Exploring Asian Culture in Burnaby, BC
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A guide to exploring Asian culture in Burnaby, BC, highlighting food, shopping areas, cultural spaces, and community experiences. Ideal for visitors and locals seeking meaningful ways to experience Burnaby’s diverse Asian heritage across neighbourhoods and everyday city life.
c: Mer Norwood & Emily Huffer
Burnaby, BC is renowned for proudly embracing all types of Asian culture. From Asian cuisines like Thai and Korean, to learning about aboriginal Japanese natives at the Playground of the Gods, here’s your guide to exploring Asian culture in Burnaby, British Columbia.
Explore Asian service and retail establishments at Crystal Mall
Established in 2000, Crystal Mall is the biggest Chinese-Asian shopping centre in Burnaby. With 200+ service and retail establishments in the mall, you can stroll and explore – picking up Anime gifts in the shops section or produce in the grocery section, all in one place. Of course, the food court is a sight to behold, with vendors from all over Asia – what to choose for lunch becomes the hardest, and yummiest, choice of all.
Admire Japanese sculptures at the Playground of the Gods atop Burnaby Mountain
The Playground of the Gods is found within Kushiro Park, a park within a park, in Burnaby Mountain Conservation Area. According to the park, the sculptures represent "the Japanese native peoples, the Ainu, and of the gods who came down to the earth to give birth to them." The tall sculptures are mystical indeed and are worth the visit.
Crsytal Mall, c: Mer Norwood & Emily Huffer
Playground of the Gods, c: Mer Norwood & Emily Huffer
c: Mer Norwood & Emily Huffer
Eat authentic Thai food at Chad Thai
Chad Thai has been open for twelve years, and in that time, has earned itself the title of "Best of Burnaby" and "Best Favorite Thai Restaurant" for multiple years running. Order any of the classic dishes likes Pad Thai or Pad Siew for a taste of heartwarming Thai food done right. Don't forget to order the sweet Mango Sticky Rice for dessert, too.
Learn about Japanese Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre
At the Nikkei National Museum & Cultural Centre, their mission "is to honour, preserve, and share the history and heritage of Japanese Canadians and Japanese culture in Canada." With Exhibits like "Women of Change" as well as "Elephants", you can educate yourself on Japanese Canadian culture. From watching traditional Japanese dances to exploring the gardens, you won't want to miss all that this cultural center has to offer.
Chad Thai, c: Mer Norwood & Emily Huffer
Nikkei Centre, c: Mer Norwood & Emily Huffer
Resources
A special thanks to our partners at Best Western, Mer Norwood, and Emily Huffer for visiting Burnaby and immersing themselves in the city’s vibrant Asian cultures. We appreciate their efforts in sharing their experiences through the blog post, helping to highlight what makes Burnaby so unique.
We want to see what you get up to so don’t forget to tag your Burnaby experience at #Burnaby365
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