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Alvin Garden: Fiery Hunan and Sichuan Cooking in Burnaby
Alvin Garden, tucked behind Metropolis at Metrotown in Burnaby, is one of Metro Vancouver's most respected restaurants for the fiery cooking of Hunan and neighbouring Sichuan. It has won Best Hunan Restaurant at the Chinese Restaurant Awards in consecutive years and won gold for Best Casual Chinese at the Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards.
Here's why spice lovers seek out Alvin Garden.
About Alvin Garden
Hunan cuisine is closely related to Sichuan cooking but is known for pure, direct chili heat, more braising and smoking, and deep, strong flavours. Alvin Garden, which was previously known as Xiang Cuisine, was long considered one of only a few authentic Hunan restaurants in the region.
Critics have described its cooking as searingly spicy and unlike anything else in Vancouver, though the menu also has plenty of milder dishes, so mixed tables of spice lovers and non-spice eaters can eat happily together.
The Menu
How It Works
Order a mix of spicy and mild dishes. Ask for da la (big heat) if you want the real thing.
What to Order
- Hunan smoked duck: an award-winning signature.
- Chili-laden stir-fries: pork, chicken and fish dishes loaded with fresh and dried chilies.
- Braised and smoked meats: deep, rich Hunan-style dishes.
- Vegetable dishes: milder options to balance the heat.
Dietary Needs
Many dishes are very spicy; ask about milder and vegetable choices.
Atmosphere and Dining Experience
Alvin Garden is casual and unassuming, focused on the food.
- Best for: spice lovers and adventurous eaters
- Noise level: moderate
- Dress code: casual
- Good to know: prices are very fair for the quality
Location: Metrotown, Burnaby
Alvin Garden is at 4850 Imperial Street, Burnaby, BC, behind Metropolis at Metrotown. Metrotown Station on the Expo Line is a short walk away.
Hours of Operation
Call ahead to confirm current hours.
Reservations
- Call 604-437-0828 to reserve or order takeout.
Price Range
Alvin Garden is affordable, with very fair prices for its cooking.
Awards and Recognition
- Chinese Restaurant Awards Diners' Choice: Best Hunan Restaurant (consecutive years)
- Vancouver Magazine Restaurant Awards: Best Casual Chinese, Gold (2011)
Contact Information
- Address: 4850 Imperial St, Burnaby, BC
- Phone: 604-437-0828
- Neighbourhood: Metrotown, Burnaby
- Cuisine: Hunan, Sichuan
Frequently Asked Questions
What kind of food does Alvin Garden serve?
Spicy Hunan cooking, along with Sichuan-style dishes.
What is the difference between Hunan and Sichuan food?
Hunan food uses direct chili heat and more smoking and braising, while Sichuan food is known for the numbing heat of Sichuan peppercorns.
Where is Alvin Garden?
At 4850 Imperial Street in Burnaby, behind Metropolis at Metrotown.
Is Alvin Garden very spicy?
Many dishes are, but there are milder options too.
What should I order?
The Hunan smoked duck and chili-laden stir-fries.
Has Alvin Garden won awards?
Yes, including Best Hunan Restaurant from the Chinese Restaurant Awards and gold from Vancouver Magazine.
Is Alvin Garden expensive?
No. Prices are very fair.
How do I get there by transit?
Take the Expo Line to Metrotown Station and walk.
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