Kalvin's Szechuan Restaurant Vancouver

Kalvin's Szechuan Restaurant: Taiwanese Home Cooking and Sichuan Heat Since 1993

Kalvin's Szechuan Restaurant on Victoria Drive is one of East Vancouver's most cherished Chinese restaurants, serving authentic Taiwanese home cooking alongside bold Sichuan dishes since 1993. It ranked No. 25 on the Chinese Restaurant Awards' 2025 Elite 30 Canada list, and its braised pork hock won a 2026 Signature Dish Award.

Here's what to order at Kalvin's and why it has lasted more than 30 years.

About Kalvin's

Chef Kalvin Koo arrived in Canada in 1991 after training with seasoned masters in Taiwan, and opened the restaurant with his wife two years later. Their goal was simple: preserve authentic flavours and share them with a new generation.

The restaurant is especially beloved by Vancouver's Taiwanese community as a go-to for genuine home-style Taiwanese food, while the Sichuan side of the menu delivers the numbing heat the name promises.

The Menu

How It Works

Order a mix of Taiwanese classics and Sichuan dishes for the table. Braises and soups are among the kitchen's strengths.

What to Order

• Braised pork hock: silky skin and tender meat in a rich, savoury sauce; a 2026 Signature Dish Award winner.
• Three-cup chicken: a Taiwanese classic cooked with soy, sesame oil and rice wine.
• Deep-fried pork belly in red fermented sauce: crisp, savoury and deeply flavoured.
• Pork shank in brown sauce: a long-cooked Taiwanese braise.
• Pork kidney with sesame oil soup: a traditional Taiwanese comfort dish.

Dietary Needs

The menu leans heavily on pork. Ask about vegetable dishes and spice levels.

Atmosphere and Dining Experience

Kalvin's is a modest, old-school neighbourhood restaurant where the food is the focus.

• Best for: family dinners and Taiwanese comfort food
• Noise level: moderate
• Dress code: casual
• Good to know: popular with families on weekends

Location: Victoria-Fraserview, Vancouver

Kalvin's is at 5225 Victoria Drive, Vancouver, BC, near Victoria and 37th Avenue in East Vancouver. The #20 Victoria bus stops nearby, and there is street parking on surrounding blocks.

Hours of Operation

Kalvin's serves lunch and dinner. Call ahead to confirm current hours.

Reservations

• Call 604-321-2888 to reserve, especially for groups.
• Walk-ins are welcome.

Price Range

Kalvin's is moderately priced, with generous family-style portions.

Awards and Recognition

• Chinese Restaurant Awards Elite 30 Canada: No. 25 (2025)
• Chinese Restaurant Awards Signature Dish Award 2026: braised pork hock

Contact Information

• Address: 5225 Victoria Dr, Vancouver, BC
• Phone: 604-321-2888
• Neighbourhood: Victoria-Fraserview, Vancouver
• Cuisine: Taiwanese, Sichuan

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Kalvin's Taiwanese or Sichuan?

Both. Kalvin's serves authentic Taiwanese home cooking along with Sichuan dishes.

How long has Kalvin's been open?

Since 1993.

What should I order at Kalvin's?

Braised pork hock, three-cup chicken, deep-fried pork belly in red fermented sauce and pork shank.

Where is Kalvin's?

At 5225 Victoria Drive in East Vancouver.

Has Kalvin's won awards?

It ranked No. 25 on the 2025 Elite 30 Canada list, and its braised pork hock won a 2026 Signature Dish Award.

Do I need a reservation?

It's a good idea for groups. Call 604-321-2888.

Who is the chef?

Chef Kalvin Koo, trained in Taiwan.

Is Kalvin's expensive?

No. It is moderately priced.