmond - Zenbu Aburi offers flame-seared selections with a 20% off promo.

6.🌱 New Protein Tea Latte brand launches - Paragon Tea Room co-develops Suna, a collagen-infused tea latte with 20g protein.

7.🍜 Ramen chain expands Richmond location - Afuri Ramen relocates to a larger space, reopening May 1.

8.🍡 New Japanese snack shop spotted - Daruma to open a new location in Kerrisdale.

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

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

💰 DEALS THAT MATTER

1.🍜 Robson Kinton Ramen 1st Anniversary Promo - $9.99 All Signature Ramen; Dine-in only; available March 29, 2025 from 11 AM to 12 AM; no extra toppings or other promotions allowed.

2.🍽️ MOD Kitchen grand opening promo - enjoy 30% off your first order with special code MODSquad30 checkout; pick-up only at Horseshoeway, Richmond

3.🍽️ 50% OFF Swe-dish Thursdays at IKEA returns - Enjoy 50% off main dishes! Valid from February 20 to June 5, 2025; dine-in only, valid after 11 AM; must present IKEA Family Card.

4.🎉 Celebrate March Birthdays at Haidilao - March babies enjoy a FREE beef cake and goodies; advance reservation required with "Birthday Celebration"; supplies limited!

5.🌸 SURA Spring Event - Enjoy 15% off dine-in, 25% takeout; available from March 3 to March 31, 2025; valid Mon-Thurs only, excludes delivery and lunch set menu.

🗓️ EVENTS TO KNOW ABOUT

1.🍽️ [FESTIVAL] Bite of Burnaby (Mar 1 - 31) - month-long celebration with curated menus and exclusive dining experiences; @ Burnaby restaurants

2.🌸 [FESTIVAL] Vancouver Cherry Blossom Food Festival 2025 (March 14 - April 27] - self-guided food festival featuring cherry blossom-inspired items from 20+ top cafes and bakeries; throughout Metro Vancouver

3.🚗 [EVENT] Vancouver International Auto Show (Mar 19 - Mar 23) - major automotive exhibition showcasing 200+ vehicles, luxury cars, and technology; @ Vancouver Convention Centre West, 1055 Canada Pl, Vancouver; TICKETED

4.🌸 [FESTIVAL] Sakura Days Japan Fair (Apr 12 - 13) - celebrate Japanese culture with food, performances, and games; @ VanDusen Botanical Garden; TICKETED

5.🍽️ [EVENT] Modus Dinner Series #7 (Mar 28 - 29) - rotating dinner series featuring renowned and next-level chefs; @ 491 Sperling Ave, Burnaby, BC; 6:00 PM - 7:30 PM; TICKETED

6.☕ [EVENT] Walk-in Coffee Tasting & 'Brewtorial' (Mar 27 - Jul 3) - explore a range of coffee flavors in a welcoming setting; @ 491 Sperling Ave, Burnaby; 11 - 11:15 AM; TICKETED

7.🌸 [POP UP] Vancouver Pop Ups Spring Market (Mar 30) - vibrant market featuring 40+ vendors, pet-friendly; @ Heritage Hall, 3102 Main St; 11 AM - 4 PM; FREE

🗓️ Check out more events happening in Metro Vancouver here.

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

-Jason