Vancouver Mother-Daughter H Mart and Lunch Date

Come with me and my mom on a mundane Mother-Daughter grocery and lunch date in Vancouver. Today’s outing reminded me that happiness often lies in the little things. Whether it’s sharing a bowl of Jjangmyeong, picking up ingredients at H Mart, or indulging in Bungeoppang in the car, each moment with my mom is a treasure. If you’re in Vancouver, here are some great spots to enjoy Korean Chinese noodles, share some pancakes, and connect with someone you love!

Grocery Lunch Date: My Favorite Routine with Mom

Life hasn’t been easy for my family recently, but moments with my mom make every day brighter. My mom is my best friend, and whether we’re laughing, crying, or just talking for hours on the phone, we always find ways to lift each other up. Even the simplest outings have become moments to create memories and hold onto the love my dad left behind. Today, we decided to embrace the little joys of life with a comforting lunch and a grocery run that’s our favorite routine.

Korean Chinese Comfort Food- Yeun Kyung 연경

I wanted take my mom out for a quick lunch and just spend some time together. We’re craving spicy noodles, so we’re here at Yeun Kyung 연경 to get some Korean Chinese comfort food. My friend brought me here a few months ago, and it was so good that I had to bring my mom back. It’s nice to be sharing a bowl of Jjangmyeong ($13), one of my dad’s favorites, while reminiscing with my mom. This black bean noodle dish is rich and savory, and every bite felt like a comforting hug.

For me, the highlight was the Jjampong ($18), a chili seafood noodle soup bursting with bold flavors and a generous mix of seafood. My mom and I took turns enjoying the spicy broth and reminiscing about our family’s love for trying new restaurants.

We also tried the Sweet and sour fried pork ($24) – served with a separate bowl of sweet and sour sauce loaded with ingredients. Whether you drizzle the sauce over the pork or dip each piece individually, the crispy texture and super balanced flavors make it a must-try.

It’s easy to get lost in conversation here at Yeun Kyung 연경 over your bowls of noodles. There’s an iPad at every table, so you can chat with your family without stopping to order with a waiter. The restaurant is brightly lit, and the booths are super comfortable. It was a great place to pause, have a meal, and catch up!

My Favorite Korean Supermarket: H Mart

No day out with my mom is complete without a stop at H Mart, our favorite Korean supermarket. This chain grocery store offers an incredible variety of Asian ingredients, fresh produce, and specialty items you won’t find elsewhere. H Mart is a particular lifesaver on Homemade Korean BBQ nights or on hotpot nights, because they definitely always have EVERYTHING you need, from a gas stove to every single sauce.

Before my dad passed, he told my mom everything would be okay, because he knew my sister and I would always lift her up and make her laugh. For me, even the moments in H mart where we’re discussing what to cook with each item is a precious moment in time with my mom. If you have an H Mart in your area, don’t forget to take advantage of their vast selections of Asian products!

Kim’s Korean Waffles and Pancakes

This particular H mart location is my favorite for another very different reason: Bungeoppang, or Korean Fish Pancakes. Inside H Mart, you’ll find Kim’s Korean Waffles and Pancakes, a delightful little stall piled high with freshly made Korean pancakes and waffles. Looking at that golden pile of fish pancakes, it’s honestly so difficult to walk right by without one.

Their Bungeoppang uses a simple pancake batter molded into a fun fish shape. The batter is filled with sweet red bean paste, With our family’s soft spot for sweets, these sweet fish treats are always a hit with my family. For something savory, the Yachae-Hotteok is a must-try—these pancakes are stuffed with glass noodles and vegetables. They’re chewy, a bit crispy, and crunchy in more ways than one.

We like to grab a bunch of these pancakes to enjoy at home – but not all of them survive the car ride home. They keep well in the fridge, and a quick round in the air fryer brings back that fresh, crunchy texture and flavor. Deals like 3 waffles for $5, or four pancakes for $10 make it absolutely irresistible to stock up every time we visit.