Bar manager Robert “Buck” Friend’s latest seasonal cocktail menu includes winter warm-up cups such as the Pre-Opium.
Pickled quail eggs, black vinegar, and jasmine rice.
Bambudda owner Ray Loy grew up in Strathcona and dined regularly in Vancouver’s Chinatown.
Located in Gastown, Bambudda serves contemporary Chinese food in a modern setting.
Part of the Chinese New Year menu is a delicious duck breast with a smokey tea jus, red dates and burdock root, and chrysanthemum greens.
The eye-catching banana leaf wallpaper in the dining room is made up of photographs of actual banana leaves.
Before becoming Bambudda’s executive chef, Scott Korzack was sous chef at neighbouring L’Abbatoir restaurant.
Created specifically for the Chinese New Year menu is the Red Packet, consisting of burnt cassia bark-infused tequila with creme de cacao, Dubonnet aperitif, and orange bitters. The drink is garnished with a chocolate twig covered in powdered mandarin.
The Bramble 2.0 is Bambudda’s take on Dick Bradsell’s modern day classic. Mandarin infused cachaca, lime and cassis.
Shucks—a collaboration of minds—cognac, goji berry and clove infused Lillet aperitif wine, apricot, Peychaud’s bitters and smoke.

Buddha’s Feast

Bambudda’s nouveau Chinese.

Story: Joshua McVeity

Celebrate the year of the horse in fine fashion at one of the city’s newest additions to the food scene. Located in stylish Gastown, Bambudda’s fresh take on traditional Chinese food is getting a lot of buzz. Fronted by Ray Loy, once a server at Joe Fortes, Bacchus, and Market by Jean George, Bambudda serves up delicious Asian tapas and dim sum in cool surroundings. Think wood flooring, contemporary light fixtures, and gorgeous banana leaf wall paper.

Executive chef Scott Korzack, formerly sous chef at Gastown’s L’Abbatoir, is the genius behind the modern interpretations of Chinese classics. Sourcing local ingredients, Korzack’s Cantonese-inspired plates are creative works of art. Korzack’s arrival is complemented by bar manager Robert “Buck” Friend’s seasonal cocktail menu. Friend’s Pre-Opium—Malibu rum and pineapple finished with a generous cap of white chocolate foam—is a welcome winter warm-up.

Photos by Joshua McVeity.

UPDATE: Bambudda has closed.