Market Square (map, 560 Johnson Street, Victoria, BC, Canada) is “one of the most popular tourist destinations in the world”, according to their website. Much like Pike Place Market in Seattle, Market Square is a place you don’t want to miss. Over 35 unique shops and restaurants surround a large courtyard that has frequent live music and events.

Below is a photo essay from my visit to Market Square today. The sushi pictured below was from Asahi Bubble Tea (#69 Market Square, phone 250-382-2305) and was delicious!

Bill Johnson, blues guitarist, performing at Market Square in Victoria

Popcorn Machine at Market Square in Victoria

Popcorn Machine Detail

Sushi from Asahi Bubble Tea and Japanese Food ($9.95)

No smoking sign in Market Square

Garden in Market Square courtyard

Seagull and Market Square sign

Musicians from the Victoria Conservatory of Music Summer Jazz Workshop Student Ensemble, getting ready to perform.

Shanghai Wonderful Restaurant (map, 110 – 8380 Lansdowne Road, Richmond, BC, Canada, phone: 604-278-8829) serves authentic and delicious dishes from Shanghai, China. Reservations are a must, and consider going a bit early to avoid the rush. They open for dinner from 5pm to 9:45pm and for lunch from 11am to 2:45pm, closed Tuesdays.

This restaurant is so popular among the Asian community that if you arrive later in the evening you’ll probably find a line-up right out the door. Recommended dishes include the Duck with Taro Coat ($13.95, pictured below), the Deep Fried Tofu with Minced Pork Sauce ($8.88, also pictured below), the Pan Fried Pork Buns ($4.50, pictured below), and the deep fried bread served with condensed milk. Also check out their seafood, especially the crab (market price), as well as their fancy Peking duck, and tasty Lettuce Wrap ($10.95).

The restaurant is only a short taxi ride from the Vancouver International Airport in Richmond, and is close to the soon-to-be completed Canada Line public transport train that will connect Richmond with downtown Vancouver. Once the Canada Line is completed (in 2009), you will be able to walk to Shanghai Wonderful Restaurant from the Lansdowne Station. The restaurant is across the street from the Zellers, Best Buy and the Lansdowne Shopping Mall in Richmond.

Click here for a printable copy of their take-out menu.

Deep fried duck with Taro Coat (Half) – $13.95

Deep fried Tofu with Minced Pork Sauce ($8.88)

Pan Fried Pork Bun ($4.50)

Deep fried bread served with condensed milk (tasted like a doughnut, only better!)

Click above for printable take-out menu.

Taste of India Restaurant is a fast food restaurant located in the Tinseltown Food Court at International Village mall (view map, address: 88 W Pender, Vancouver, BC, Canada, phone: 604-806-0799) on the edge of downtown Vancouver.

The mall is really close to GM Place Stadium and BC Place Stadium, as well as the Stadium skytrain station, and it’s a convenient place to stop for a bite to eat before the Canucks hockey game or BC Lions Football.

The food court at Tinseltown mall is on the level below the movie theatres. Taste of India Restaurant provides a healthy and delicious alternative to the other fast food outlets such as Taco Time and Vana Vietnamese.

At Taste of India they make their Naan bread fresh to order – I was really surprised: it only takes about a minute for them to roll the dough and bake it, and it tasted awesome! Pictured below are two different orders of Combo 2, which includes two items of your choice from their menu with rice and Naan bread for $6.25. Some vegetarian items are available.

Indian food with freshly made naan bread ($6.25)

Indian mixed vegetables, Curry Chicken, and Naan bread ($6.25)