What’s Hot? 2025’s Biggest Food Trends in Vancouver

Vancouver’s food scene is a melting pot of global influences, sustainability initiatives, and innovative culinary experiments. As we move into 2025, food trends are shifting toward bolder flavors, eco-conscious dining, and international street food favorites. From plant-based revolutions to spice-loaded dishes, here’s what’s making waves in Vancouver’s restaurants, cafés, and food markets.

1. Plant-Based Innovation: Beyond Just Veganism

Vancouver has long been a hotspot for plant-based dining, but 2025 is taking it to the next level. Forget the usual veggie burgers—this year’s plant-based movement is all about high-quality meat alternatives with better texture, flavor, and nutrition.

Mushroom-Based Burgers & Proteins – Expect gourmet burgers made from umami-rich mushroom blends that mimic the taste and texture of beef.
Lab-Grown Seafood – Sustainable seafood without the environmental impact. Cultured fish and shrimp are gaining traction in Vancouver’s high-end dining scene.
Dairy-Free Revolution – Cashew-based brie, oat milk lattes, and potato-based mozzarella are replacing traditional dairy options in both cafés and grocery stores.
Asian-Inspired Plant-Based Dishes – From jackfruit “pork” buns to tofu-based mapo tofu, Vancouver’s diverse culinary scene is embracing plant-based alternatives with an international twist.

2. The Korean Street Food Boom: Sweet, Savory, and Addictive

Korean food has been on the rise in Vancouver for years, but 2025 is solidifying its dominance—especially when it comes to casual, handheld street food.

Gimbap – These seaweed-wrapped rice rolls, often compared to sushi, are popping up in grab-and-go eateries across the city.
Tteokbokki (Spicy Rice Cakes) – Soft, chewy rice cakes coated in a fiery-sweet gochujang sauce, a staple of Korean street food culture, are now found in food trucks and small eateries.
Korean Fried Chicken (KFC) – Double-fried, extra crispy, and coated in spicy, sweet, or soy garlic sauce, Korean fried chicken is taking over late-night snack menus.
Korean Corn Dogs – Dipped in a crunchy batter, stuffed with cheese or sausage, and rolled in toppings like crushed ramen or sugar, these over-the-top corn dogs are a viral sensation.

3. Locally Sourced Ingredients: Farm-to-Table Gets Even Fresher

Vancouver’s restaurants are doubling down on locally sourced, seasonal ingredients, with a stronger focus on supporting BC’s farmers, fishers, and producers.

BC-Grown Produce – Expect to see more heirloom tomatoes, wild mushrooms, and organic greens from Fraser Valley and Okanagan farms.
Sustainable Seafood – Ocean Wise-certified seafood, including BC spot prawns, line-caught halibut, and Pacific salmon, is becoming the standard for seafood restaurants.
Ethically Raised Meats – Restaurants are highlighting meats sourced from free-range, hormone-free, and ethical farms in BC.

4. Eco-Friendly Packaging: The Push for Sustainability

With Vancouver’s commitment to reducing waste, restaurants and cafés are switching to more sustainable packaging options.

Compostable & Biodegradable Takeout Containers – Plastic is out, and eco-friendly packaging made from sugarcane fiber, cornstarch, or bamboo is in.
Reusable & Returnable Packaging – Some restaurants are adopting programs where customers can return reusable takeout containers for cleaning and reuse.
Minimalist Packaging – Less is more. Restaurants are reducing unnecessary packaging and branding to cut down on waste.

5. Spicy Everything! Vancouver’s Love for Heat

Vancouverites are craving bold, spicy flavors like never before. From Chinese Sichuan peppercorns to Nashville-style hot chicken, spicy foods are dominating menus across the city.

Sichuan Cuisine – Dishes like spicy wontons, hotpot, and mala noodles featuring numbing Sichuan peppercorns are growing in popularity.
Nashville Hot Chicken – This fiery, crispy fried chicken coated in cayenne-infused oil is becoming a favorite in fried chicken spots across the city.
Mexican Heat – Vancouver’s taco scene is spicing things up with habanero salsa, ghost pepper-infused dishes, and more authentic Mexican spice profiles.
Spicy Ramen & Korean Fire Noodles – Extra-spicy noodle bowls are trending, with restaurants offering challenge-worthy spice levels.

Vancouver’s food scene in 2025 is all about exciting flavors, sustainable practices, and global street food influences. Whether you're craving plant-based innovations, bold spices, or comforting Korean street food, there’s never been a better time to explore the city’s evolving culinary landscape.