A Bite of Shunde (顺峰顺水) in Richmond delivers a refined family-style dining experience that highlights the flavours of Shunde 順德, a district in Guangdong celebrated as one of the birthplaces of Cantonese cuisine and recognized as a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Located on the second level of a strip mall at Garden City and Alderbridge Way, this hidden gem specializes in authentic Shunde cooking prepared by Chefs who are originally from Shunde.
The cuisine focuses on retaining the ingredients’ natural flavours and can be described as light, fresh, crispy, tender, and smooth. Shunde cuisine is known for dishes that highlight their nutritional value and preparation.
We enjoyed the Premium Set for Six, priced at $238, which works out to just $40 per person (plus tax and gratuity). The spread was a balance of comfort and refinement, starting with Classic Hand-Pulled Fish Soup and the festive “Prosperity Toss” Chicken. The table quickly filled with more impressive dishes, including Sauna Steamed Live Lingcod with Handmade Shrimp Paste, Black Truffle Wok-Fried Stuffed Morel Mushrooms, Wok-Fried Eel, and Garlic Stir-Fried Choy Sum Heart. To complete the meal, we shared a hearty Claypot Rice with Assorted Cured Meats and ended on a sweet note with individual servings of Double Steamed Milk Custard.
We tried a few other dishes beyond the set menu. The Crispy Shunde Roast Chicken offered golden skin and juicy meat, while the Braised Winter Melon with Dried Scallops and Crab Meat Paste was delicate yet flavourful. A wok-fried combination of Eel, Chicken, and Soft-Shell Turtle showcased both technique and depth.
My favourites were the Fish Soup, Prosperity Toss Chicken, Claypot Rice, and Lingcod.
The well-appointed interior features a mix of group dining tables, booths and VIP rooms.
For those seeking a smaller or larger feast, other set menus are available: $168 for four people and $338 for eight.
A Bite of Shunde is located at 4653 Garden City Rd, Unit #2215 in Richmond, BC.