Northern cafe and grill

It is somewhat hidden above a hardware store in South Vancouver on a lumber yard near the banks of the Fraser River.

And yet the tottering Chinese Canadian restaurant, with its red vinyl booths and mismatched porcelain mugs, is so busy on a weekday morning that a scattered line forms between pickup trucks and forklifts. The rickety structure of the eatery, which sits above a hardware store, holds the unlikely honour of being the best place to dine in Canada, according to the restaurant review site Yelp. But the Mahs, who initially bought the decrepit Northern Cafe as a way of relieving the boredom of retirement, are also able to draw on the expertise of their son Raymond, a former head chef with stints at a number of hotels, who joined them four years ago. Like many Chinese immigrant families, the Mahs have a long history in the restaurant business. Jimmy emigrated from Hong Kong in his teens in the s, joining his family in Saskatchewan, where both his father and grandfather were working in restaurants. He and Connie eventually made their way west, managing and owning a string of restaurants and food court franchises in Vancouver themselves, where their own children helped out. This model, replicated for generations in countless restaurants across the country, requires that first-generation immigrants start a business, with the hopes of handing new opportunities to their children, said Ann Hui, a reporter with the Globe and Mail and author of Chop Suey Nation.

Northern cafe and grill

Just what does it take to be named the absolute top must-try restaurant in all of Canada? If you are the family behind a humble South Vancouver diner that's been around since the baby boom, it certainly takes a lot of heart. And you'll find this beloved breakfast and lunch spot in a most unusual location, to boot. Dating back to , Northern is one of the city's oldest restaurants still in operation, and judging by its enduring popularity, it's easy to see how it has sustained its reputation as a staple for "greasy spoon" eats and a bit of Chinese fare, too. This is a major industrial area, and the very definition of "off the beaten path" as far as urban eateries go; that's because the modest diner is perched on a second level in an old building tucked inside a lumber yard. Once you pick your way gingerly through the dirt and puddles, the scent of fresh-cut lumber gives way to the distinct aroma of breakfast foods on the grill. After hanging a right and pushing open a plain door, the grunts and beeps of lumberyard vehicles fade as Beatles and Sintatra tunes fill the space. Your eyes don't deceive you; the floors are sagging and crooked. The walls are covered in handwritten notes from guests from around the world; from Iowa to South Korea, patrons gush about the great food and congenial service. Jimmy and Connie Mah took over operation of the diner in , and their two sons are part of the team, too. Raymond, a Red Seal-trained chef, is at the stove, while brother Richard works the floor. As the restaurant fills up early one recent Friday morning, the Mahs greet many of the guests with a warm familiarity; it's clear that for many this is a repeat visit. Still, as first-timers, my nine-year-old son and I are made to feel right at home. We settle in and order up some classic diner grub: French toast with scrambled eggs and bacon for the kiddo, and a veggie omelette with hash browns and toast for me.

Beef Rolls 6 pieces. Pernil Mofongo Pork. Served with marinara sauce.

Made with 3 eggs and American cheese. Mashed plantain topped with fried onions. Served with choice of 3 sides: salami, queso fried cheese , longaniza sausage , huevos eggs. Extra side may be added for an additional charge. Ham, turkey or chicken. Choice of BBQ, hot or plain. Served with marinara sauce.

That's the motto of Northern Cafe, which was recently named the top place to eat in Canada by review site Yelp. A narrow staircase can be found at East Kent Ave. South that customers have been climbing for over 60 years so they can plop into red vinyl booths and dig into classic diner eats. The diner opened in to feed workers in the area. Jimmy Mah and his wife Connie took over the business in The Mahs serve diner favourites like pancakes and burgers, as well as Asian cuisine including homemade wontons and barbecue pork. Son Raymond Mah worked as a chef in Vancouver for nearly two decades before coming over to help his parents. His brother Richard quit a digital marketing job in Japan to join the family business. Someone call Guy Fieri — this B.

Northern cafe and grill

It is somewhat hidden above a hardware store in South Vancouver on a lumber yard near the banks of the Fraser River. A narrow staircase can be found at East Kent Avenue South that customers have been climbing for over 60 years so they can plop into red vinyl booths and dig into classic diner eats. The boom has been bolstered by online reviews that started drawing tourists to the tucked-away spot. The Mahs serve classic diner favourites like pancakes and burgers, as well as Asian cuisine including homemade wontons and barbecue pork. And the diner is a true family affair since Jimmy and Connie's son, Raymond Mah, joined the team. Raymond Mah worked as a chef in Vancouver for 18 years before coming over to the Northern to help his parents with the business. I am so happy now," said Jimmy Mah. Jimmy Mah said online reviews caught the attention of tourists about five years ago and business has not really slowed down since.

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Side of Loaded Fries Melted cheese and bacon. Fish and Chive Dumplings 10 pieces. Bacon, American cheese, lettuce, tomato, onion, fried onion. Like many Chinese immigrant families, the Mahs have a long history in the restaurant business. This is a menu my dad created. Shanghai Rice Cake 8. Shrimp Wonton Soup 7. Email link. He and Connie eventually made their way west, managing and owning a string of restaurants and food court franchises in Vancouver themselves, where their own children helped out. Passion fruit, mango, banana and pineapple. The food is simple, hearty, and unfussy.

Just what does it take to be named the absolute top must-try restaurant in all of Canada? If you are the family behind a humble South Vancouver diner that's been around since the baby boom, it certainly takes a lot of heart. And you'll find this beloved breakfast and lunch spot in a most unusual location, to boot.

Topped with choice of meat, mozzarella cheese, ketchup, mayonnaise and pink sauce. Passion fruit, mango, banana and pineapple. Parilla Pernil Platter - Popular. Soda 12 oz. Like many Chinese immigrant families, the Mahs have a long history in the restaurant business. Beef Rolls 6 pieces. Breakfast Menu Served all day. Casi Cubano Sandwich - Popular. Two Eggs Any Style With tots. Phone: This is a menu my dad created. But the Mahs, who initially bought the decrepit Northern Cafe as a way of relieving the boredom of retirement, are also able to draw on the expertise of their son Raymond, a former head chef with stints at a number of hotels, who joined them four years ago. Extra side may be added for an additional charge.