Richmond, British Columbia has long been a premier destination for authentic Asian cuisine, which you can explore along Food Street, the Richmond Dumpling Trail, and at the Richmond Night Market. With the addition of the new luxury boutique property Versante Hotel and its restaurants BRUNO and Cask Whisky Vault, you’ve got even more reasons to visit!

Watch our video guide to learn more about what you can do on your staycation or stopover in Richmond, BC.

Check in: Versante Hotel

On this trip, we’re checking into Versante Hotel, a boutique luxury property located in the International Trade Centre. Despite the fact that it’s just minutes from Vancouver International Airport, this is far from being your typical airport hotel.

With vibrant colours, stylish design, and some world-class dining, Versante is ushering in a new generation of luxury in Richmond, BC.

Stepping into the room, the first thing you’ll notice is the bold floral & Koi fish wallcovering complemented by gold accents and high-quality finishings that blend together Asian and Western influences. The bathroom, with heated tiles, a Dyson Supersonic hairdryer, & a soaker tub really makes you feel like you have access to your own personal spa.

This really is a beautiful space to relax and refresh. But why stop there? The hotel also has a heated rooftop pool and hot tub. And a a 24-hour fitness facility.

Brunching at BRUNO

Led by Chef William Lew, BRUNO serves up elevated dishes directly influenced by local farmers and artisans, showcasing British Columbia with each dish.

The star of today’s meal, at least for me, is the Passion Fruit Coconut French Toast - featuring forno baked brioche and a passion fruit coconut cream berry compote. And we are just getting started.

Food Court at Aberdeen Centre

A couple blocks away from the hotel is the iconic Aberdeen Centre. This is not your average shopping mall - Aberdeen features more than 160 stores offering mostly Asian goods - from housewares to beauty products to fresh groceries and everything in between. There’s also a ton of dining options for every taste.

The food court at Aberdeen is legendary, and that alone makes it worth a visit. You’ll find nearly every type of Asian cuisine here, in a quick service format, so you can mix and match your favourites.

Richmond Public Market

Richmond Public Market is an institution in the city, and just like Aberdeen, the food court on the second floor is a must-visit - whether you’ve got a specific craving or you’re looking for inspiration. Make sure to stop by Peanuts for bubble tea and desserts at affordable prices. This shop is one of the first to bring bubble tea to the Vancouver area and is beloved by locals and visitors alike.

Cask Whisky Vault

We’ve enjoyed a taste of traditional cuisine, now it’s time to look to the future. Cask Whiskey Vault is a sanctuary of style and an unapologetic celebration of the finer things in life: namely, single malts, bourbons & blended whiskies complemented by a menu of modern Japanese inspired cuisine, again brought to you by Chef William Lew.

Tonight we’ve got a tasting menu of some of the most popular and innovative dishes offered at Cask, each one masterfully paired with an appropriate whisky from the world’s leading producers. Let’s just say that it’s a good thing that our hotel room is around the corner.

From start to finish, our experience at Cask was phenomenal. Whether you’re stopping in for after-work cocktails or celebrating a special occasion, it’s clear that Cask is the place to go for an elevated experience and a guaranteed good time.

Final thoughts

Richmond, British Columbia, has long been known as the destination for authentic Asian cuisine, and on this trip, we had a taste of tradition and a taste of the future. The addition of Versante Hotel and restaurants helmed by Chef William Lew provide the option of a modern, refined experienced Add it to your list! See you next time! A la procaine.

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